Wednesday, 18 November 2020, 11:13 amPress Release: ATEED

Auckland has been named best meetings, incentives,conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination in Oceania atthe inaugural World MICE Awards 2020.

The award, partof the World Travel Awards, sees votes cast throughout theyear by members of the meetings, incentives, conferences andexhibitions (MICE) industry internationally as well ashigh-end MICE consumers to determine categorywinners.

Head of Auckland Convention Bureau, AnnaHayward, says the award and nominations for Aucklandbusinesses across other categories is testament toAucklands reputation as a desirable business eventsdestination.

Its wonderful to have thisrecognition, indicating that Aucklands reputation as aleading business events destination still holds strong withinternational industry and clients, despite the challengesour industry has faced this year.

When the time isright, we look forward to extending our manaakitanga andseeing the worlds great minds gather here to connect,share knowledge, and create opportunities.

Two ofAucklands newest hotels were also nominated inOceanias Best New MICE Hotel 2020 category: Park HyattAuckland and SO Auckland Hotel. In addition, Crowne PlazaAuckland won New Zealands Best MICE Hotel2020.

Hayward says that while COVID-19 has had a majorimpact on the business events industry in the short term,the ACB team is working on long lead times to secure winsfor Auckland and support clients who are currently in aholding pattern with their event.

Planning forbusiness events can take place many years in advance and theteam is often working on conferences and events that are setto be held in 3-5 years from now, sometimes even furtherout, says Hayward.

COVID-19 has dramaticallyimpacted the global business events sector, with many of ourclients postponing their events and borders closed. It hasbeen encouraging to hear from clients who are continuing toplan future business events, with many working hard toreshape their events to a hybrid format. saysHayward.

Despite the impact on the industry, sinceMarch this year ACB has secured 13 events that will takeplace in 2021 and beyond. These events will contribute anestimated $7.9m to Aucklands economy and attract over21,000 visitor nights to support the regionsrecovery.

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Auckland Named Oceania's Best Meetings And Conference Destination - Scoop.co.nz