ChristchurchNZ reveals initial results of The Conference Legacy Project

The first phase of ChristchurchNZ’s three-year research programme The Conference Legacy Project revealed the positive impacts of four international conferences held in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2024.

Kath Low, head of visitor economy for ChristchurchNZ ,presented the findings today, 11th February, at AIME 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. 

Internationally-recognised business events researcher, Carmel Foley, professor of business events at University of Technology, Sydney conducted the surveys and compiled the 2024 Interim Report with her colleague Dr Anja Hergesell from UTS Business School. 

Their research was supported by ChristchurchNZ and Tourism New Zealand.

Low said: “We have seen some excellent results so far from the Christchurch conference surveys. These four conferences proved to be particularly strong facilitators of knowledge sharing and collaboration, driving scientific advancement and industry innovation.”

An insightful presentation

Delegates gave high ratings for scientific advancement, early career capabilities, and personal attendee impacts: 89 percent of respondents agreed the conference facilitated knowledge-sharing and collaborations while 85 percent reported the conferences were valuable platforms for advancing their fields.

According to the report, early career delegates benefited greatly, enhancing their knowledge, networks and capabilities, which supports the future health of key industry sectors in New Zealand.

The beyond-economic benefits of business events include attracting global talent; a 20 percent of respondents reported that they are actively seeking to relocate to Christchurch to live, work and/or study.

Attracting global talent enriches the local workforce, drives economic growth, and fosters a culture of innovation that can propel industries forward.

Low added: “Ōtautahi Christchurch has a thriving business events ecosystem and we recognise that evidence-based information has the potential to catalyse innovation in priority sectors and contribute to solutions for environmental and social issues. The research is going to provide insights to generate funding, inform strategies and global marketing.

Respondents likewise gave high ratings for the inclusivity of the conferences, the strategies used to minimise environmental impacts, networking and the sharing of knowledge. They equipped delegates with new knowledge, ideas and techniques which drove workplace innovation, benefiting communities.