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Day one of MEETINGS 2026 at Auckland’s NZICC opened with BEIA’s leadership panel series, held in the afternoon while buyers, sellers and media were treated to morning famil.
Panel members ranged across the business events sector and wider visitor economy. The panel included speakers, Bjoern Spreitzer, General Manager New Zealand and Business Events, Tourism New Zealand, Iain Walker, General Manager Workforce Management, Air New Zealand and Megan Crum, General Manager, PCOA.
The topic of choice was global tension and geopolitical pressure, and whether it’s now the new normal. Iain Walker, General Manager Workforce Management, Air New Zealand says, “Fuel prices in aviation supply has not been an issue, but prices have been fluctuating, and Air New Zealand has not been recovering in that cost.”
“We’re trying to offset that cost and keeping a close eye on it.” he says.
BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins spoke on election year positioning and says, “This sector has an important role to play.”
“National economic infrastructure using business events to connect to the world. This is where real opportunities lie- events that build capability.” she says.
Another panellist, Dr Jo Scott-Jones spoke of the lead-up to Rural WONCA 2026, and a closing discussion looked at the link between general business and business events, with contributions from BusinessNZ and the Employers and Manufacturers Association.
The afternoon concluded, followed by the official opening at NZICC at Te Paepae, with speeches from Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, Lisa Hopkins, and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill.
Day two began with the exhibition floor opening, a traditional pōwhiri led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei at the Tourism New Zealand stand and a real buzz that helped set the tone for the day. Through the late morning, media took a walk around several stands to learn more about their businesses, including the launch of Auckland AJ Hackett Bungy’s new Sky Ride and a hold of the Bledisoe cup with former All Black, Ian Jones.
Media also spoke with the Auckland Convention Bureau, Te Unua Museum of Southland, Te Puna Mahara at the Cromwell Memorial Events Centre, the National Library and Archives’ Tiakiwai Conference Centre, and Cliffside near Karioitahi Beach.
In the afternoon, Lisa Hopkins made herself available to media to answer any pressing questions and the buzz on the trade floor was huge. If you were feeling lucky you could try your hand at Mini Putt and win a prestigious golfing experience, or a game of darts to win spot prizes. Even a claw machine was in full use!
The day ended out with a cocktail hour on the trade show floor that made for some very happy delegates.
