LIANZA Conference 2017

LIANZA Conference 2017 was the biggest gathering of library and information professionals in New Zealand. The sold-out conference was attended by over 500 decision makers, managers, government, publishers, archivists, curators, librarians and game changes in the tech industry.

Held at Addington Events Centre, the facility is one of Christchurch’s leading venues. Situated just minutes from the central city, the size and scope of Addington’s facilities allows multiple options for event organisers including trade shows, expos, meetings, dinners and conferences.

Julia de Ruiter from LIANZA said the theme of the conference was ‘open’.

This theme was reflected in the local and international speakers and diverse range of topics at the conference. Topics included the creation of a new central library for Christchurch, creating indigenous knowledge centres, inspiring New Zealand to read and how to support people with dyslexia to use a library.

Christchurch proved the perfect location to host LIANZA Conference 2017.

With both domestic and international attendees flying in for the conference Christchurch’s easily accessible international airport, which is only 15 mins from the city centre, made for an easy commute. The city’s flat and compact layout made it easy for delegates to get around while visiting.

Addington Events Centre Event Consultant, Jo McMaster said the conference had multiple requirements which were easily accommodated by the multi-purpose venue.

“The conference featured exhibition space, multiple concurrent sessions, workshops, small break out groups, food and beverage options and a large social function – not to mention hundreds of attendees moving between sessions every hour or so.

“This was the largest and longest conference Addington has ever hosted and we were delighted at how smoothly it ran - the team were very conscious to ensure that we covered all our basis and we pride ourselves on being flexible with those last minute requests. Paadekooper & Associates (event organisers) and LIANZA were absolute professionals with constant communication not only prior to the conference but during which just made everyone’s job so much easier,” she said.

Conference organisers ensured delegates were shown around New Zealand’s newest city, offering guided or self-led walking tours, visits to the city’s attractions and heritage sites and tours of the city’s libraries and learning centres.

Travel was easy with plenty of accommodation options close to the venue, or for those that chose to stay in the central city a bus service to and from the Christchurch CBD was provided.

Dubbed a ‘city of opportunity’, Christchurch is well into a $40 billion new infrastructure build, including the building of Tūranga – a new central city library. The $92 million public library is expected to open mid-2018 and will be the largest in the South Island and its five floors will become a digital hub for the city including virtual reality consoles, gaming, laser cutters, digital walls and 3D printers.

“Christchurch proved a great place to host the LIANZA conference. The city, which is undergoing so much change and innovation, was a great place to inspire our attendees, accommodate our requirements and of course enjoy the warm hospitality and attractions that Christchurch had to offer,” said Julia.

With just over 500 attendees from around New Zealand the estimated economic benefit to Christchurch is conservatively estimated at almost $900,000 (MBIE Convention Delegate Survey 2017).