Wellington Hosts ICCA Business Workshop in Asia-Pacific First

All photos courtesy of WellingtonNZ

Wellington has hosted the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Business Workshop from 12–14 February – marking the first time the event has taken place in the Asia-Pacific region – and delivering significant opportunity for the capital and New Zealand’s wider business events sector.

Thirteen international association clients took part in the three-day workshop, representing the largest group of international associations ever hosted in New Zealand’s business events history. They were joined by representatives from nine international destinations.

The workshop was held at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, with side events hosted at Te Papa Tongarewa, Parliament and QT Wellington, showcasing the city’s breadth of venues and hospitality.

Irette Ferreira, Manager of Business Events Wellington, said: “Hosting the ICCA Business Workshop in Wellington has been a milestone moment for our city and for New Zealand. We were so proud to welcome such an influential group of clients and destinations to Wellington, share what we love about this city with them and hopefully turn them into fellow ambassadors for Wellington.

“Collectively, the associations represent 18 potential international conferences, totalling over 28,000 delegates. Based on the latest Business Events Industry Aotearoa economic data, securing these events could generate between $100 million and $106 million in economic value for New Zealand.”
 

Among the attendees was Jimmy Le, Event Programme Manager from IEEE Communications Society in New York, who described his experience as highly valuable. He says he had a fantastic time participating in his first ICCA Business Workshop and took a great deal from it. “I had so many meaningful conversations with both the destinations and association partners and enjoyed sharing ideas and learning from the other participants. As a destination, Wellington has a lot to offer – a new convention centre, beautiful harbour, great hotel options and incredible restaurants – all within walking distance.”

Hosted by Business Events Wellington with support from Tourism New Zealand, the workshop demonstrated strong national backing for the business events sector. That commitment was reinforced during a reception at Parliament, where Hon Louise Upston, New Zealand’s Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, welcomed delegates and reiterated the Government’s $6 million investment over the past two years to attract high-value international conferences.

Mark Oldershaw, Chief Executive of WellingtonNZ, said: “This workshop has the potential to create far-reaching economic benefits for Wellington and for New Zealand. International conferences of this scale fill hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, galleries, and tours. They bring visitors who stay longer, spend more, and experience the very best of our region.

“Securing even a portion of the 18 potential conferences represented here would mean significant uplift for those sectors. What’s more, the learning and development opportunities that come with hosting specialist conferences in our city shouldn’t be underestimated. We are proud to have hosted an event that has the ability to drive genuine and sustainable economic growth and social benefit for the region.”

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.