Conventions and Incentives New Zealand's annual showcase MEETINGS has been selected as a finalist for Best Regional or National Event in this year's New Zealand Event Awards run by the New Zealand Events Association.
CINZ chief executive Lisa Hopkins says MEETINGS is considered to be an essential event for anyone in the business events industry, with continued strong support from domestic and international buyers.
“We are delighted to receive this recognition which we share with all our members. MEETINGS brings together the very best of our country and promotes all of New Zealand under one roof, it is a must for those who organise, research or make decisions on conferences, meetings, incentive experiences, roadshows or seminars," says Lisa.
“Our exhibition is now in its 24th year, and each year we evolve and grow to meet the changing needs of our visitors, and to reflect the expanding range of experiences on offer throughout the country. We do this because of the enthusiastic support we receive from our industry partners. They are at the heart of the journey, and make MEETINGS the important event it is today,” she says.
MEETINGS 2020 will showcase more than 190 exhibitors from 18 regions across New Zealand to more than 550 New Zealand, Australian and international buyers. Exhibitors include a diverse range of venues, theming companies, hotels, regional convention bureaux, attractions and activities. Last year more than $62 million worth of business was written on the show floor.
This year’s MEETINGS, at ASB Showgrounds in Auckland on April 22-23, gives buyers a chance to cover the country in two days of pre-scheduled appointments, meeting face to face with all the key industry players and finding out what’s new in each destination for 2020 and beyond.
“We have a new education series, an exceptional networking programme and some incredible surprises on the show floor this year, including more than a dozen new exhibitors," says Lisa.
The list includes two new Auckland hotels – Scenic Airedale Suites and the luxurious new Park Hyatt, plus new hotels from national operators, including Sudima’s brand new properties.
Other not-to-be-missed gems include Brewbus, offering minivan tours of craft breweries and experiencing lots of demand from corporate and incentive groups; The All Blacks Experience opening in Auckland mid-2020, and Touchpoint, an onsite ticketing solutions about to enter the New Zealand market for the first time.
The Luxury Collection, now in its sixth successful year, sold out quickly and is one of the premium opportunities for the country’s luxury operators.
