In this March/April edition we learn a bit more about Queenstown – Southern Lakes and Manawatu-Palmerston North. We also discover Adelaide, South Australia. We have coverage of famils for Kirikiriroa Hamilton and Melbourne.
World first – SCAR’s focus on impactful science looked at Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in global systems, recognising and reflecting the value of Māori mātauranga (knowledge).
For the first time, a half-day was dedicated to showcasing Māori exploration and research in the Deep South, including the official launch of the first indigenous-led Antarctic research programme in the world. The introduction by local leaders and experts created a deep impression with the international audience, creating lasting memories for all delegates.
PCOA’s business partner, ChristchurchNZ, is starting 2024 off with an inspiring and delicious update from some very special venues and experiences across Christchurch and Canterbury.
A group of experts who study hard-shelled aquatic creatures have found Wellington the ideal place to delve a little deeper. The 10th International Crustacean Congress held at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa attracted carcinologists from 24 countries.
CASE STUDY:- The 10th World Avocado Congress was a smash hit in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. New Zealand’s strong agritech industry, horticulture sector and destination appeal attracted a delegation far exceeding expectations, with 1160 attendees including 750 international delegates from as far afield as Mexico, Peru and South Africa.
Fostering meaningful connections and opening doors to exciting new collaborations. Barry Neame, CEM, PCOA President, and Maxine Tod, Director Business Partnerships, were proud to represent PCOA at the highly successful Meetings 2023 held at Tākina – Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre last week.
Jana Kingston has been appointed National Business Development Manager, C&I for Millennium Hotels & Resorts based in Melbourne, Australia. Well-established in market, Kingston brings invaluable experience and knowledge from her 18 year tenure with Destination Queenstown. Dubbed the ‘Queenstown specialist’, Kingston is eager to expand her reach representing all 18 hotels in the Millennium Hotels & Resorts portfolio.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has hit a major operational milestone, notching up one year since its first conference. Since 2 May 2022, the Centre has hosted 234 events for more than 129,700 delegates – including 70 conventions, seven exhibitions, 76 banquets, 79 meetings and seminars and two live entertainment events – generating more than $50 million* in direct economic value for the city of Ōtautahi Christchurch during that time.
The 8th IWG World Conference On Women & Sport held in Auckland, New Zealand attracted a record 1850 participants from 90 countries. It not only helped advance gender equity in sports for women and girls in New Zealand and beyond, but it raised the bar as an exemplar of what a sustainable, inclusive conference can look like, putting an emphasis on youth and Indigenous voices. As part of its longer-term legacy, it delivered 10 Conference Calls to Action, and 16 Indigenous Calls to Action.
ICMS Australasia (ICMSA) has expanded its geographic footprint and opened an office in Christchurch, New Zealand. Karen Hamilton, who has been working in the New Zealand business events sector for the past 16 years, has assumed the new role of Director New Zealand.