New Zealand’s annual business events industry tradeshow, MEETINGS is a sell-out with a record number of exhibitors set to meet with event organisers from Australia and New Zealand in Christchurch on June 15-16.
The two-day event will showcase 211 stands from across 18 regions of New Zealand to 110 Australian and more than 300 New Zealand event organisers at New Zealand’s first next-generation convention centre, Te Pae Christchurch.
A Business Events Industry Aotearoa event, MEETINGS will be officially opened by Minister for Tourism, Hon. Stuart Nash, and returns to Christchurch for the first time in 14 years.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins says it is fitting MEETINGS will be the first large international exhibition event at Te Pae Christchurch, which, along with the city itself, is proving a drawcard for leading event planners from across the Tasman and around New Zealand.
“Across one impressive and expansive space at Te Pae, our hosted buyers can meet all of New Zealand’s leading hotels, venues, convention centres, tourism activities, and suppliers to the business events industry.
“Our Australian buyers have the chance to tour select regions before and after the event, and airline partner Air New Zealand has offered hosted buyers the opportunity to extend their stay and explore more of New Zealand at their leisure,” she says.
As well as two days packed with pre-scheduled appointments, buyers and exhibitors also have the chance to participate in knowledge sessions organised by Tourism New Zealand.
This programme is designed to explore new ideas from business events innovators within and outside the industry, learn and apply new business frameworks and design events of the future.
The Tourism New Zealand Regional Showcase will share the latest products and new initiatives from 20 regions, giving buyers the opportunity to research destinations and get a high-level overview of what’s new and unique, to help them select their next business event destination. Presentations will run throughout both days of MEETINGS, and registrations are encouraged as there are limited spaces available.
“We want to really showcase our smaller regions, spanning every possibility of landscape and activities – coastal, alpine, urban, wildlife, cultural, and food and wine, and silos of knowledge, all with excellent venues, accommodation and distinctive local hospitality,” says Lisa.
“For example, Kaik≈çura on the South Island’s East Coast, where the mountains meet the sea, is opening the new 120 room, 4.5-star Sudima Hotel Kaik≈çura in October with two conference and event venues. Fantastic new products in the region include helicopter tours, wildlife experiences, and The Coastal Pacific train between Christchurch and Picton.
“In the centre of the North Island, set on New Zealand’s largest lake, Taup≈ç region’s unique volcanic landscape has a wide range of accommodation options, from intimate boutique lodges in breathtaking surroundings to dedicated conference venues and resorts, and a range of top-tier activities from scenic flights and bespoke nature experiences to spa packages and luxury escapes.”
Day buyers from across New Zealand who register for MEETINGS and spend a full day on the show floor can receive an air travel rebate up to the value of $100 towards return airfares to Christchurch, plus free registration, hospitality at MEETINGS and return airport transfers
“As well, this is a rare opportunity to see and experience Te Pae Christchurch in action hosting a large event over multiple spaces,” Lisa says.
