Case study: Hosting the Southern Hemisphere’s largest surgical meeting
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre welcomed surgeons and healthcare professionals for the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-disciplinary surgical meeting, held across five days in May 2024.
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) 92nd Annual Scientific Congress (ASC) attracted over 1,500 delegates – including 1,350 from outside of New Zealand. The event marked the first time in 17 years the congress had been held in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
RACS Manager of Conferences and Events Ally Chen said “Te Pae’s central location and its new facilities made it the choice to host RACS ASC 2024.”
Careful organisation
Bringing together some of the world’s leading surgeons and health professionals across a week-long programme, which included over 900 presentations and 18 special interest programmes that utilised spaces throughout whole centre, required careful organisation.
“The event planning process with the team was very smooth and the team was open to ideas to make things easier for us,” says Ally.
A taste of the region
Delegates were able to experience Christchurch’s dynamic food and entertainment scene with eleven section dinners held at central city venues – each within walking distance of Te Pae – over the course of the congress. As well as catering for delegates throughout the events programme, the team at Te Pae Christchurch also had the chance to demonstrate their own culinary flair at the Congress Dinner, attended by over 400 delegates, held in the Rivers Room.
“We were very well looked after by the culinary team,” says Ally. “Their quick response to our additional requirements was greatly appreciated and their initiative was excellent.”
Range of activities
For networking opportunities, the trade exhibition hall proved to be a popular attraction, offering delegates the chance to interact with leading industry suppliers and explore the latest advancements in surgical technology and practice.Attendees also got the chance to experience more of the inner city’s unique environment with a fun run through Hagley Park, located less than 10 minutes’ walk from Te Pae Christchurch. A morning yoga session, held at Te Pae Christchurch, also gave delegates the chance to get active before the busyness of each day.
Unparalleled success
The event in Christchurch was acknowledged by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons as an ‘unparalleled success’.
“The overall feedback we received from the delegates indicated that this is the best ASC they have been to,” says Ally. “I know very well the huge amount of effort that goes into these events. The entire crew at Te Pae provided great support over the week for the RACS ASC 2024. I will definitely recommend Te Pae as a great venue option for others.”
