The latest developments in the fascinating and fast-moving world of artificial intelligence will be revealed and discussed in Auckland in 2020, when the International Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems (AAMAS) comes to New Zealand for the first time in its nearly 20-year history.

More than 500 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the five-day conference in April/May 2020, delivering more than 2400 visitor nights and nearly $900,000 in economic value to the region.

AAMAS is the largest global conference focused on agents and multi-agent systems – key elements of artificial intelligence which are widely applied in robotics, smart mobile systems and decision support systems.

The conference will bring together researchers and practitioners in all areas of agent technology and provide a single, high-profile forum for research in theory and practice.

The New Zealand bid team was led by Dr Quan Bai at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), and Professor Michael Winikoff from the University of Otago – with support from Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development’s Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) and Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme.

Dr Bai, Senior Lecturer at AUT’s School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, says it will be just the second time in 20 years that AAMAS will be held in Oceania: “That is fantastic recognition of New Zealand’s emergence in the highly specialised world of autonomous agents and multi-agent systems.

“It wasn’t easy to win the bid against strong competition, and the hard work isn’t over. In fact, it starts all over again now as we aim to deliver a fantastic, highly successful AAMAS.”

Head of ACB, Anna Hayward says: “Securing another significant international conference brings great opportunities for Auckland and New Zealand’s scientists to showcase their world-class expertise to an influential international audience, and to build important global relationships.

“Following hot on the heels of a series of major recent international business event wins ACB has assisted with, this is further great news for Auckland and New Zealand’s visitor economy.”

Tourism New Zealand’s Manager of Business Events and Premium, Lisa Gardiner says: “Attracting globally-renowned conferences such as this one support Tourism New Zealand’s strategy to grow the value of international tourism to New Zealand.

“They benefit the economy and support sector growth, including the creation of high value jobs for New Zealanders.”