Christchurch Convention Centre to boost New Zealand on world stage

Sue Sullivan

News the Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre is on target to be opened in late 2019 is being welcomed by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ).

CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says the announcement of Christchurch’s new venue is another boost to New Zealand’s reputation as an exciting and unique conference destination.

“New Zealand has always punched above its weight, but we have needed this type of world-class infrastructure to attract large multi-day conventions,” she says.

“At this month’s CINZ Meetings tradeshow Christchurch’s new convention centre design was viewed by hundreds of local and international conference organisers and it was exceptionally well received.”

Sue Sullivan says having a purpose-designed facility in the South Island, with easy international access via Christchurch Airport, will lift help New Zealand’s profile as a great place to do business.

“It will bring people with new and world-class ideas to meet here, attract potential investors and export partners, and bring high-spending visitors.

“With the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland and this premium boutique centre in Christchurch we can now compete on the world stage, challenging Australia and South East Asia for high-value convention business,“ she says.

The key attendance drivers for convention delegates are education opportunities, networking and the destination. “We tick all the boxes here,” she says.

“Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island, and a smart, future-focused city with expertise to share in diverse sectors including agriculture, building technology, earth sciences, health sciences, international education, and technology.”

“The city is already winning major conference business and there is high demand for this new facility in Christchurch. We look forward to seeing it get underway very soon.”