ChristchurchNZ launches The Conference Legacy Project

Christchurch New Zealand has launched a three-year legacy project designed to evaluate the legacy impacts of business events on Christchurch and the broader New Zealand landscape. Megan Crum, ChristchurchNZ head of business events says The Conference Legacy Project, which was launched at AIME 2024 in Melbourne, shows the city’s commitment to understanding and optimising the long-term benefits generated by business events. Business events researcher professor Carmel Foley from University of Technology Sydney will lead the new study. Key focus areas will include the impact of hosting business events on scientific advancement, industry innovation, attraction of global talent, improved social policy, community well-being, cultural and regenerative initiatives, and trade and investment. Drawing inspiration from Sydney’s successful eight-year evaluation model, the New Zealand project will gather evidence-based information to quantify the value of hosting conferences. “We recognise the impact of conferences extends well beyond tourism and should not be measured merely by direct financial contribution,” Crum says. “Christchurch has matured into a premier destination for business events, and the city recognises the importance of assessing the lasting and long-tail impacts of these events. “The insights we gain will play a pivotal role in shaping future strategies and identifying funding opportunities,” she says. Large international events for the city, including the 1,100-delegate Asian Seed Congress, supported by ChristchurchNZ and held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, will be among the first of the targeted studies.