Lester Thorley
Senior Communications Advisor – Business Innovation and Skills
A trio of Auckland economic development projects have received prestigious international accolades from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) at its annual awards in the United States.
IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards – announced at the organisation’s annual conference in Ohio last week – recognise the world’s best economic development programmes and partnerships, marketing materials and leaders.
Auckland was honoured for two hugely successful business and innovation events, Techweek AKL 2016 and the Tripartite Economic Summit – Auckland 2016, and a popular domestic tourism campaign featuring Robyn Malcolm.
The Excellence in Economic Development Awards were:
- ‘Advertising Campaign’, Silver award – Beyond Your Backyard tourism campaign
- ‘Special Purpose Website’, Bronze award – Techweek.co.nz website
- ‘Special Event Campaign’, Silver award – Tripartite Economic Summit – Auckland 2016.
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), Auckland’s economic development agency, developed the Beyond Your Backyard campaign to showcase the Auckland region to Aucklanders during spring 2015. It created a $14.2 million increase in spend by Aucklanders in Auckland that season, and more than 325,000 people viewed the campaign’s seven one-minute videos of lesser-known things to do around the region.
The inaugural Techweek AKL, a cluster of design, innovation and technology events in May was coordinated by ATEED on behalf of Auckland Council. Its success prompted a drive from the Government for this to be a national event in 2017.
ATEED and Council were also jointly recognised for the Tripartite Economic Summit – Auckland 2016, which was held in Auckland in May this year, attracting more than 700 delegates, including more than 150 from the partner cities Los Angeles and Guangzhou. With a focus on building business to business connections and trade between the partner cities, it has already resulted in more than $30 million of deals for Auckland
The awards process is independent and multi-layered, and IEDC 2016 Board Chair Barry Matherly said: “[The awards] are extraordinary accomplishments for all winners, and an overall great effort by all participants.”
On behalf of his board of directors and the Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee, he congratulated Auckland Council and ATEED: “Not only did they work to provide a necessary service to their community; but also, their participation in the awards programme sheds light on their stellar projects which other communities can now use a benchmark.”
Last year, Auckland received an IEDC silver award for an immersive multimedia presentation which promoted investment opportunities in Auckland.
Notes to Editor
- The IEDC is a non-profit membership organisation serving economic developers. With more than 4700 members, it is the largest global organisation of its kind.
- The inaugural Techweek AKL was a cluster of design, innovation and technology events held in Auckland from 14-22 May this year.
- The Tripartite Economic Summit – Auckland 2016 connected entrepreneurs, businesses and city officials from Los Angeles, Guangzhou and Auckland. It was held at the Viaduct Events Centre on 16/17 May.