A convention centre built in the aftermath of a devastating
earthquake has hosted 200,000 people since it opened two years ago, far exceeding
the expectations of senior managers at the venue.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has hosted 458 events in the last 24 months,
including 146 multi-day conferences – 29 of which were international, 157
meetings, and 19 exhibitions.
The results are being citied as justification for the New Zealand
government’s decision to invest NZ$450m into the centre as part of the Central
Christchurch Recovery Plan.
The 2011 earthquake, which killed 185 people, was the
country’s fifth deadliest natural disaster and caused widespread structural
damage, including to the old convention centre.
John O’Hagan, CEO of Rau Paenga Limited, the Crown
infrastructure delivery agency that built and owns the facility, said: “The
goal was to catalyse spending and social activity in the central city for
decades to come with an international standard convention centre within walking
distance of hotels, shops and restaurants. We are delighted with the number and
quality of events that our operator ASM Global has been able to attract in the
first two years.”
The venue is kicking off its third year in business by hosting
back-to-back conferences in May, including the Royal Australasian College of
Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress 2024, Institute of Directors 2024 NZ
Conference and MotorSport NZ Conference 2024.
Hailing the positive impact of business events on the city,
centre general manager Ross Steele said the first two years had ‘far outstripped’
expectations for the opening period.
“The direct economic impacts of business events – each of
which can bring hundreds of people into the city to stay for several nights –
has been well researched,” he said.
“What are perhaps less well recognised are the broader
impacts of a successful business events infrastructure for our community.
Whether it’s the opportunity to learn from the best in your field or network
with industry leaders, or the chance for local businesses to demonstrate their
capabilities in front of a huge audience, the wider impacts of a successful
convention programme are incalculable.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
