June 14, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier
As it gears up to host New Zealand’s flagship business events trade show MEETINGS from tomorrow, Te Pae Christchurch is celebrating global recognition less than six months after its official opening, with the convention centre being named as a finalist in the International Association of Convention Centres’ (AIPC) Innovation Award.
New Zealand’s first new-generation convention centre has been shortlisted for its Taste of Te Pae Activation Hub initiative, which it delivered prior to its December opening, in response to the COVID-related delays which held up the debut of the venue.
The eight-week pop-up included a food truck manned by Te Pae’s executive chef, Desmond Davies, that offered Christchurch locals an opportunity to sample the kind of culinary fare that will be on display for MEETINGS buyers and exhibitors this week. The activation also featured a virtual reality dome and interactive displays and was designed to educate both the community and event stakeholders on the cultural narrative of the centre, its design and its role in the community.
“To be named as a finalist alongside some of the world’s top business event venues and destinations is an incredible achievement for a new venue,” said Te Pae Christchurch’s general manager Ross Steele.
“We’re so proud to be putting Te Pae Christchurch and Ōtautahi Christchurch on the world stage.”
The AIPC Award is given out only once every two years, with Te Pae on the line for delegate’s choice recognition for Taste of Te Pae, as well as the overall Innovation Award.
The winners of both accolades will be announced at the AIPC annual conference in Budapest in July.