New Zealand has boosted the professional development of business events by hosting Australasia’s first in-person ICCASkills Training Programme. 

In all, 18 business events professionals from New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, and India took part in the three-day ICCASkills training event hosted at Te Pae Christchurch Convention & Exhibition Centre (Sept 10-12). 

The sessions were facilitated by ICCA’s (the International Congress & Convention Association) expert international instructors Deanna Varga from Australia and Juan José García from Spain. Following the completion of their exams, attendees will receive CICE (Certified International Convention Executive) accreditation, aimed at senior professionals with management experience. 

ICCA instructor Juan José García said:  “Over three days, key business events leaders have come together in New Zealand to shape the future of business events in Asia Pacific, exchanging cutting-edge insights and best practices from across the globe. The quality of New Zealand’s ICCASkills programme marks a pivotal moment in fostering innovation and collaboration on a regional scale.” 

Tourism New Zealand supported the training with an ICCASkills scholarship programme, giving New Zealand business events professionals the chance to undertake the certification by sharing costs with the scholarship recipient’s employer. 

Tourism New Zealand Global Manager Business Events Penelope Ryan said: “Business events are a key part of Tourism New Zealand’s strategy to attract visitors to New Zealand year-round, with particular focus on growing arrivals in the off-peak season.  
 

“This training programme provided a valuable professional development opportunity for New Zealand’s event professionals, enabling them to build their capabilities, network with their peers, and help grow our share of business events. 

“In 2023, the business events sector was worth $403 million to the New Zealand economy. Upskilling business events professionals will help New Zealand to attract future events and ensures delegates have an exceptional experience while they are here.”  
 
Attendee Erwin Matheeuwsen, Research Coordinator at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, and ICCA Researcher of the Year in 2023, said: “The programme has been very valuable: it has provided a general oversight of the whole business with practical examples and given me new perspectives. There is a lot of expertise in the room, the sharing of different experiences from the other students is a real part of the learning.”  

ICCA instructor Deanna Varga added: “The engagement and rich learning across the three days from not only diverse nationalities, but diverse sectors, made for productive conversations. Sharing experiences and insights reveals we are often facing the same challenges and can find solutions together. After being a part of the New Zealand ICCASkills programme, I’m confident the Asia Pacific business events community is in safe hands.” 

Those undertaking the course enjoyed a welcome event and site visit at Te Pae Christchurch Convention & Exhibition Centre, with the international delegates also enjoying a Christchurch city experience with support from ChristchurchNZ. The ICCA international staff and tutors also took the opportunity to inspect New Zealand’s other new conference infrastructure: the New Zealand International Convention Centre, with support from Auckland Convention Bureau, and Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre, in conjunction with Business Events Wellington.