10 September 2012

Detectives to converge on NZ following CAP win

Detectives and private investigators from around the world will be converging on Auckland in 2014 for the first time ever, after another Conference Assistance Programme (CAP) bid win.

The New Zealand Association of Detectives, supported by Tourism New Zealand, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and the Auckland tourism industry, have won the rights to host the World Association of Detectives 89th Annual Conference.

It is expected to attract around 400 delegates plus partners, with a significant number from the United States, and will be held in October 2014.

The bid was won with the support of the Conference Assistance Programme (CAP) managed by Tourism New Zealand on behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Daniel Torenson, a member of the World Association of Detectives for more than 10 years, said the win is an overwhelming victory and exciting news for New Zealand private investigators.

“For the first time ever the World Association of Detectives will hold their conference in Auckland in 2014,” said Mr Torenson.

The bid was presented by Mr Torenson at this week’s 2012 World Conference in Boston, with Auckland winning out over New Delhi to secure the conference.

Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager Marketing Communications Justin Watson said they had met the International President from the World Association of Detectives Siti Subaidah Naidui, at IMEX Frankfurt and first discussed there the option of New Zealand preparing a bid.

“This is a great example of the opportunities available on the global stage for New Zealand as an international conference destination. IMEX Frankfurt attracts a wide range of international buyers and it’s great to see the presence of the New Zealand delegation is contributing to the sector’s growth.”

Anna Hayward, Manager at the Auckland Convention Bureau, a division of ATEED, said the win is great for Auckland.

“As always with a conference of this size the benefits will extend to many of our operators which is fantastic. It also highlights the importance to Auckland of attending and continuing to invest in international tradeshows such as IMEX Frankfurt.”

Since 1 July 2012, nine international bid applications have been accepted by Tourism New Zealand for CAP funding, with an estimated economic value of $17 million. Two bids from the last financial year were finalised at the end of August for distribution to their international executive committees and one will be presented in Vienna during October.

The bids in progress cover a wide range of business sectors including health, education and transport and before the end of the year, bids for New Zealand conferences will be presented in places as far afield as India, Greece, Austria and the Netherlands.

CAP is available to any association or organisation that is in a position to formally bid for an international conference of over 200 delegates to be held here in New Zealand.

ENDS

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