Trio of economic development awards for Auckland

3 October 2016

Trio of economic development awards for Auckland

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.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown was delighted with the accolades: “This is more recognition of Auckland’s ability to deliver world-class economic growth programmes and initiatives. I’m proud of the way we continue to raise the bar each year, adding to our reputation as a city of momentum.”

ATEED Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says: “Auckland could not have received these accolades without a focus on kotahitanga, or one shared purpose. They are a tribute to Council’s collaborative approach, the valued input of our many public and private sector partners, and our collective determination to deliver great outcomes for the region.”

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.

ends

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