The 31 international conferences won through Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme are expected to attract more than 19,500 delegates and deliver an estimated $48.7m to New Zealand's economy. 

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy said “The knowledge, influence and passion of these people plays an integral part in attracting events to our shores. These conferences not only enrich our visitor economy, but our universities, our innovation hubs, our key sectors, and our communities. 

“We’ve won conferences that will benefit our early childhood educators, our school principals, the dairy sector, researchers in robotics and artificial intelligence,” Mr de Monchy added. “Through these events we’ll hold important conversations at a global level about the treatment of cancer in indigenous communities, the protection of native plant species, and the application of remote sensing technologies to benefit society. New Zealand will play a leading role in shaping the future of these industries, thanks to these conferences and their champions.” 

Business events and international conference delegates play an important role in supporting Tourism New Zealand’s four-year strategy of growing international tourism by $5 billion, with 70% ($3.5b) of that coming from visitors in the off-peak.  

Business events are heavily weighted towards the off-peak, with 83% of international delegates arriving between March and November last year, compared to 62% of holidaymakers, Mr de Monchy said. 
 
“Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme, and the support of our dedicated Business Events team, are there for those who want help to bid for an international conference and reap all the benefits these bring – personally and professionally, and for the greater benefit of New Zealand. We hope more conference champions are inspired to step up and help build this pipeline of valuable events.”