[I NDUSTRY NEWS A new programme to attract conferences and business events to Dunedin is playing to the city’s strengths as a hub of knowledge. The Village of Learning brings together the expertise of Enterprise Dunedin, Dunedin Venues Management Limited (DVML), the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic in a collaborative approach to bidding and delivery. A suite of initiatives is on offer as part of the programme – first and foremost will be access to specialised local academic talent via the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic or industry- specific keynote speakers that align with the core conference topics. While the keynote speaker industry is a well-trodden path, the concentration of potential speakers across a huge range of specialised subjects in Dunedin and wider Otago is at the crux of the Village of Learning offering. These same thought leaders often attend international events themselves, presenting In the 2021/22 financial year Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland won 102 business events, which are expected to inject $75.5m million into the region’s economy in the coming years. Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) head, Ken Pereira, says the wins demonstrate Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s global profile an opportunity to pro-actively bid for future conferences on Dunedin’s behalf. This has led to the development of an ambassador programme as part of the Village of Learning, to identify and support academics and other specialists frommultiple industries to work with the city to this end. “The Village of Learning really plays to Dunedin’s strengths as a conference destination,” says John Christie, manager Enterprise Dunedin. “It will stand the city apart from some of our larger national competitors by delivering an exceptional event experience in conjunction with our highly reputed educational institutions and the wider business sector.” Terry Davies, CEO of DVML is excited to present a new unique selling point to conference organisers considering Dunedin, that builds on existing strong collaborative partnerships across the city. “We’ll be working closely with key as a business events destination, and the work that goes into securing world-class events for the region. “Our team has worked incredibly hard to research new opportunities, bid for international conferences, and secure business events for Auckland,” Pereira says. “In the past financial year, we supported Pictured from L-R : Caroline Terpstra, Otago Polytechnic; Jean Hendry, Tourism New Zealand; Ali Copeman, akB Conference & Event Management; Professor Hamish Spencer, University of Otago; Louise Woodburn, Enterprise Dunedin; Dr Paula O’Kane, University of Otago Dunedin launches 'Village of Learning' programme Business events prove worth for Auckland stakeholders and delivery partners through this programme to ensure the total convention experience remains cost competitive to ensure Dunedin is top of the list as a prospective conference destination,” he says. University of Otago Deputy vice-chancellor of external engagement, Professor Tony Ballantyne says the innovation will provide new opportunities for its academic staff to build connections and share knowledge. Dr Megan Gibbons, chief executive of Otago Polytechnic, says the initiative showcases the calibre of the organisation’s staff and facilities. “Within the scope of the programme, student involvement in the design or delivery of conference activities could offer another attractive option for event organisers, while also fulfilling corporate social responsibility requirements,” she says. Recognising the potential to target international markets, the programme is being backed by Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme, which can support with the bidding process and travel to shortlisted international conferences for Dunedin Village of Learning ‘ambassadors’. Enterprise Dunedin is eager to hear from subject matter experts who attend international conferences in their fields, who are either available as keynote speakers locally, or would be willing to assist with bidding for future events for the city. 305 potential opportunities for events to be held here between now and 2028. If successfully brought to Auckland, these events are expected to generate a total economic impact value of just over $140 million and more than 300,000 visitor nights.” The number of conference visitors would fill 8,000 of Auckland’s city centre accommodation rooms for 38 days. “The business events sector is an important stimulus for Auckland’s economy,” Pereira says. “Delegates need to eat and sleep somewhere plus they love to explore the region they visit so our hospitality and accommodation sectors and transport, retail and tourism operators are all benefiting.” On average, an international delegate will spend just over $2,000, a domestic delegate a little over $1,000 and a local delegate $600. Auckland [6] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
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