Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s flagship exhibition, MEETINGS has opened with a strong endorsement of the sector’s role in New Zealand’s economic and social success.
The two-day event was opened by Hon. Stuart Nash, New Zealand’s Minister for Tourism and Economic Development at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre this morning.
“I want to acknowledge the resilience and endurance of the business events sector in the face of the challenges presented over the past couple of years. It has been tough times,” Nash said.
“There have been few opportunities to host large-scale face-to-face events such as this one, which are crucial in fostering strong international connections and trade.”
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins says Minister Nash’s speech at the official opening today, and at the welcome ceremony last night acknowledged the importance the government places on the business events sector, and the vital role it has to play in New Zealand’s future success.
“The energy, resilience and optimism of our industry are truly on show today. The powerful cultural performances at our opening, and speeches of encouragement have inspired all of our guests,” she says.
MEETINGS is the first international exhibition to be held at New Zealand’s next-generation convention centre, Te Pae Christchurch. There are a record number of exhibitors from 18 regions across 211 stands, and more than 400 buyers, including 110 from Australia.
“Over the next two days we are making the most ≈åtautahi Christchurch’s compact and beautiful central city, and of Te Pae’s state-of-the art facilities. We are using all the new venue’s expansive and impressively designed spaces, including the exhibition hall, auditorium, meeting rooms, and banqueting rooms overlooking the ≈åtakaro Avon River,” Lisa says.
Last night more than 650 people attended the cultural welcome ceremony at Christchurch Town Hall. Minister Stuart Nash welcomed overseas guests to Aotearoa New Zealand, and they were welcomed to Ōtautahi Christchurch by Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
