Two event-filled years: Te Pae Christchurch, General Manager, Ross Steele

More than 200,000 attendees have taken part in 458 events at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre since we hosted our first conference two years ago, far exceeding all expectations.

This success also reflects the integral role and mahi of our entire local events infrastructure. That includes the council and ChristchurchNZ, our local suppliers and our city’s hotel and hospitality sectors, who have played a key role in putting Christchurch and our region back on the map for business events.

The direct economic impacts of business events have been well researched. Each event can bring hundreds of people into our city and wider region to stay for several nights, providing a major boost to our economy and driving increased visitation during off-peak periods.

Perhaps less well recognised, are the broader impacts of a successful events infrastructure for our community. Whether it’s the opportunity to learn from the best in your field or network with industry leaders, or the chance for local businesses to demonstrate their capabilities or promote their products and services to an international audience, the wider impacts of a successful events programme are incalculable.

We’re delighted to have a packed calendar of world-class events in May 2024, which is traditionally a quieter month for local tourism. In addition to the five international and 10 national conferences, concerts and events, the programme of local events includes school balls, workshops and information evenings. We expect to host over 8200 attendees in May, including 2650 international delegates and 3135 from around New Zealand – an amazing opportunity to showcase Ōtautahi Christchurch to the world.