Head of business events at ChristchurchNZ, Bree Jones, presented several key themes of the research conducted by Professor Carmel Foley and Dr Anja Hergesell from the University of Technology Sydney, which explores the impact of business events on both Christchurch and New Zealand more broadly.
“Business events are critical to the growth of our city, to the growth of wider industry as well…the direct economic impact has always been much easier to tell, but those longer lasting impacts have been what is more challenging to communicate and in ways that resonate with government, wider industry, the business community,” Jones told media at AIME.
“So to be able to have some real data that speaks to that is really important for us, not just for Christchurch but for the broader New Zealand landscape.”
Among the key findings of the 327-page report was the impact of Māori cultural integration and leadership – one of the strongest insights was “the power of Indigenous leadership and values” said Jones.
“This was one of the highest rated aspects across conferences studied, not just in Christchurch but throughout New Zealand.
“Delegates consistently described Māori-led programming as transformative.
“Through ceremony, language and kaupapa, indigenous perspective shapes how science, innovation and education is being discussed,” Jones said, noting that Māori and Pacific leadership had been woven into Adaptation Futures, the largest global climate change adaption conference, which was held in Christchurch in 2025.
“This is a real powerful differentiator for New Zealand,” said Jones.
“It’s authentic, it’s grounded in place and it actually helps create much deeper and more meaningful long lasting connections, not just with delegates but with relationships formed throughout conferences.”
Scientific advancement was “another standout finding” of the research.
“Nearly 88 per cent of delegates agreed conferences in Christchurch and throughout New Zealand directly contributed to progressing their field,” said Jones.
Innovation and adoption was another key theme.
“More than 79 per cent of delegates said the knowledge or tools gained were directly applicable in their workplace. Many implemented new programmes and initiatives immediately on returning home,” said Jones.
Talent attraction, future investment and global profile was another area captured by the research.
“Another major impact is just being able to raise the city’s profile globally, not just as a place to visit, but as a place to study, to invest, to do business and to live,” said Jones.
“The research shows that conferences continue to play a clear role in attracting talent and future investment to cities they’re held in.”
The report noted the example of the New Zealand Aerospace Summit attended by 700 global aerospace leaders, innovators and researchers to explore cutting-edge advancements, emerging trends and collaboration opportunities in their field. The research found the event sparked interest in share investment and international training organisations wanting to set up a local regional presence.
“Thinking about what that’s doing for the next generation is incredible and just building that future talent pipeline,” said Jones.
“Attending the event also changed delegates’ perception of the city, showcasing universities, our business community, our innovation ecosystem and liveability in a way that no brochure could ever do.”
The research also captured powerful statistics around the impact of conferences on talent attraction for destinations.
“21.7 per cent of early career delegates have indicated they are actively looking to move to Christchurch… it enables us in terms of powerful conversations to be having with our academic institutions and our business community [about] that pipeline of talent, which is just so fantastic for our global reputation,” said Jones.
