MEDIA RELEASE 23 February 2005

 

CHRISTCHURCH CONVENTION CENTRE WINS ACCOLADES

CIM Accolade Award for Excellence

 Prestigious industry recognition - best in Canterbury

 The Christchurch Convention Centre has won its 5th Accolade Award for Excellence, and was voted the best venue in Canterbury by readers of industry journal CIM (Conventions Incentives Meetings).

 The Award, presented by CIM publisher Rob Yeomans, was accepted by Cathy Hemsworth,Sales & marketing Director for venue manager NCC (NZ) Ltd in Melbourne on 23 February.

 "I'm absolutely delighted to hand this honour over to one of the most proactive and creative teams in the business," Rob Yeomans said. "The Christchurch Convention Centre has been one of the most innovative and professional industry leaders in Australasia. It's support of all sector groups and willingness to work on joint projects and promotions has been outstanding. They've gone the extra mile time and tme again. And in doing all that they've grown a fledgling New Zealand industry into an international ranking well above that expected for their size and distance from major markets - and they've set the benchmark for customer service and satisfaction."

 As an industry observor, I've seen them notch up success after success with major international meetings that have demanded absolutely world class services including catering and security, and every time the venue has triumphed. The feedback we've always had is that the team there is a delight to work with and they just make plans happen."

Cathy Hemsworth, who has led the marketing strategy, said the Accolades were especially satisfying as they were a  verdict from venue users.

"We've come a long way in seven years and it's rewarding to get industry acknowledgement of our achievements, particularly as we are a small team. We've got a lot to offer both domestic and international clients and a track record that's unsurpassed within New Zealand," Cathy Hemsworth said.

"We can cater for up to 2500 conference delegates so we're a boutique destination with purpose-built international facilities supported by excellent infrastructure, international air services and offering a wealth of pre-and post-touring options. Visitors love being able to walk everywhere around the central city and to discover our fine food and wines."

NCC(NZ) Ltd manages the Christchurch Convention Centre, ChristchurchTown Hall and Westpac Centre for Sport & Entertainment for the Christchurch City Council.  

 Ends