SKYCITY Entertainment Chosen to Develop New Zealand International Convention Centre

June 20, 2011

The New Zealand government chose SKYCITY Entertainment to develop the New Zealand International Convention Centre on a three acre site.

SKYCITY Chief Executive Nigel Morrison said this is an important and long anticipated development for both Auckland and the New Zealand convention and tourism industries.

“SKYCITY is excited to be involved in this development, and we welcome the opportunity,” said SKYCITY CEO Nigel Morrison. “We envisage that the New Zealand International Convention Centre on this site will be an iconic building in the heart of Auckland, central to hotels, universities, theatres, entertainment and all forms of hospitality. It will be something we can all be proud of.

He added, “Once completed and fully operational, this development will create approximately 800 new skilled jobs for young New Zealanders, rejuvenate the surrounding precinct and create substantial new business, retail and tourism opportunities.”

In addition, Morrison said, 1,000 people will need to be hired during the construction phrase. SKYCITY estimates a January 2015 opening for the New Zealand International Convention Centre.

Officials estimate the new center will attract more than 183,000 delegates each year, generating more than 350,000 delegate days attending international and domestic conferences, events and exhibitions.

It also is estimated the NZICC will generate around $90 million of visitor expenditure in the local economy every year.

“Auckland will now be in a position to attract major international conferences and exhibitions that New Zealand currently misses out on,” Morrison said.

He added, “These will bring large numbers of new international convention delegates and visitors to Auckland and New Zealand. SKYCITY is an award-winning operator in the conventions industry, currently operating the largest convention facility in Auckland. We look forward to working together with the Government, the Auckland Council and the convention and hospitality industries to make this vision a reality.”

SKYCITY will fund the full development costs, estimated to be around $350 million.

As part of the proposed deal, SKYCITY will negotiate with government some changes to the regulations that cover its casino activities.

These changes include an increase in the capped number of gaming tables and machines and an extension to the existing casino license in Auckland beyond its current renewal date of 2021.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact