New research released today by ChristchurchNZ and Tourism New Zealand confirms that business events in Ōtautahi Christchurch generate significant social and professional legacies far exceeding traditional tourism spend.
Phase two of The Conference Legacy Project, presented at AIME 2026 in Melbourne, transitions away from purely economic metrics to track long-term impacts on talent recruitment, global reputation, and scientific advancement.
The three-year study, led by researcher Carmel Foley, found that one in five delegates proactively looked for work or study opportunities in Christchurch following their conference. Additionally, 93.3 per cent of attendees reported that hosting these events positively transformed their perception of the city, citing its modern facilities and natural environment.
Cultural integration emerged as a primary driver of these results. Delegates ranked Māori heritage and values among the highest-rated impacts, describing Indigenous-led programming as “transformative”.
This research provides evidence-based insight into the long-term impact conferences create for the places that host them, said Bree Jones, ChristchurchNZ Business Events Manager. They help attract global talent and position the city for future investment, she added.
The data also highlighted strong sector-specific gains, with 88 per cent of respondents stating that conferences in the city directly contributed to scientific progress and industry innovation within their respective fields.
