QLDC arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell told the council's community services committee at a meeting yesterday it was important to find a model to keep the show running.
"This event has grown to be the iconic Christmas event in our district. It showcases the high level of local talent and brings our community together to celebrate the festive season," she said.
From 2007 to 2009 the event was jointly produced by Lakes Leisure and the council, which contracted the role of creative director to Doug Kamo, known for directing Showbiz Queenstown productions such as Les Miserables, and the role of external event manager to Sam Stirling, from Exclusive Events.
Lakes Leisure event manager Karen Gemmell was in charge of marketing, sponsorship sales and ticketing, as well as day-to-day delivery of the event.
Lakes Leisure also had operations staff working on the event along with the associated Christmas grotto at the events centre.
Ms Maxwell's role included managing funding applications, processing accounts, along with dealing with wardrobe creation, props and backstage logistics.
Ms Gemmell had recently resigned from her position, and Ms Maxwell said Doug Kamo had stepped back from his role.
At the same time, the council had reduced its contribution to the event to $20,000 from $35,000 in 2009.
To meet the new situation, Ms Maxwell recommended the committee create the position of producer-event manager, who would be responsible for the creative, technical, promotional and sponsorship roles previously undertaken by three people.
Ms Maxwell said she had sought advice on management of the event from Winter Festival manager Simon Green, who has previously been involved with the Remarkable Christmas Spectacular.
She said Mr Green had expressed interest in the role, but she acknowledged the role had to be put out for tender.
The community services committee approved the recommendation to appoint an event manager to perform the combined role for the 2010 show, under the condition Lakes Leisure still provided sponsorship in the way of venue costs, ticketing services and staff requirements.
The council would continue its support through Ms Maxwell's role.
