Harry Simpson
Christchurch,New Zealand
Summary
A major events professional leading the planning and feasibility for the Open Masters Series 2030. Engages with regional and national sporting organisations and venue operators to assess delivery capabilities across various sports. Proven track record in managing complex operational environments, stakeholder engagement, and large-scale project coordination.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Sport & Event Planning
Major Events Group (MEG)
Christchurch, New Zealand
01.2025 - Current
- Led sport capability and venue capacity assessments for proposed Open Masters Series 2030, an international multi-sport event anticipated to attract thousands of athletes and visitors.
- Engaged with 25 key Canterbury sporting organisations to assess capacity, competition delivery models, and operational requirements for the region.
- Coordinating feasibility work with ChristchurchNZ, Sport Canterbury, and venue operators to support the city’s international event hosting strategy.
- Coordinated development and planning of IMGA inspection tour to demonstrate Christchurch’s capacity for hosting large-scale international sporting events.
Team & Event Services Manager
World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC)
Auckland, New Zealand
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Managed team services and operational delivery for World Dance Crew Championship, ensuring seamless experiences for participating dance crews and spectators.
- Coordinated logistics and communication for participating teams, facilitating smooth accreditation, scheduling, and competition operations.
- Supported sponsorship development and partnership engagement, enhancing commercial partnerships and integrating sponsors within the event.
- Worked across event operations teams to deliver venue logistics and team services at Due Drop Events Centre.
Cruise Manager
Port of Otago
Dunedin, New Zealand
10.2023 - 04.2024
- Streamlined cruise turnaround operations, ensuring high service standards for international visitors and stakeholders to promote satisfaction and repeat visits.
- Supervised team of 20 operational staff, managing passenger services, transport coordination, and onshore visitor management to enhance service delivery.
- Coordinated operational delivery of cruise ship visits to Dunedin, aligning logistics between port authorities, tourism operators, and cruise line representatives to facilitate seamless experiences.
Volunteer Coordinator
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Dunedin, New Zealand
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Coordinated recruitment, training, and deployment of 300 volunteers, enhancing tournament operations and participant experience.
- Supported match-day operations and volunteer management for one of New Zealand's largest sporting events, ensuring effective workforce deployment.
- Led daily volunteer briefings, ensuring clear communication of roles, schedules, and operational updates.
- Managed on-the-ground volunteer performance, delivering guidance and real-time support, thereby maintaining operational effectiveness during shifts.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Management
University of Otago
Skills
- Event planning and management
- Project coordination
- Venue and capacity planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Commercial partnerships and sponsorships
- Volunteer management
Accomplishments
- IMGA Open Master series 2030 Sport and Venue Capability Assesment
- FIFA Womans World Cup 2023
- World Dance Crew Championship 2025
- IMGA Inspection Tour Planning (Christchurch Bid)
Timeline
Sport & Event Planning
Major Events Group (MEG)
01.2025 - Current
Team & Event Services Manager
World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC)
01.2024 - 01.2025
Cruise Manager
Port of Otago
10.2023 - 04.2024
Volunteer Coordinator
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
01.2023 - 12.2023
Bachelor of Commerce - Management
University of Otago