"Opportunity from disaster" is being realised in Christchurch,
with the city chosen to host the 2016 International Federation of
Surveyors (FIG) Working Week.
At least 700 delegates from all over the world plus partners and
exhibitors are expected in April and May 2016 for the session title
"Opportunity from disaster - surveying the challenges", bringing an
estimated economic benefit of nearly NZ$3 million to the
region.
The New Zealand Institute of Surveyors and premium sponsor Land
Information New Zealand (LINZ) bid for the hosting rights with the
support of Tourism New Zealand and the Conference Assistance
Programme (CAP), the University of Otago's National School of
Surveying and Conference Innovators.
Leader of the delegation and Deputy Head of the National School
of Surveying at the University of Otago, Brian Coutts, says there
was an incredibly strong desire to see the conference held in
Christchurch.
"To win is fantastic and everyone is thrilled with the result.
Christchurch city will provide such a dynamic environment for
delegates to experience and learn in, given the re-planning and
re-building of the city post-earthquakes."
LINZ acting chief executive Sue Gordon says the conference will
bring together surveying and mapping experts from around the
world.
"As the premium sponsor, we're delighted the conference is
coming to New Zealand. It will be a fantastic opportunity to share
ideas and experiences in the areas of surveying, land registration,
topography, valuation, hydrography, land management and geospatial
information."
Tourism New Zealand's chief executive Kevin Bowler says this is
the fourth international conference won since the organisation
began administering the CAP fund in July 2011, on behalf of the
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
"Tourism New Zealand is committed to increasing the economic
contribution of international visitors by attracting more high
value visitors. International conference delegates are
exactly that type of target visitor - on average they spend up to
three-times more than the usual international visitor. They bring
partners and families, and have the potential to become return
visitors.
While Christchurch's planned new convention centre is the
proposed venue, two other options were also presented to
demonstrate New Zealand's commitment to the event and
Christchurch's capability to act as host.
For more information on the CAP and Tourism New Zealand's
involvement in business events visit the Business Events
section.
About FIG
The International Federation of Surveyors is an international,
non-government organisation whose purpose is to support
international collaboration for the progress of surveying in all
fields and applications. It provides an international forum for
discussion and development aiming to promote professional practice
and standards. www.fig.net