Event Logbook...

The work behind the Wow
Conferences, workshops, corporate launches, small-town golf tournaments, team celebrations, retreats, you name it, I’ve probably helped bring something similar to life.
These days, it’s mostly business events that fill my cup, working with organisations to create gatherings that are purposeful, memorable, all with a buzz.
With 20+ years in events, I bring a steady hand, creative thinking, and a whole lot of energy to every project. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need someone to pull it all together, I’m here for it.
Take a look at a few of the fabulous, fun events I’ve helped shape.
It’s a joy to look back at what we’ve created together.
We created a buzz - here are the stories

30+
Clients
Events, Sponsorship &
Strategy consults

90+
Events
From Webinars to Team trips!

$450,000+
Sponsorship& Funding
And counting...

Conferences






PUBLIC LIBRARIES NEW ZEALAND
NATIONAL FORUM
A two day national conference bringing Aotearoa's key decision makers in the public librarians industry together.
The brief...
The PLNZ National Forum is the flagship annual event for Public Libraries New Zealand.
As the lead event manager since 2020, I’ve worked alongside PLNZ to deliver this multi-day event across a range of locations including Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland, and Rotorua. Each forum is designed to be future-focused, welcoming, and strategic — offering keynotes, workshops, and networking that spark inspiratrion and action.
My role includes full event coordination: sourcing venues, managing registrations, securing sponsorship, liaising with speakers and suppliers, creating the event website , developing the run sheet, and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day. I also manage the Forum’s budget and work closely with the PLNZ Executive to ensure the event meets both financial and strategic goals.
The Forum now attracts over 120 attendees annually and continues to grow in reputation. Key outcomes have included increased sector visibility, stronger connections between libraries, and positive feedback from both sponsors and attendees.
This event is a great example of how clear planning, thoughtful content, and strong relationships can shape a truly valuable experience for a community of practice.
BRINGING YOUR VISION TO LIFE
The Event
Delivering the PLNZ National Forum means juggling many moving parts!
I work closely with the PLNZ team from concept to clean-up, often starting 8–10 months out to build a strong structure. Venue sourcing is a top priority, balancing accessibility, budget, and of course, the vibe.
Key milestones include:
Initial planning & timeline setup – 8–10 months out
Venue confirmed
Sponsorship engagement
Registration & ticketing live
Speaker & keynote coordination
Hotels - Accommodation blocks confirmed
Catering brief finalised
Member site / delegate info hub set up
Run sheet, logistics, and sponsor deliverables
Onsite delivery and post-event debrief
Programme planning is done in collaboration with PLNZ, focusing on relevant, future-facing themes. I manage speaker logistics, AV coordination, delegate communications, and ensure smooth onsite flow. Each session is scheduled with intention, allowing time for kōrero, reflection, and connection.
After the event, I handle attendee survey's, sponsor reporting, budget reconciliation, and a full debrief to feed into future planning.
It’s strategic, relational mahi that delivers real value, and remains one of the highlights of my event calendar every year, ensuring pure joy at what I do!
FOSTERING KEY RELATIONSHIPS
The key to a cost neutral budget.
SPONSORSHIP
Sponsorship for the PLNZ National Forum isn’t just about logos and lanyards...
...it’s about building genuine, long-term relationships with library sector stakeholders and vendors. Each year, I lead the sponsorship strategy from the ground up, identifying potential partners, creating customised sponsorship packs, and aligning their goals with the forum experience.
The process begins early — around 7–8 months out — with a mix of warm outreach, tailored proposals, and relationship building. I manage all sponsor comms, coordinate deliverables, and ensure they are integrated into the event in meaningful ways, whether through speaking opportunities, exhibitions, or networking sessions.
Since I’ve come on board, sponsorship revenue and in-kind support has steadily increased, with the 2025 Forum surpassing $110,000. This growth is a direct result of consistent relationship management, creative thinking, and ensuring sponsors are valued contributors, not just “extras.”
For PLNZ, having me in this role means confidence that this critical revenue stream is being actively nurtured. It also frees up their internal capacity, while giving sponsors a single, trusted point of contact who understands the event landscape and the sector.
It’s partnership in action and it makes a real difference to the Forum’s success and sustainability.

Not sure where to begin your Event Planning? !
I have an event planning session to suit you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can Virtually There help me with my event planning?
Turn your event planning headaches into seamless success stories with Virtually There!
If you’ve ever dabbled in event management, you know it takes a lot of work to bring a great event to life. From finding the perfect venue, budget, logistics, sponsors, catering, and AV – the list goes on! If you don’t know where to start, get in touch.
At Virtually There, I take the stress out of event planning by handling all these details for you, ensuring a smooth and successful event.
Whether you need help with a large-scale conference or a smaller workshop, company gathering, my our expertise can make your event unforgettable.
How does remote event management work?
Remote event management gives you expert event planning, logistics, and sponsorship support without the need for an in-house team. From my remote office, I take care of all the pre-event work—coordinating logistics, securing bookings, managing sponsorship, and ensuring every detail is meticulously planned.
Some elements, like venue recce (site visits), are best done in person to ensure the space aligns perfectly with your vision. When it comes to event day, I’m there in person, overseeing everything to make sure it runs exactly as you envisioned. It’s your event, and my role is to ensure it unfolds seamlessly, just as planned.
Should you wish to meet in person before your event, we can discuss how this can happen.
This approach gives you the best of both worlds—efficiency, flexibility, and expert planning remotely, with hands-on event execution when it matters most.
What is the process to get an Event vision underway?
Bringing your event vision to life starts with a conversation. Here’s how we make it happen:
1️⃣ Discovery & Strategy Session – We start with a call or meeting to discuss your event goals, audience, budget, and key requirements. This is where we uncover your vision and explore creative possibilities.
2️⃣ Event Roadmap – Based on our discussion, I provide a tailored event strategy, outlining key steps, timelines, logistics, and any sponsorship opportunities if needed.
3️⃣ Planning & Coordination – Once you're happy with the plan, I get to work managing bookings, logistics, vendors, and all the behind-the-scenes details to bring your event to life.
4️⃣ Execution & On-Site Support – On event day, I’m there in person, ensuring everything runs smoothly and just as planned.
5️⃣ Debrief & Next Steps – After the event, we review what worked well and any insights for future events.
Whether you need full event management or support with specific parts of your event, we’ll create a plan that fits your needs. Let’s start the conversation!
What makes Virtually There different from other event management services?
At Virtually There, we combine two decades of experience with a passion for creating memorable events.
Our personalised approach ensures that every detail, from venue selection to guest list management, is meticulously handled. We specialise in both virtual and in-person events, offering innovative solutions tailored to your needs.
Our commitment to sustainability and seamless execution sets us apart, guaranteeing a unique and unforgettable experience for your attendees.
How does Virtually There ensure a smooth event planning process?
Virtually There ensures a smooth event planning process by using a comprehensive, step-by-step approach.
I start with an in-depth consultation to understand your vision and goals. From there, I handle everything from venue research and vendor coordination to theming and guest management.
Our templates, run sheets and processes keep you updated at every stage, I am here always ready to address any challenges that arise.
With Virtually There, you can relax knowing your event is in capable hands.
A Conference feels to big for our needs - Can you help with alternatives?
Absolutely! If a full-scale conference feels overwhelming or beyond your budget, Virtually There can help you explore alternative event formats that still achieve your goals while being more manageable.
Here are some great alternatives:
✅ Workshops & Masterclasses – Host a focused, high-value session for a smaller, engaged audience.
✅ Virtual or Hybrid Events – Reduce costs and logistics by making your event online or a mix of in-person and virtual attendees.
✅ Networking & Industry Panels – Create an interactive, discussion-driven event with key speakers and audience participation.
✅ Roundtables or Think Tanks – Gather industry experts and key stakeholders for intimate, solution-driven conversations.
✅ Mini-Summits – A condensed version of a conference, featuring fewer speakers but high-impact content.
We’ll help you find the right format that fits your budget, audience, and business goals while keeping your event engaging and professional. Let’s chat!
Keen to explore what's possible or your next event?
BOOK A 20 MINUTE NO OBLIGATION EVENT KICKSTART CALL TODAY
TANIA DEJONGE
Award winning Event and Sponsorship Manager.
At Virtually There, I help create unforgettable events throughout New Zealand that captivate, connect, and inspire. With 20+ years of experience, I’ll bring your vision to life—seamlessly and with a touch of Kiwi magic!
NEWSLETTER
What's hot, news, tips, and how to keep your sanity when preparing for an event - it is all in my bi-monthly newsletter.