The 28th Asian Seed Congress exceeded expectations, attracting more than 1,100 people from 45 countries to Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
It was the first time New Zealand had held the Asia and Pacific Seed Association’s (APSA) premier meeting, co-hosting with the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association (NZGSTA) and with the support of New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries, ChristchurchNZ and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
Delivering value
Visitors experienced New Zealand’s Māori culture with a traditional welcome, then it was down to business. Organisers believe close to 10,000 meetings were held during the event.
APSA President Dr Manish Patel says: “We estimate that as much as US$150m to $200m of new business is generated from Congress directly, and upwards of $1bn indirectly.
“Important collaborations were formed related to agricultural R&D and innovation.”
Experiences around the conference
Sold-out Post-Congress tours included visits to Plant & Food’s research centre and a new seed coating technology plant.
Some 50 delegates also took part in a charity fun run, donating NZD$4,050 to Ronald McDonald House Canterbury Charities.
The event also hosted its first ever Ladies Luncheon aimed at cultivating equity in the seed industry.
Watch the 28Th Asian Seed Congress video here: https://youtu.be/Z6LvaxXfoo4
Would you like to take your association event to New Zealand or partner with your New Zealand counterpart to hold a regional conference in New Zealand?
Contact Tourism New Zealand’s Australia-based Business Development Manager, Helen Bambry, about the business-specific funding and support available: helen.bambry@tnz.govt.nz
About Tourism New Zealand
More than an extraordinary destination, New Zealand is where connections are made, new experiences are shared, and relationships are forged.
Tourism New Zealand’s dedicated Business Events team is passionate about making every event a success. They offer personalised advice and flexible business-specific funding to help you host a successful conference in New Zealand. This includes proposal assistance, GST consultation, site inspection coordination and marketing resources. For more information, visit businessevents.newzealand.com
