Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is delivering on its promise to drive economic and social value to the city of Christchurch, securing a host of new conferences despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.
The 67 contracted or confirmed events represent a 30% increase on the number of bookings announced at the end of 2019, and are projected to bring over $40 million of economic benefit to the city.
General Manager Ross Steele said the fact the centre had been able to retain a significant level of business and even take on new bookings during this time, proved that people still wanted that face-to-face connection with their peers.
Ross Steele - General Manager, Te Pae ChristchurchA major reason that convention centres exist is to drive not just economic but also social value for the cities they are based in, so it’s encouraging to see that even at a challenging time such as this, we are continuing to deliver those important opportunities for Christchurch
“We have understandably had some cancellations, largely due to uncertainty around travel and the effect of COVID-19 on the construction program, but our team has been working closely with affected clients to reschedule their events to a later date, which has kept the majority of these events in Christchurch.”
One recent signing is the Aotearoa New Zealand Anaesthesia Scientific Meeting, due to take place from 3-6 November 2021.
Event Convenor, Doctor Ben van der Griend said the event was expected to attract upwards of 400-500 delegates to the city.
Doctor Ben van der Griend - Event Convenor, Aotearoa New Zealand Anaesthesia Scientific MeetingMost of the delegates will be coming from all over New Zealand, however we also attract a good number from Australia and further afield
The theme for 2021 will be Whakaora (To Heal): Our patients, Ourselves, Our City, Our Planet; a topic which is sure to resonate given the events Christchurch has faced since the last anaesthetic meeting was hosted in the city in 2010.
“Christchurch has experienced a lot of trauma with the earthquakes and then the 2019 mosque attacks. Receiving burns victims from the Whakaari/White Island eruption was another challenge for the Christchurch Hospital. Then, of course, was COVID-19.
“What most people don’t realise is that anaesthetists are in the absolute front line of these events and take a leadership role within the hospital. We have a story to tell and there will be many coming to Christchurch to hear it,” Dr van der Griend said.
“We are excited to be hosting the meeting in Te Pae Christchurch – the building is looking amazing. We live in a very special place and look forward to showcasing our city – there will be a lot of people who will grab the chance to come and see what we have to offer.”
