2025 CLM Managers Conference
We kicked things off with a site visit to the Nelson facilities, got the latest updates on Pierre in Saudi, and explored what the future of AI could look like for CLM.
And of course, no conference is complete without a bit of chaos, we had a hilarious team-building challenge putting up a tent while blindfolded. It was funny, slightly stressful, and a brilliant reminder that communication, trust, and teamwork really do make the dream work.
We had the opportunity to hear from the Mayor of Nelson, Nick Smith. He shared insights on the value a company like CLM brings to local communities, as well as the expectations of ratepayers, council staff, and elected officials
We can’t wait for our managers to take all these ideas, lessons, and laughs back to their teams and keep the momentum going across CLM!.
We were fortunate to have Black Cap legend Neil Wagner join us at our conference, flying in especially for the afternoon. He took part in a fantastic Q&A session with our CEO, Craig Carter, sharing insights on the importance of dedication and always turning up for your teammates.
A common theme was clear: hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard — a message that resonates as much in sport as it does in our industry.
As part of the conference we did a team-building challenge where a group had to put up a tent. The catch? Everyone was blindfolded except one person, who could see but wasn’t allowed to touch the tent.
It was chaotic and pretty funny to watch, but also a great reminder of how much we rely on clear communication, trust, and teamwork. In the end, it showed that every role matters and that a good laugh can go hand in hand with some valuable lessons.
At this year’s conference, CLM founders Joe Griffin and John Latimer shared the story of how the company began — over a pint of Guinness at Kitty O’Brian’s Irish Pub in Auckland in 1995. What started as a casual conversation has grown into New Zealand’s leading provider of community facility and programme management. In their speech, they reflected on the company’s growth, the lessons learned along the way, and the importance of the dedicated team who continue to bring “leisure in people’s lives, and life in their leisure.”
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