The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) has announced its first New Zealand-based board member, appointing Te Pae Christchurch general manager, Ross Steele, to the role.

Steele said with Te Pae Christchurch and Tākina in Wellington now fully operational, and NZICC on its way, the appointment was timely.

“Ōtautahi Christchurch and New Zealand have a tremendous amount to offer the international business events community and I’m looking forward to advocating for and raising the profile of New Zealand business events amongst our international colleagues,” Steele said.

Steele is also currently a member of the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) board. He has been part of the events community for over 25 years, having previously held board and governance positions in Australia, including 11 years with the Business Events Council of Australia.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the lessons learnt from AIPC activities with colleagues here in New Zealand to help further grow our knowledge and capability. We already have great city infrastructure and a supportive local sector, but I believe the continued exchange of knowledge of ideas benefits everyone.”