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New Zealand’s biggest business events showcase, MEETINGS 2025 closed on a high on Thursday with a celebration event at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre for 700 guests, following 8000 meetings across two days at Auckland Showgrounds.
More than 1200 people attended MEETINGS this year and comments from both exhibitors and buyers confirmed it was a must-attend event on the Asia-Pacific calendar.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins said guests were impressed by the uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand experiences at the social functions and on the exhibition floor throughout the event.
“The atmosphere has been fantastic and all our buyers from New Zealand, Australia and international markets have been wowed by the depth and breadth of experiences on show from across New Zealand.”
Event organisers have been planning and booking future events on the show floor and have come away with innovative ideas and new suppliers.
This was the first MEETINGS for Sarah Adams from TRIBE Travel and Events Australia, who has spent a week in Auckland, first touring the region then attending the two-day exhibition.
“I’ve made some wonderful connections for the future which I will share with my team back in Melbourne. There are lots of options and something different for groups from 100 to 1000, plus small incentive groups. The regions all have a real sense of community, and venues and suppliers are open to being adaptable for bespoke events. If I can dream it, they can do it,” she said.
Angela Webster from Fable Hotels and Resorts said MEETINGS was a one-stop shop for event organisers. “With all of New Zealand under one roof, MEETINGS reminds everyone how amazing the country is and gives us a chance to update buyers on the latest.
“For example, our Dunedin hotel is now high on the radar for Brisbane visitors, with new direct flights to Dunedin. It’s all about connecting with new people, and reconnecting with others. Attending MEETINGS every year cements these valuable relationships,” she said.
New Zealand’s business events industry night of nights took place at the Viaduct Events Centre. Themed Regatta!, MEETINGS’ exclusive event celebrated Auckland’s sailing legacy.
MEETINGS partnered with Auckland Conventions, Venues and Events, Urban Gourmet, The Events Group, The Production Agency, and Flock Events to make the night come alive.
It featured a high-energy finale with a showstopping performance by Sonar Flare—New Zealand’s newest supergroup made up of members of legendary bands The Feelers, Opshop, and Zed. Later, the celebration continued with the official after-party at the QT Auckland rooftop bar.
MEETINGS 2026 will take place on June 17-18 next year at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland.
“We are excited to be filling the exhibition hall at the new NZICC next year. This promises to be a landmark event for the industry,” Lisa said.
Meeting Newz Best Stand Awards 2025
The MEETINGS 2025 Best Stand Awards were announced on June 12, voted for by hosted buyers and presented by Meeting Newz magazine at the Tourism New Zealand stand.
The winning criteria included initial impact, overall presentation and ambience of the stand, effectiveness of stand personnel, and the presentation of marketing collateral available on the stand.
The 2025 awards were presented by Lisa Hopkins and Terry Holt from Meeting Newz.
“We had our pick of innovative stand ideas this year, and it was delightful to see all the effort, especially from and new exhibitors,” Terry said.
Best New Exhibitor– ROAM
“They might be in their infancy as an organisation, being only 10 days old, but if the queues that their engaging and fragrant activation are anything to go by, they are off to a flying start.”
Best Individual Stand Award– Millennium Hotels and Resorts
“This award recognises the best stand from an independent exhibitor and celebrates the individual style and creativity of one of most established exhibitors.”
Best Regional Stand– Rotorua
“This year, 18 regions are proudly exhibiting at MEETINGS, and once again they’ve gone above and beyond to showcase the very best of what their destinations have to offer. From creative concepts to stunning designs, the standard has been nothing short of spectacular.
“This year’s winning region, Rotorua, has added a new element to an already successful design, positioning itself as the ultimate destination to relax and unwind with their region’s robe-based activities. The combination of their region’s renowned manaakitanga with robe-clad staff has proved a huge hit this year,” Lisa said.
