Celebrating one year since opening its first New Zealand office, in late August ICMS Australasia hosted a seminar for Christchurch-based specialists on bidding for an international conference.
The Bringing the World Back Home presentation included representatives from Massey University, the New Zealand Geotechnical Society, Tourism New Zealand and Te Pae Convention Centre, with a welcome from Christchurch NZ’s Head of Visitor Economy, Kath Low.
Hosted by ICMS Australasia CEO Emma Bowyer, the session commenced with a Mihi Whakatau, a traditional cultural greeting, delivered by David Brennan on behalf of the Manawhenua (Ngāi Tūāhuriri Hapū).
Former chief executive of HortResearch and Massey University Emeritus Professor Ian Warrington shared his experiences running the 29th International Horticultural Conference in Brisbane in 2014.
New Zealand Geotechnical Society Chair Phil Robbins highlighted the challenges and opportunities of international events through his involvement with the 20th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ICSMGE) in 2022 in Sydney. Mr Robbins also talked about his experience on the upcoming 22nd New Zealand Geotechnical Society Symposium to be held in Auckland in 2025.
Both agreed there were significant challenges bidding for and then managing large international events, particularly those with large delegate numbers. Professor Warrington’s event achieved over 3,200 delegates, and ICSMGE 2022 had a total of 1,338 attendees representing 71 countries two months after the border opened post-COVID.
Mr Robbins said it took 20 years from initially bidding for, and then hosting, ICSMGE 2022. What both speakers stressed was the value of hosting an international conference to a country and region, and for the individuals working within that region.
Mr Warrington said the opportunity to share science-based research, showcase New Zealand expertise, and deliver financial benefits to his sector were his top three motivations for bidding for the event in the first place.
Tourism New Zealand International Bids Manager Leonie Ashford told participants they were in a wonderful destination to host international meetings, with a world-class convention centre, an airport minutes from the city centre and a growing number of international flights increasing capacity.
Ms Ashford said the combination of safety, inclusiveness and a focus on strong sustainability practices were bucket-list requirements of international convention owners and contributing factors to Christchurch’s and New Zealand’s growth in hosting global meetings.
Christchurch NZ Head of Visitor Economy Kath Low added that, having overcome such a challenging period as a result of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the city now works collaboratively together.
“It’s a community of people who will do whatever it takes to make sure that it [a convention] goes well.”
Te Pae Convention Centre General Manager Ross Steele said buildings like Te Pae are facilitators for knowledge exchange.