city partnership in place , the timing was perfect to showcase the destination , a brand-new state of the art convention centre and a range of new exhibitors , products and services .”

Te Pae Christchurch soon won ’ t be the only centre of its type in the country . Tãkina Wellington Conference and Exhibition Centre ( Tãkina ), New Zealand ’ s second new generation convention centre , will open in June 2023 and will host MEETINGS as one of its first events .

“ Aotearoa New Zealand is wowing event organisers with cutting-edge new infrastructure across the country , continuously expanding air connectivity , incredibly diverse regional character , strong cultural values , and innovative sustainability practices ,” Hopkins adds .

Wellington As the capital of New Zealand , it ’ s unsurprising that Wellington is a hub for the country ’ s business events . The city is home to most of New Zealand ’ s central government agencies , educational institutes , and crown research institutes . Alongside these sectors , Wellington is popular with the information and technology industries , start-ups , and established brands such as Xero .

Considering the variety of sectors represented within the country ’ s capital , it ’ s unsurprising that the city plays host to numerous international conferences and events .

Business Events Wellington explains that business is drawn in by a several step strategy . In the ‘ attraction ’ stage , it appeals to events whose size , topic matter , and importance suit Wellington and New Zealand . The ‘ retention ’ stage sees Business Events Wellington work with various organisations to retain specific conferences by signing multi-year agreements .

Overall , these conferences align with sectors of importance to

Wellington , such as the Festival for the Future and the New Zealand Game Developers Conference .

For Wellington , providing value also includes the development of its venues and infrastructure . Notably , the 2023 debut of Tãkina has already created a buzz within the industry . Wellington ’ s commitment to building the Centre ’ s international reputation is evident in the venue ’ s confirmed bookings . Despite its 2023 opening date , Tãkina is already set to host both MEETINGS and the Festival for the Future conference in the same year .

David Perks , Wellington City Council general manager of Tãkina ’ s commercial development , comments on the venue ’ s contribution to the region : “ The intent of Tãkina has always been underpinned by a small number of critical principals .”

“ First and foremost , we look to the centre as a driver of vibrancy and prosperity for our city . Wellington has sound experience of investing in central business district ( CBD ) infrastructure and activation that makes the city a better place for locals and visitors .”

“ Considering the variety of sectors represented within the country ’ s capital , it ’ s unsurprising that the city plays host to numerous international conferences and events .”

Below : Tākina

Wellington

Conference and

Exhibition Centre

Perks explains that an important focus for Tãkina is to contribute to Wellington ’ s public events programme , which is also supported by venues such as Te Papa Tongarewa ( the national museum ) and the Sky Stadium .

“ Tãkina will be a place dedicated to business events and providing our organisations , institutions , and Government with a place to speak from , to share , and collaborate .” Perks adds .

This goal fits in nicely with the venue ’ s name - one of the meanings of which is ‘ to connect ’ in te reo Mãori .

Wellington did not neglect its experiential market in its citywide developments . The sweet tooth in every MICE organiser must have been awakened at the announcement of the Wellington Chocolate Factory ’ s expansion . Taking full advantage of its proximity to Tãkina , the factory ’ s second site already plans to lure the Centre ’ s peckish delegates in with group chocolate making tours and tastings .

More traditional experiential functions are also prominent in Wellington . This includes the