But every event has its risks. The key to a successful event is to skilfully assess, manage and allocate those risks, so that everyone benefits.

With major issues at stake, the lawyers' role in an event becomes vital. Simpson Grierson's Events and Sponsorship Group can add significant value at the conceptual, design, negotiation or implementation stage of an event. Our knowledge of the events industry, and of its unique benefits and pitfalls, means that we are well-placed to determine the impact of any risks.

Whether it's an arts or sporting body, a promoter or a sponsor of an event, our specialists have the experience, skills and resources to provide practical and effective legal and business advice.

We have considerable experience in advising on organisational structures, marketing, negotiating and drafting sponsorship contracts, and dispute resolution. We also have specialist knowledge in legal issues relating to promotions, sponsorship strategy, intellectual property and licensing.

Members of our Events and Sponsorship Group are actively involved in the industry through Board roles and membership of industry associations.

The types of work our Events and Sponsorship Group undertakes include:




* Peterson, James.  "Sponsorship":  The Next Generation in ASMA Bread and Circuses

The Events and Sponsorship Group provides innovative solutions combined with informed commercial and legal advice. We know the market and we understand its demands. We offer strategic advice... and we get results.

Peter Stubbs, partner in Simpson Grierson's Commercial Department, is a Board member of The Edge venues, was Chairman of the Hamilton City Council Advisory Board on Events (until 2007) and Deputy Chairman of Tourism New Zealand (until 2007). He was also past Chairman and a board member of the former Events and Sponsorship Association of New Zealand, a board member of the Variety Club (the world's largest children's charity) and a member of the 2002 Volvo Ocean Race Auckland stopover steering committee.

Our sponsorship practice is probably unparalleled in New Zealand in terms of expertise and experience.  By using our international resources we constantly monitor overseas trends to ensure that our advice and the contracts we prepare are "state of the art".

Some of our events clients include:

• Netball New Zealand Inc.
• Auckland Tennis Inc.
• Yachting New Zealand.
• A1 Grand Prix.
• Eden Park Trust Board.
• Auckland City Council.
• The Edge venues.

Simpson Grierson is proud to be an Associate Member of New Zealand's Entertainment Venues Association.