Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Federation Conference 2025

Capturing Connections, Conversations, and Celebrations

Client
Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Federation

Location
Napier War Memorial Conference Centre & The Assembly Ballroom, Hastings

Year
2025

When the Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand (CBAFF) brought their annual conference to Napier’s War Memorial Centre, with the awards evening held at The Assembly Ballroom in Hastings, it was a privilege to be chosen as their official photographer.

Covering this event was about much more than taking photos. With industry leaders gathering from across the world, the conference required a professional approach that balanced sharp attention to detail with the ability to work seamlessly within the flow of the programme.

Across two packed conference days, plus the initial welcome function the day before, I captured the keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking sessions, and exhibitor interactions, as well as the formal awards dinner and entertainment that rounded off the event. My goal was to provide CBAFF with a complete visual story, from professional moments on stage to the more candid connections made between delegates.

Feedback: Excellence in Event Coverage

One of the highlights of this event was receiving exceptional (and totally unsolicited) feedback from Greg Ward, MC and Strategic Event Partner, who noticed not only the quality of the images, but also the professionalism and style of my approach.

“I’m a sucker for excellence in an event professional, whatever their calling – focus and attention to detail shine out in their every move. That’s why Simon caught my attention.

…It was in how I saw him align himself, and, having selected just the right place, waited patiently for the exact, perfect moment to hit the shutter.

Importantly for a high-end event, it was also in his ability to seamlessly integrate into a room, sniper-like, without disturbing the conference, event or gala awards flow and quietly, professionally, without fanfare, go about his superb work.

Looking for a photographer for your next event? I’d check swiftly with Simon if I were you – but don’t hang about – excellence gets booked up fast.”

”
— Greg Ward, MC & Strategic Event Partner

This kind of recognition is incredibly rewarding, because it reflects my philosophy as an NZIPP Accredited Professional Commercial Photographer: that great photography should feel natural, unobtrusive, and perfectly timed.

Why It Matters for Event Organisers

For event organisers, investing in professional photography means more than just a set of images. It creates a lasting record of your event, supports future marketing and sponsorship efforts, and gives delegates and partners professional content they can share with pride.

From large-scale conferences to awards evenings and gala dinners, my role is to deliver polished, professional coverage that highlights your people, your brand, and the energy of your event, all while blending into the background so the event unfolds naturally.

A man in a suit and tie speaking at a podium during a conference, with another man in the foreground holding a tablet.
A man with a bald head, beard, and light skin, wearing a dark suit and striped tie, giving a speech at a podium with a microphone, with a blurred background and some green foliage in the foreground.
Person holding a smartphone, viewing a conference poll on the screen at a conference session.
A man in a dark blazer and white shirt sits on a stage, holding a microphone, with a panel or conference setting in the background.
A man in a blue blazer smiling while sitting on a panel, holding a microphone, with two women beside him also holding microphones, at a conference or event.
A woman in a dark pinstripe suit speaking into a microphone during a conference or panel discussion, with a man sitting next to her partially visible.
Two men in black shirts speaking into microphones on stage with a large screen showing an aerial view of a city or town in the background.
A customs officer talking to a group of people at a conference or meeting in a conference room.
Conference or business meeting with multiple round tables filled with diverse attendees in a large, well-lit room with large windows, ceiling lights, and a wooden panel wall.
Panel discussion at a conference with five men seated on stage with large presentation screens behind them displaying panel information and speakers' names. The stage has chairs with colorful upholstery, and the background is dark with screen lightin
Six men in business attire standing in front of a backdrop with multiple CBAFF New Zealand logos, smiling for the camera at a professional event.
Model truck with MGF branding displayed on a stand at an event, with people and a large MGF banner in the background.
A man in a tuxedo with a gold vest and tie, glasses, and facial hair, holding a microphone and speaking, in an indoor setting with a piano and plants in the background.
Two women smiling at a formal event, one wearing a green sequined dress and the other in a black dress with a beaded headpiece and a black furry shawl, with a dining scene in the background.
Man wearing a blue suit and red heart-shaped sunglasses at a dinner party, giving a thumbs-up gesture.
People attending a formal event, seated at a long table, with one man in the foreground smiling, holding a green bottle, and others engaged in conversation behind him, in a decorated banquet hall.
A woman with blonde hair speaking into a microphone during a panel discussion at a conference. She is wearing a patterned blazer and sitting on a blue chair with wooden armrests. To her left, a man in a gray suit and glasses is sitting with papers an
A woman with curly dark hair smiling at a formal event, surrounded by people dressed in tuxedos and formal attire, with table settings and decorative items in the foreground.
A diverse group of people attending a formal event or conference, seated at tables with drinks and food, listening attentively.
A smiling woman with long blonde hair, wearing a vintage style hat with feathers and a pearl headband, appears to be enjoying and clapping at a formal event or celebration surrounded by seated guests.