I didn't know what 'iBuzz' was when I received this invitation, but I accepted because it said that iBuzz was the result of Sapien - Intelligent People Placement, the Canterbury Development Corporation and socialWEB - Business and Community getting together to work out what was missing from the puzzle when attracting and retaining professionals from the IT sector here in Christchurch.
That sounded pretty important to me because it was essentially a public private partnership. CDC is the city's economic development agency. Sometimes we forget it is owned by the council – the city – in order to help shape our decision-making.
But then I found out that iBuzz was essentially a monthly social gathering – even better. With my background as Minister of Commerce I know exactly how important these kind of gatherings are, in terms of building personal relationships that more often than not lead to collaborations.
Although the focus is social, when talk turns to a latest idea, it is inevitable someone will have heard something that reminds them of someone, who you could just see offering a solution or adding value...you know what I mean.
The truth is that post-quake a lot of business owners and their people felt disconnected and dispersed across the city. This is a fantastic way to make a difference in people's lives and it will be an added bonus for new arrivals in the city, who are in the IT sector.
Meeting on a monthly basis in new locations has also meant there is the opportunity for everyone to experience the joy of driving across the city and second-guessing the SCIRT work progamme – except of course you will have transportforchristchurch on your phone and be able to plan ahead. It is great that you are supporting the exciting new venues that are opening around the city.
iBuzz has grown considerably over a short time and has gained ongoing support from some of Christchurch's major IT firms and others: Snap!, Wellnomics, hairyLemon, The IT Team, ZOOM ROOM interactive, Canterbury Software Cluster, BNZ Epic Building and The Canterbury Software Cluster.
So congratulations on your first year!
And thank you for the invitation so I could learn more about your world and say how vital it is to attracting and retaining the talent we need to build the newest city in the world.
But then I found out that iBuzz was essentially a monthly social gathering – even better. With my background as Minister of Commerce I know exactly how important these kind of gatherings are, in terms of building personal relationships that more often than not lead to collaborations.
Although the focus is social, when talk turns to a latest idea, it is inevitable someone will have heard something that reminds them of someone, who you could just see offering a solution or adding value...you know what I mean.
The truth is that post-quake a lot of business owners and their people felt disconnected and dispersed across the city. This is a fantastic way to make a difference in people's lives and it will be an added bonus for new arrivals in the city, who are in the IT sector.
Meeting on a monthly basis in new locations has also meant there is the opportunity for everyone to experience the joy of driving across the city and second-guessing the SCIRT work progamme – except of course you will have transportforchristchurch on your phone and be able to plan ahead. It is great that you are supporting the exciting new venues that are opening around the city.
iBuzz has grown considerably over a short time and has gained ongoing support from some of Christchurch's major IT firms and others: Snap!, Wellnomics, hairyLemon, The IT Team, ZOOM ROOM interactive, Canterbury Software Cluster, BNZ Epic Building and The Canterbury Software Cluster.
So congratulations on your first year!
And thank you for the invitation so I could learn more about your world and say how vital it is to attracting and retaining the talent we need to build the newest city in the world.