Christchurch showcases strength

"In the Asia-Pacific region we are ahead of cities such as Dubai, Mumbai, Jakarta, Hanoi and Nagoya," says Andrea Mitchell, research coordinator for Vbase Management, venue managers of Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch Town Hall and Westpac Centre and Jade Stadium. General manager of the Canterbury Convention Bureau, Annette Pendergast says using the convention bureau guarantees successful event planning in the city. "Among the international network of convention bureaux, Christchurch is recognised as New Zealand's leading-edge conference city," she says. The Garden City boasts New Zealand's largest purpose-built convention centre, linked by air bridge to the city's main performing arts venue, the Christchurch Town Hall. The Convention Centre is extremely adaptable, suited to gatherings of up to 2,200, located closed to more than 2,000 city hotel rooms within a 10-minute walk. A few minutes from the city centre, the Westpac Centre provides a multipurpose indoor venue for exhibitions, major sporting and entertainment events. Other unique din- Christchurch showcases strength ing venues close to the city centre include the International Antarctic Centre, the Air Force Museum, the spectacularly modern Art Gallery and the nearby arts centre, as well as a host of international-standard hotel venues. Support service providers, conference and dining venues, and attractions are geared toward providing exceptional, memorable and unique experiences. Christchurch is launching an incentive scheme to attract business visitors. The delegate rebate scheme (DRS), the first of its type in New Zealand, is to be administered by Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau. It allows a financial grant of US$13 per delegate for large conference events requiring 200 accommodation rooms or more in Christchurch.