A new convention centre already has 50 ‘multi-day conferences’ on its books.
The Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, whose ceremonial opening took place this week, also has other business events in the pipeline, from exhibitions to smaller meetings and seminars.
General Manager Ross Steele said while there was a strong contingent of domestic bookings in the first year, there were also booking from international markets, particularly Australia.
“We can see that people are missing that connection that only comes with being face-to-face, and we know there is pent up demand for New Zealand, in particular Christchurch, so it’s been great see interest translate to bookings for later in 2022 and beyond.”
The AUS$450m convention centre, which has been in construction for four years, replaces the original Christchurch Convention Centre badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake.
Steele said it had been a ‘challenging few years’ for the business events industry, but with the opening of Te Pae Christchurch the team were starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“We’re looking forward to playing our part in the regeneration of our city and country, but also in the regeneration of our industry post-covid.”
The venue is operator ASM Global’s first foray into New Zealand and is equipped with the latest audio-visual and technological infrastructure, meaning it can host virtual and hybrid events.
Inspired by Māori culture and history and designed by Woods Bagot in conjunction with Warren and Mahoney to reflect the New Zealand’s natural landscape, Te Pae Christchurch is centrally located in the heart of New Zealand’s second largest city.
Featuring 24 meeting rooms, including a 1000-seat riverside banquet room, up to 3,300sqm of exhibition space and a 1,400-seat Auditorium able to be configured into two completely autonomous spaces, Te Pae Christchurch has been designed with space and flexibility in mind, and with state-of-the-art technology at its core.
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.
