Economic development expert to visit for RWC

International economic development expert to visit Auckland in preparation for Rugby World Cup 2011

The Auckland region is bringing in the big guns as it continues to encourage local businesses to make the most of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011). London-based city development expert, Greg Clark will be in Auckland on July 28 to demonstrate exactly what the opportunity presented by RWC 2011 looks like for Auckland.

Greg is one of the most respected commentators in his field and a member of the Promote London Council tasked with promoting the city in preparation for the 2012 Olympics. Greg believes that with the correct planning and vision, major events offer cities unprecedented opportunities for long-term economic, social and urban development.

No stranger to Auckland, Mr Clark led a team of international experts in 2005 charged with reviewing the Auckland city-region to define its challenges and development opportunities. In 2008 and 2009 the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance in New Zealand invited Greg Clark to be their international peer reviewer and advisor as they recommended a new local and regional government system for Auckland.

Mr Clark will be joined by senior executives from Auckland International Airport and ANZ Bank. These high-profile companies are set to capitalise on opportunities presented by New Zealand’s hosting of the world’s third largest sporting event, to develop infrastructure, increase brand awareness, drive sales and build relationships beyond the event itself.

The session presented by the region’s economic development agency, AucklandPlus in association with the Auckland Chamber of Commerce offers Auckland business people a rare opportunity to hear what Rugby World Cup 2011 really means for Auckland’s business and social growth, from one of the world’s foremost experts on regional development.

AucklandPlus Chair, Michael Barnett has issued a challenge to Auckland businesses to not only meet, but exceed, the $267 million projected as the direct economic benefit of the Tournament.

“There are an additional 85,000 visitors projected to visit the city during the Tournament. That’s 85,000 credit cards, 85,000 opportunities for Auckland businesses to increase sales, make long-term contacts or increase their profile,” says Mr Barnett.

Mr Clark’s presentation forms part of a six-month long speaker series, to give Auckland businesses an edge with Rugby World Cup-specific business information as well as an opportunity to network with other businesses.

For more information on any of the tools provided by the Auckland region’s business opportunities programme, please visit www.aucklandplus.com/2011-opportunities

Notes to editors:

The Auckland RWC 2010 Speaker Series presented by AucklandPlus in association with the Auckland Chamber of Commerce runs between March and September 2010. More information can be found at www.aucklandplus.com/2011-opportunities

Event details

Date: Wednesday 28th July

Registration: 2.45pm

Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Venue: University of Auckland Business School, Owen Glenn Building, Decima Glenn Room

Tickets: RWC 2011 Auckland Business Opportunities Members: $37 + GST, General admission: $47 +GST

Speakers:

• Greg Clark, International Advisor and Reviewer for City and Regional Issues www.citiesandregions.com
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• Adrian Littlewood, General Manager - Retail & Commercial - Auckland International Airport
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• Graham Turley, Managing Director Commercial, ANZ
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ENDS

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