“I have always loved creating bespoke events for my clients that balance the narrative, creative, financial and logistical aspects of the project.”
In her early life Nina Baxter of Big Day Events was involved in both music and dance. Nina loved being in front of an audience and sharing in their joy in experiencing something beautiful. Moving forward into the corporate world – Nina transitioned her enjoyment of delivering a performance to the other side of the stage and into event production and management.
Nina started her full-service event company, Big Day Events over 25 yrs ago after many years in the corporate sector and then sub-contracting to other event managers. Nina shares “I have always loved creating bespoke events for my clients that balance the narrative, creative, financial and logistical aspects of the project. We don’t do cookie cutter events and always strive for something truly unique and memorable. We are highly engaged in all aspects of each project and being able to tailor-make event solutions from concept to conclusion.” Nina has worked with clients across all sectors including Government and has an extensive background working with the automotive industry.
After facilitating many conferences, Nina’s deep curiosity about human behaviour along with her own personal journey with chronic illness led her to undertake further training and launch Big Day Coach. “I wanted to help my clients include meaningful analysis and personalisation into their conference offerings and become more fulfilled as individuals whilst growing their professional lives and businesses in the process.” Nina has trained as a Meta Dynamics™ Profiler which is a research based tool to identify a person’s unique thinking style – highlighting both strengths and areas for growth and ongoing coaching.
“I like the idea of women helping each other and developing our businesses in a collaborative way.”
Nina has recently joined the HerBusiness Network and has found new connection opportunities with like-minded women business owners – both in Australia and New Zealand. “I like the idea of women helping each other and developing our businesses in a collaborative way.” Nina is looking forward to experiencing new learnings and perspectives in the community.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Les Mills: An iconic Kiwi – a four-time New Zealand Olympian who started a training gym from his garage in 1968 that has grown into a global fitness franchise company with 12 clubs in New Zealand and have their training programmes used throughout the World. They have always been highly innovative and the brand has become an international success whilst still being proudly New Zealand owned and operated. They have never lost sight of their purpose of “making humans fit for life”.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
My early life involved performance in both music and dance. I loved being in front of an audience and sharing in their joy in experiencing something beautiful. Moving forward into the corporate world- I transitioned my enjoyment of delivering a performance to the other side of the stage and into event production and management.
I started my full-service event company, Big Day Events over 25 yrs ago after many years in the corporate sector and then sub-contracting to other event managers. I have always loved creating bespoke events for my clients that balance the narrative, creative, financial and logistical aspects of the project. We don’t do cookie cutter events and always strive for something truly unique and memorable. We are highly engaged in all aspects of each project and being able to tailor-make event solutions from concept to conclusion. We have worked with clients across all sectors including Government and have an extensive background working with the automotive industry.
After facilitating many conferences, my deep curiosity about human behaviour along with my own personal journey with chronic illness led me to undertake further training and launch Big Day Coach. I wanted to help my clients include meaningful analysis and personalisation into their conference offerings and become more fulfilled as individuals whilst growing their professional lives and businesses in the process. I have trained as a Meta Dynamics™ Profiler which is a research based tool to identify a person’s unique thinking style- – highlighting both strengths and areas for growth and ongoing coaching. The website for Big Day Coach is launching shortly and will add a new dynamic to our range of services.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I love the variety – no day is the same! I love the variety of clients and projects we get to work on. I love the fact we are always looking at improving the way our clients communicate their story to their customers. I love active solution management and bringing the best out in our suppliers to deliver each project seamlessly.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Develop your expertise as widely as possible- work with experts. Ask as many questions as possible so you understand how you can work together.
- Do your due diligence. Work with clients who have a plan for the future and can finance their journey properly.
- Network – talk to other business owners. Be open to collaboration. Join forces to create an amazing team whilst staying true to your own identity & strengths.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Find an area you love. Model those who display excellence in that field. Develop a business plan that can grow as you learn.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
Finance, Marketing, Product development.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
Developing scale through new people- taking the full reliance off me and spreading the load.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
New networking opportunity with like-minded women business owners- both in Australia and New Zealand. I like the idea of women helping each other and developing our businesses in a collaborative way. Also looking forward to new learnings and perspectives.
Learn more about Nina and Big Day Events.
