Stellar Year for Wellington's Conference Industry
11 December 2006
Wellington’s efforts to attract large multiple day conferences is paying off, with recent research showing strong growth over the past year.
According to latest convention industry data, Wellington has seen a 25% growth in multiple day events to year end September 2006. The capital’s performance surpasses national growth of 11.5% in the same area over the same period. Wellington also boasted a 44% growth in attendees at multiple day events year end September 2006.
“It’s encouraging that Wellington has seen such a large growth in this part of the conference market,” says Positively Wellington Tourism CEO Tim Cossar. “Multiple day conferences are hugely important to Wellington. They bring delegates here for longer, and encourage them to spend more time enjoying the attractions, shops, and restaurants of downtown Wellington.”
Positively Wellington Tourism actively targets the market through its dedicated unit, the Wellington Convention Bureau. The Bureau works with partner venues and services to promote the city as a conference destination through sales calls, trade shows and joint venture activity.
Key partner Wellington Convention Centre has seen a strong growth in business in 2006. “We've had a substantial increase in conferences with large delegate numbers using the Centre,” says Manager, Business Development, Elsa Bradbury. “I believe this is as a result of the joint marketing activity that we participate in, in conjunction with industry partners and the Convention Bureau.”
“Our forward bookings are looking robust. We are noticing a huge increase in short lead-in business, with some quite large events of between 100 and 200 people. 2007 is shaping up to be a stellar year.”
Another of Wellington’s major conference venues, Te Papa, has reported a strong year. It has had an increase in enquiries and confirmed business for 300 people events, both single and multiple day. The increase is mainly from the education, IT and associates market.
The 2007 kicks into gear with the Mayo Clinic Haematology Symposium, which takes place at the Wellington Convention Centre from January 15 – 18. The Convention Centre and Convention Bureau jointly bid for the conference, which will bring 400 people from around the United States.
