THE MAGIC’S IN THE MIX

Bringing people, projects and possibility together to
create elevated events and experiences

Potluck
noun and verb | pot·luck | pōt-lək

1. A gathering where everyone brings something good to the table — and the variety and unlikely combinations result in something extraordinary.

2. A mash-up of diverse people, skills, ideas and possibilities that creates something unexpectedly brilliant. (Try drizzling balsamic vinegar on vanilla ice cream for a real life example of a leveling-up combo.)

3. An experience where unlikely combinations conjure up fresh ideas, new connections and opportunities.

4. The seeking out and celebration of differences to make a difference.

THE ALCHEMY
OF GATHERING

Around the Potluck table, great things happen.

There’s magic in the mash-up of all the good things brought together.
Old mate William Cowper, an English poet way back in 1785, nailed it:
"Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.”

The unlikely combinations at the Potluck table conjure up unexpected and interesting conversations, form intriguing connections and bold new ideas emerge and take shape.

And you never leave a Potluck empty-handed.
There’s always some goodies to take home.

BRINGING PEOPLE, PROJECTS & POSSIBILITY TOGETHER

Potluck is a projects and events consultancy dedicated to elevating experiences by bringing together the best people, ideas and opportunities to create memorable events that cultivate connection and unlock new thinking and possibilities.

We aim to add that extra 5% of magic through outside-the-box thinking, pushing the boundaries of what’s expected, creating multi-sensory events and meaningful experiences, and delivering them with slick execution.

We love exploring the what, why and how with organisations and initiatives — seeking out the untapped gold, hidden potential and pearler opportunities just waiting to be unleashed.

Whether you’re looking to create something new, need a little direction, the right connections or have a few projects or events you’d love to get off your plate — we’re keen to bring our ideas to the table.

OUR
SERVICES

From big-picture strategy and creative thinking to the nitty-gritty of logistics and delivery, we can step in wherever you need us — from a little extra horsepower to full project or event management. We’re here to make things easier, elevate the outcome and, ideally, make the ride a whole lot more fun.

  • Your event, your way — with as much or as little support as you need.

    Planning a team day, intimate gathering, gala dinner, conference or large-scale event? We offer flexible, tailored support to make the experience seamless from start to finish.

    We can point you towards the best local venues and suppliers, manage specific aspects of your event, or take care of the whole shebang. From travel and accommodation to guest management and bespoke local itineraries, we’ll make sure the details are sorted and the experience is memorable.

  • From concept to clean-up, we’ve got it covered.

    Whether conferences, awards, community activations or large-scale events, we bring the experience to life — on time, on budget and with that extra 5% of magic in the mix.

    We can lead the full event journey or slot into your existing team, managing everything from concept development, suppliers and budgets to timelines, logistics, stakeholders and delivery on the day.

    Our trusted network of venues, AV, catering, design, entertainment, MCs, speakers and other event specialists means we can bring the right people, expertise and resources together to create something truly memorable. We call it collaborative alchemy — mixing all the right elements to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

  • From big-picture thinking, practical solutions and everything in between.

    Got an idea, a challenge, a project that needs direction — or simply a feeling that something could be better?

    We create space to think, ask the right questions and get clear on the why. Drawing on local insight, creative thinking and a trusted network of experts, we help shape ideas, uncover opportunities and find smart, achievable solutions.

    Whether you need blue sky thinking and strategy to practical planning and the smallest details, we’ll help move ideas from possibility to reality.

  • A fresh set of eyes on what’s working — and what could work better.

    An independent deep-dive into your existing event operations, systems and approach. We’ll review what you’re doing, identify opportunities to elevate the experience, and recommend practical improvements, creative solutions and smarter ways of working.

  • The right content, in the right place, at the right time, for the right people.

    Working alongside you and your team, we can develop and implement on-brand event marketing and communications that connect with your audience and prompt action.

    From strategy and messaging to copy, design and event campaign delivery, we can bring together the right mix of traditional and digital channels to get your story out there.

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE

  • We bring energy, enthusiasm, charisma and a can-do attitude — and we share it generously. We’re responsive, hands-on and ready to dive into the deep end, uncover the gold in the grit, bringing time, care and attention to every project.

  • We’re creative, resourceful problem-solvers who love a juicy challenge. We work smart, stay organised and take initiative, keeping things moving and exceeding expectations while bringing plenty of positivity and having a good laugh along the way.

  • We like to challenge the status quo, question the obvious and mix things up. We think creatively, aim bigger and look for the unexpected — finding the people, ideas and elements that add the extra to ordinary.

  • We believe the best things happen when the right people, ideas and perspectives come together. We build genuine relationships and long-term partnerships, navigate diverse perspectives and create environments where collaboration thrives — connecting the dots and unlocking the real potential.

  • It’s the little things that can make a big difference. The tiny detail in the timing, the budget, the design, the playlist that no one else noticed — we notice it. We sweat the small stuff, spot the gold and keep an eye on the details that take an experience from good to bloody brilliant.

  • With 20+ years of experience, we’re a multidisciplinary team that knows how to take an idea from ‘what if? ‘ to ‘what’s next?’ We bring strategic thinking, creative problem-solving and hands-on delivery to projects from start to finish, drawing on our own skills and a trusted crew of collaborators to turn ambition into action.

ABOUT US

We are Be Barnes and Helly Parsons — a Tauranga-based duo with a deep love for community, our city, and meaningful projects that create a bit of magic. We’re in our element connecting people and ideas, building and strengthening communities and ecosystems by collaborating to create and deliver distinctive projects and events.

We’re multi-disciplinarians who have gathered more than 20 years of experience managing diverse projects and events, both locally and internationally. We’ve worked with a mixed bag of people and organisations across industries and continents, bringing ideas to life through meaningful interactions, experiences and events. We bring a global perspective and a strong local commitment to every project we take on.

Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of working with some of the Bay of Plenty’s leading organisations, bringing people together through impactful events and innovative initiatives. We’ve led the development and delivery of standout networking, awards and conference events, while building strong relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders across the Bay of Plenty and nationally.

Our recent work includes delivering Tauranga Moana’s DayBreak Festival of Innovation, welcoming around 300 attendees annually; managing the inaugural Māori & Pasifika Leadership Summit, with 200 attendees in its first year; and producing a wide range of corporate and community gatherings, from groups of 10 to 300+.

We see so much untapped potential bubbling away — and we would love to stir up some good things with you!

OUR WORK

  • DAY BREAK - FESTIVAL OF INNOVATION

  • Māori_Pasifika_Leadership_Summit

    MĀORI & PASIFIKA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

  • SHIFT HUB

  • YOUNG INNOVATORS AWARDS

  • downtown_tauranga_potluck_activation

    SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVATIONS - DOWNTOWN TAURANGA

  • cultivate_your_career

    CULTIVATE YOUR CAREER

EXPLORE OUR WORK

  • "Potluck is a team we trust to help take an idea, make it stronger and deliver it exceptionally well. Having worked with many event providers across our region, I would consider Potluck one of the very best, if not the best, event organisers we have worked with. I would have no hesitation recommending them to any organisation looking to deliver an event or initiative."

    —Melissa Conrad (Strategic Projects, Priority One)

  • "As Chair of the Māori & Pasifika Leadership Summit Committee, I worked closely with Potluck throughout the planning and delivery of the inaugural Summit, and their ability to listen, collaborate and turn our collective vision into reality while honouring our kaupapa, culture and people was outstanding. They took ownership of the detail and consistently elevated the experience, delivering a seamless event with mana, warmth and authenticity that genuinely set the bar"

    —Lloyd Rakaupai (Chair Māori & Pasifika Leadership Summit Committee) 

  • "I have had the joy of attending and contributing to events by Helly and Be from Potluck through the Day Break festival. As a contributor and sponsor, I felt supported by professionals who offer a personalised, inclusive, and creative approach, factors which are important to ensure success of the event experience for those both organising, contributing and most importantly attending."

    Hayley Nelson (wearer of many hats)

  • “It was an honour to host the Māori & Pasifika Leadership Summit at Bay Oval in 2026. Be and Helly were an absolute pleasure to work with—exceptionally organised, clear in their direction and wonderfully collaborative. They trusted each supplier to bring their expertise to the event, resulting in a seamless and memorable experience from start to finish. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Potluck and look forward to working with them again!”

    Rachelle Bertram (Catering Operations Manager, Bay Oval)

  • “While I only started working at Bay Oval the week before the Māori & Pasifika Leadership Summit in 2026, the short time I did work with Potluck, I found Be & Helly both super professional and approachable. They were happy, welcoming and both set a wonderful example of how I wish all event consultants worked. I truly look forward to working with them both in the future.”

    Kate Pollock (Venue Coordinator, Bay Oval)

  • "I have really enjoyed working with Potluck and would recommend them to anyone planning an activation or event. Be and Helly bring such genuine energy, creativity, and care to their work, and it shows in the way they connect with people and bring ideas to life. I have happily recommended Potluck to others, knowing they will deliver thoughtful, engaging experiences that leave a lasting impression."

    Colin Baskin (General Manager - Business Partnerships, Priority One)