The New Zealand Business Events Awards 2024 recognised 40 people who have won 31 conferences for the country, via Tourism New Zealand’s subvention initiative, the Conference Assistance Program.
Combined, these 31 events are expected to draw more than 19,500 delegates and inject $48.7 million into the local economy.
“The knowledge, influence and passion of these people plays an integral part in attracting events to our shores,” said Tourism New Zealand’s CEO, René de Monchy.
“These conferences not only enrich our visitor economy, but our universities, our innovation hubs, our key sectors, and our communities.
“We’ve won conferences that will benefit our early childhood educators, our school principals, the dairy sector, researchers in robotics and artificial intelligence.
“Through these events we’ll hold important conversations at a global level about the treatment of cancer in indigenous communities, the protection of native plant species, and the application of remote sensing technologies to benefit society.
“New Zealand will play a leading role in shaping the future of these industries, thanks to these conferences and their champions.”
As Tourism New Zealand looks to grow the country’s international visitor economy to $5 billion within the next four years, business events are expected to play a significant role in achieving this target, especially in the off-peak season, which tends to be the busiest time for conferences and incentives.
