The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) will welcome Loryn Blaikie to its team as the new international sales manager, from 18 September. With her previous background in driving convention centre sales and fostering key relationships with senior decision-makers, Blaikie will take charge of generating new business opportunities for New Zealand within the international business events market. Blaikie joins NZICC from the New Zealand Institute of Directors, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing partnerships, connecting with senior New Zealand leaders, and delivering a dynamic event portfolio. Blaikie comments: “The space, and what it can offer international conventions is going to be a first for New Zealand, and I’m thrilled to be the person to showcase this internationally”. “My passion lies in connecting clients, partners and my venue team to create exceptional event experiences. I look forward to collaborating with our valued partners Auckland Convention Bureau and Tourism New Zealand to showcase the best of what Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and New Zealand can offer”. Loryn’s first international trip will be a sales mission to Europe in November. She will connect with prospective international associations to discuss bringing their international conferences to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and NZICC. The NZICC has secured several international conventions to date, including the following:
- World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE) estimated 3000 delegates in November 2025.
- International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS), estimated 2500 delegates in July 2026
- International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME), estimated 1700 delegates in August 2026
- Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Managers Associations Conference (FAOPMA), estimated 2200 delegates in November 2026
