Conducted 10-19 May 2020, the information was gathered from NZ-based organisations who held a business event (conference, meeting, incentive trip) domestically or internationally in the last three years. There were 232 responses from associations, Not for Profit and corporate/ private organisations.

It was conducted to understand the current demand for business events among New Zealand businesses; their concerns and barriers to having domestic business events; and how the industry could help stimulate demand

The main points covered this morning were:

– There is a high level of intention among organisations surveyed to have business events in New Zealand both in the short-term and long-term.

– Events are likely to be smaller and less frequent: businesses expect event budgets to be reduced, while associations expect less interest from their members.

– Large urban cities are the main locations organisations consider for business events, but there is a good appetite for smaller destinations.

– The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on what organisations look for in an event destination: many are more price sensitive, there is more focus on health and safety, and there is a greater need for teleconferencing technologies.

– Financial support is likely to have the most impact on persuading organisations to hold events in the next 18 months compared to other assistance options.

– The majority view is that technology is unlikely to fully replace the need for in-person conferences in the long-term.

– Demand for hybrid conferences is expected to grow, and venues will need to meet this demand with high quality yet affordable tech solutions.

– Among organisations that offer incentive travel programmes, about a third are planning to offer the programme in New Zealand in the next 18 months.