Central Otago Business Events has secured the hosting of the 2024 Sustainable Trail Conference in Cromwell from March 18-24, 2024.

The conference announcement last week served as an ideal lead-in to ‘Meetings’, the Business Events Industry Aotearoa tradeshow, which is on this week in Wellington’s new convention centre, Tākina. 

The two-day event is New Zealand’s major annual tradeshow and will host more than 240 Australasian buyers and 300 day buyers.

 “At Meetings our team will showcase the diversity of Central Otago’s unique venues, accommodation, activities, and experiences at 30 pre-scheduled appointments and a regional showcase,” Central Otago Business Events lead Andrea Lauder said.

“It is key to connecting with professional conference organisers and event managers on a one-on-one basis so we can align our sector assets and regional strengths to attract the right business event.”

Destination Tourism Central Otago head Antz Longman said it was very satisfying to inspire and build confidence to attract an event that “aligned with the attributes of our region while offering delegates a perfect balance of work and play in stunning Central Otago”.

”Securing the hosting of the Sustainable Trails Conference is a perfect example of attracting an important business event that aligns perfectly with our regional offering and gives an opportunity for our community and businesses to learn from the world’s best, and of course tell our story of the world class trail network developed in our backyard by individuals, communities, and trail trusts.”

 The Sustainable Trails conference is organised by Tourism Recreation Conservation in conjunction with World Trail. It is Australia and New Zealand’s leading sustainable recreational trails event and was last held in New Zealand in 2019. 

The conference brings together a range of trail interests (users, designers, planners, land managers, volunteers, clubs and construction experts) to talk about what is driving the trails industry. Attendees will hear from leading professionals on sustainable trail development, management, and marketing.

“Hosting the Sustainable Trails Conference in Central Otago presents an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate how the region’s network of trails has had a positive impact on our communities from both a social and economic perspective,” Otago Trails marketing executive Geoff Marks said.

“For example, the Otago Trails now provide sustainable, year-round, employment opportunities as well as promoting a more sustainable form of tourism. The conference will also provide a fantastic forum to gain knowledge, collaborate, network, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable trail initiatives.”