May 12th, 2025
What’s your biz all about? Give us the lowdown!
We are an independent New Zealand owned PCO (Professional Conference Organiser!) and the team are my co-Director, Jo, and team Annie, Fiona and Sheryl (who are all based in Cambridge). We specialise in managing medical conferences and run about 8-10 events a year in NZ and Australia. We all work on every aspect of our events, and Jo and myself take a hands on approach to all our conferences, starting from proposal stage to being onsite with the events, where ever that may be.
Established in February 2006 by Jo and myself, we wanted to focus on a select client base, and ensure every conference project receives the a high level of care and attention. We enjoy strong supplier and client relationships here and in Australia and take a lot of pride and enjoyment in our involvement in medical education across a wide range of specialties, enabling the forum for scientific and social interaction.
Many of our clients have been with us for 10 + years now. We work with a committee of medical staff in NZ or Australia who look after the program content/speakers and we do the rest! We offer financial, administration, venue and supplier, event technology, data security, sponsorship and exhibition, marketing, virtual and hybrid conference management and of course post event reporting!
What made you take the leap and start your business?
The desire to be able to have flexible working hours in and around school and term holidays for my kids. Not sure how that has worked out!
Hit any big milestones or wins recently? Share the good news!
We are nearly 20 years in business – having survived near decimation of our industry during COVID, and the highs and lows of virtual and hybrid eventing, we are now a team of 5. We moved into new larger offices a year ago, and have long term contracts up until 2027. Our first event in Fiji is next year!
Best advice for small biz owners or freelancers?
Be flexible, get good financial and HR advice when you start out, and importantly talk to your peers in your industry and build good support / brain storming networks for you personally and professionally. One silver lining of COVID, was the building of collaboration between NZ and Australia PCO’s to help each other out, when you couldn’t get to the region where your conference was!
What’s your #1 productivity hack?
Every event has a debrief – what worked, what didn’t, what will save us time and efficiency. Annual review of all systems and planning for year ahead. Also a good list!
Why TW – What do you love about us?
In 2019 (gulp!!) we were renovating at home (again!) and I didn’t want to be the builder liaison person, on a permanent coffee / tea run, and disturbed by all the noise and dust – I had been thinking about it for a while, and loved the feel, space and friendliness of The Workshop.
I have been lucky enough to have had some other event companies in the space, and have shared ideas and knowledge and a bit of industry gossip. There are so many interesting and varied jobs that people do here, the opportunity to learn and meet people from all walks of life is inspiring – you wouldn’t get this at a usual office.
Donna’s “hello beautiful people” – always a good start to the day and Tristan for never giving up on sorting my bad wifi reception in the meeting room. The ease of the people and the space, not forgetting Monday am tea and the shared
lunches (I am bad at throwing down lunch at my desk, so this makes me stop!) Working remotely from the team can be a bit isolating at times, so the people interaction is great.
Coworking vs. home or café – what’s the real difference?
I am more productive, all of the above and the canine workers.
How’s the Workshop vibe helped you level up your work?
We feel really welcomed at The Workshop and love its energy, and this impacts a lot in our work and productivity. We feel happy to come here every day, and enjoy the weekly catchups, talks and the space.
Three words to describe The Workshop – go!
Peaceful, interaction, stimulating
Someone thinking about joining? What would you say to them?
You wont regret it! Your business, personal, professional life and headspace will thank you.
~ Jill Schirnack
Services Offered
Outshine are medical conference specialists delivering seamless events tailored to the unique needs of the healthcare industry.
Website for more information
Find out more about Outshine here: Outshine.co.nz
Or get in touch!
Email: jill@outshine.co.nz
Want to give coworking a try? Get in touch with us here or send us an email connect@theworkshopauckland.co.nz. We’ve got great options to suit a wide range of business requirements.