News Release
4 September 2007

Buy New Zealand Made by conferencing in Christchurch

New Zealand companies are being urged to support Canterbury tourism operators and service providers by “shopping’’ locally for conference venues.

Canterbury’s panache for hosting conferences will be showcased during a one-day trade show, Canterbury Conference Expo at Christchurch Convention Centre on Tuesday September 11.

Just as the Buy New Zealand Made campaign appeals to shoppers to show loyalty to New Zealand manufacturers, Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau wants businesses to show their loyalty to the local industry by hosting their conferences here.

“Business tourism is booming here and for good reason. We have world-class conference and convention facilities in Christchurch which companies and organisations from around the globe rave about. We urge New Zealand companies to take advantage of these facilities because not only does it make good economic sense for them, it is also a way of showing support for our high-quality venues and service providers,’’ says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism Chief Executive Christine Prince.

More than 50 different operators, representing venues and support services from as far north as Kaikoura and as far south as Aoraki Mt Cook, will be exhibiting at the expo which is being organised by Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau (CCCB), a division of Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism.

The one-day trade show is designed to provide Christchurch meeting planners with a one-stop-shop where they can explore the options available to them on their doorstep for conferences, meetings, events, exhibitions or incentive travel.

Christchurch has recorded the largest number of conference events ever in the city this year and number of delegate days has more than doubled over the past two years, adding in excess of $53 million direct spend to the Christchurch and Canterbury economy annually.

CCCB manager Annette Pendergast says Canterbury Conference Expo is designed to showcase what the region can offer Cantabrians, as well as visitors from the North Island and from overseas.

“Here we can deliver a superb New Zealand conference experience, which certainly competes well with any Australian, Asian or South Pacific destination,’’ Annette Pendergast says.

For those interested in learning how to organise a conference, CCCB is presenting a seminar on Successful Conference Management which will discuss aspects of conference planning, from correct venue selection, menu management and budgets, to group travel coordination.

Conventions & Incentives New Zealand will also present a seminar on the International Event Bidding process and the funding support available through the NZTE Conference Assistance Programme.

The National Speakers Association of New Zealand will be staging a Speakers Showcase throughout the day, including a breakfast event at the Copthorne Hotel Durham Street and sessions at midday and in the afternoon at the Convention Centre. This is a key opportunity for conference organisers to listen and evaluate “face to face” the quality and style of the MC or speaker they may be considering for their next event.

Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau offers support to those considering staging a meeting in the city or region. The service includes free advice on how best to utilise the destination for conferences, introduction to relevant venues and support services, plus provision of marketing collateral including DVDs, imagery, brochures. For more information and to receive a complimentary Meeting & Incentive Planner log onto www.christchurchconventions.co.nz

For the full Canterbury Conference Expo 07 programme log onto:
www.conference-expo.co.nz

- ends -

© Scoop Media