Press release by Tourism New Zealand

New Zealand was on display to crowds of nearly 9,000 buyers at IMEX, Europe’s leading business and incentives trade show this week.

“New Zealand is trending as a business events destination because of our integrated approach and how easy we make it for international events to be held here. Our unique manaakitanga – which translates in to our unique hospitality of delegates, alongside new convention centre facilities being built in Auckland and Christchurch is gaining increasing international attention,” says Lisa Gardiner, Manager Business Events and Premium, Tourism New Zealand.

New Zealand took the stage in front of global media to showcase the ease of holding an event in Aotearoa and to reveal the latest images of the convention centres taking shape in Christchurch and Auckland.

“International event organisers who have held major conferences in New Zealand are spreading the word that our industry is unique in our collaborative way to deliver memorable events. This is an extremely valuable point of difference and really sets us apart as an attractive destination.”

New Zealand’s joined up approach was demonstrated first hand with Tourism New Zealand, Christchurch Convention Centre and the New Zealand International Convention Centre jointly presenting at the press conference.  A number of New Zealand partners also exhibited on the New Zealand stand.

“In a time when many countries around the world are building new business events facilities you’ve got to get people’s attention and highlight the differentiating ways that make hosting a conference in New Zealand original and  the smart choice for associations and conference organisers. The design of the two new centres really impressed and will be strong additions to our convention centre family network.”

Christchurch Convention Centre General Manager Rob McIntyre says the Centre will be a dream space for international event organisers, designed with a distinctive South Island flavour. “The Convention Centre is surrounded by green spaces, parks and gardens fronting onto the river. Stories of the local Māori people and their land, trade and craft are interwoven through every aspect of the design.”

Callum Mallett, General Manager NZICC, says “The NZICC has been designed by industry experts, delegates and architects to ensure that every detail meets the needs of our clients. With the capacity to hold events for up to 4,000 people, the NZICC will have built in world class technology and AV supported by a dedicated team to ensure we exceed expectations. The NIZCC is already seeing international demand, with 5 bookings for conferences that have never before been hosted in New Zealand. We are excited to be bringing these opportunities and being New Zealand’s meeting place for the world.”

ENDS

IMEX Frankfurt is attended by over 9,000 business events professionals from across the globe.
The number of international business events being held in New Zealand is increasing with the estimated value from conferences bid for and won in last financial year was an impressive $39.7 million.

Christchurch Convention Centre
The Christchurch Centre is designed to be flexible and responsive to a wide range of event requirements for up to 2000 delegates. The unique divisible auditorium for 1400 will allow two major events to run simultaneously, with plenty of break-out space in 1600 sqm of meeting rooms, and a large 3600 sqm space for exhibitions. A premium banqueting area will feature five-star service, and food and beverage selections from the world-renowned local produce of the South Island.
The main entrance to the Centre opens out to the Ōtākaro Avon River, and has been designed to reflect the fluid curves of the South Island’s braided rivers. The Centre is surrounded by green spaces, parks and gardens fronting onto the river. Stories of the local Māori people and their land, trade and craft are interwoven through every aspect of the design.

New Zealand International Convention Centre
The NZICC will be the largest purpose-built convention centre in New Zealand, capable of hosting events of up to 4,000 people opening mid 2019. The theatre on the top floor hosts 2,850 people, or can be reconfigured in to two separate theatres to host 1,200. Supported by 33 meetings spaces across 4 levels, 8,100 of exhibition space, and views across Auckland City or our beautiful harbour. Designed collaboratively alongside event industry experts, the NZICC is vertically stacked, enabling quick delegate movement throughout a modern and world class centre in the heart of vibrant Auckland City. There are over 4,500 4+ star hotel rooms, world class dining, shopping and entertainment precincts all within 10 minutes walking distance. The proximity to some of the world’s top universities, thriving innovation precincts and education offerings only add to the experience.

Contact:
Candice Johanson
Senior Communications Advisor
Tourism New Zealand | Manaakitanga Aotearoa
Candice.Johanson@tnz.govt.nz
tel. +64 4 462 8028, +64 21 220 8031
newzealand.com
tourismnewzealand.com