In the 2021/22 financial year, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has won 102 business events, which are expected to inject NZ$75.5 million (US$43.3 million) into the region’s economy in the coming years.
Head of Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB; a specialist unit within Tātaki Auckland Unlimited), Ken Pereira, said in a press release that the wins demonstrate Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s global profile as a business events destination, lauding the work that goes into securing world-class events for the region.
“Our team has worked incredibly hard to research new opportunities, bid for international conferences, and secure business events for Auckland.
“In the past financial year, we supported 305 potential opportunities for events to be held here between now and 2028. If successfully brought to Auckland, these events are expected to generate a total economic impact value of just over NZ$140 million and more than 300,000 visitor nights.”
The number of conference visitors would also fill 8,000 of Auckland’s city centre accommodation rooms for 38 days.
On average, an international delegate spends just over NZ$2,000, a domestic delegate a little over NZ$1,000 and a local delegate NZ$600.
“The business events sector is an important stimulus for Auckland’s economy,” Pereira noted. “Delegates need to eat and sleep somewhere, plus they love to explore the region they visit so our hospitality and accommodation sectors and transport, retail and tourism operators are all benefiting.”
In the past year, ACB recorded a total of 1,794 referrals to Auckland industry partners, up 18 per cent from the previous year.
“Auckland’s appeal for event organisers relies not only on its events infrastructure, but its manaakitanga (our unique welcome for visitors) and the range of attractions and activities it has to offer.
“Beyond the economic benefits for the region, these events also provide valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, research collaboration, networking and investment discussions which deliver a positive long-term impact for Auckland and New Zealand,” Pereira said.
Major wins in the last year for Auckland include the Federation of Asia Oceania Pest Management Associations Pest Summit Conference, which will bring approximately 2,500 delegates to the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in 2026.
Other upcoming events include a 2022 Conference on Robot Learning, and in 2024, the Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology Conference, and 8th International Teaching Games for Understanding Conference.
Pereira added: “With the NZICC coming online, a newly refurbished Aotea Centre and the Viaduct Events Centre available from 2023, the future is exciting for Auckland conferences and events.”
