Getting close to nature in Christchurch. Photo Credit: ChristchurchNZ
ChristchurchNZ, the city’s economic development agency, has spearheaded The Conference Legacy Project, a three-year project to evaluate the legacy impacts of business events on Christchurch and New Zealand.
Drawing inspiration from Sydney's eight-year evaluation model, the New Zealand project will gather evidence-based information to quantify the value of hosting conferences.
Megan Crum, ChristchurchNZ’s head of business events, said this initiative, launched at AIME 2024, shows the city's commitment to understanding and optimising the long-term benefits generated by business events.
Internationally-recognised business events researcher, professor Carmel Foley, from University of Technology Sydney, will lead the study. Key focus areas will include the impact of hosting business events on scientific advancement, industry innovation, attraction of global talent, improved social policy, community well-being, cultural and regenerative initiatives, and trade and investment.
Large international events for the city, including the 1,100-delegate Asian Seed Congress, supported by ChristchurchNZ and held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, will be among the first of the targeted studies.
Business events are a key part of Tourism New Zealand's strategy to attract high-quality visitors to the country. The project is set to advance the understanding of business events' legacy impacts and foster sustainable growth, not only for Christchurch but across New Zealand.