Wellington has won the rights to host the 7th International Symposium on Submarine Mass Movements and Their Consequence in Wellington in November 2015.

The bid was supported by Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT) and the Conference Assistance Program (CAP) and is expected to inject $500,000 into the economy.

The symposium is expected to attract 150 international delegates and speakers from universities, research organisations and industry and will focus on all aspects of submarine landslides.

NIWA Marine Geologist and conference convenor Dr Joshu Mountjoy said, “This is the benchmark conference for submarine landslide researchers around the world. New Zealand has a long history of research into submarine slope instability and bringing this conference to New Zealand is very exciting and offers a great opportunity to showcase our research and unique offshore environment.”

TNZ’s management of the Conference Assistance Program has seen New Zealand bid for 39 events over the last financial year, securing nine international events to date.

For more information about the Conference Assistance Program visit www.businessevents.newzealand.com.