ChristchurchNZ Business Events has announced the appointment of Edwina Fitzsimon as business development manager for Australia.

Based in Melbourne, Fitzsimon will assist Australian clients in planning and booking their conference, events, and incentive programmes in Christchurch and the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island.

ChristchurchNZ head of business events Megan Crum said Fitzsimon was joining at an exciting time for the city, which has been seeing a lot of interest as a desirable business events destination.

“Edwina will help us build a significant pipeline of enquiries for conference and incentive groups coming to Christchurch from Australia, ready to win the business once New Zealand border and quarantine restrictions ease,” Crum said.

A proud Kiwi, Fitzsimon brings 21 years of experience in hotels and tourism, specialising in business events sales management. Her most recent role was at Auckland Convention Bureau, where she looked after the Australian market for six years.

“Christchurch has such an intriguing story, and the city is leading the business events renaissance in New Zealand with its state-of-the-art Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and stunning new venues, accommodation and hospitality, set in a beautiful and accessible destination,” Fitzsimon says.

“I am so excited about what Christchurch has to offer the business events market, and excited to share Christchurch’s proposition to Australian professional conference organisers, corporates, association clients and incentive houses.”