Auckland introduces business events advocate programme

TO BRING in more business events and double revenue from MICE by 2023, Auckland has nominated ambassadors in the country’s first-ever business events advocate programme.

Fourteen prominent figures in the health, medical and IT fields have been selected based on their reputations, professional achievements and dedication to promoting Auckland as a global events destination, and they will represent the city in bidding for international business events.

Rebecca Nelson, manager international bidding of Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB), commented: “Most of these advocates have previously been involved in successful bids to bring international conferences to Auckland. They are influential and respected in their fields both nationally and internationally.”

“These advocates will work closely with the ACB, which is a division of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development.”

Auckland receives 70 per cent of New Zealand’s total foreign arrivals, and boasts a convention facility that can accommodate up to 2,300 pax as well as 6,000 guestrooms. Since July 2014, ACB has submitted 34 bids and secured NZ$12 million (US$8.8 million) worth of events.

Mayor Len Brown commented: “Auckland has benefited from impressive growth in the business events sector. In 2013, the sector contributed NZ$236 million in direct spending to Auckland’s economy.”

The city aims to double that figure and increase delegate days from two million in 2013 to 2.6 million, both by 2023.

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