Wellington doubles down on conferences

Electricians, plumbers and internet experts are converging on Wellington next week as its convention centre gears up to host two large conferences at the same time.

The escalators connecting the ground and first floor at the Tākina Convention Centre in Wellington. There are four people in view, brown wooden walls, black metal ceiling, floor to ceiling windows and red and dark yellow carpets.

The conferences are being held at Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre – New Zealand’s newest convention centre in the heart of Wellington that has been open for just over a year.

Hundreds of delegates will be at Tākina over the course of the week, providing a valuable economic boost to the city’s hospitality, accommodation, and retail sectors.

The Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) meeting brings together Internet and networking expert government representatives, industry leaders, and others from around the world to learn, share ideas, and develop policies related to Internet operations.

Meanwhile, The Advantage Conference 2024, run by New Zealand’s Laser Plumbing & Electrical and Australia’s O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Group, is the first combined conference for the group since the COVID-19 pandemic. This conference will also celebrate a centenary of experience and expertise for O’Brien.

Wellington will also benefit from two unique legacy projects being offered by the conference organisers. APNIC has a goal to bring more young people into the IT industry and has worked to create a conference programme that caters for them.

Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington is sponsoring 20 IT students to attend the conference, enabling them to connect with people in the IT industry. They will hear keynote speakers including Robyn Kamira, managing director of Paua Interface Ltd, whose topic is ‘Telecommunications stories from the Frontline’, and Jon Brewer, consulting engineer at Telco2 Ltd talking about the process of delivering broadband to rural Aotearoa.

APNIC senior director of engagement Pablo Hinojosa says it will be the first time APNIC has held its conference in Wellington and it will provide a great location for the Pacific community to attend.

Meanwhile, The Advantage Conference 2024 is continuing its heritage of giving back to local communities. About 80 delegates are expected to participate in a project to provide much-needed electrical and plumbing upgrades to the Life Flight Trust — Westpac Rescue Helicopter’s Wellington base.

Business Events Wellington manager Irette Ferreira says it is fantastic to see Wellington hosting two sizeable international conferences concurrently — something the city was unable to do before Tākina opened.

“We are delighted to welcome both conferences to the capital and value the efforts both organisations have made to create positive impacts for our city.”

Business Events Wellington is the official convention bureau for Wellington, New Zealand. With years of industry and event planning experience and in-depth knowledge of the region, Business Events Wellington provides free and impartial advice to bid for and plan a business event in Wellington.

Find out more about Business Events Wellington

Date published: 29 August 2024

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