EXHIBITION PREVIEW
Fast facts
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MEETINGS is Aotearoa New Zealand ’ s only national trade show for the business events industry . For the first time , New Zealand ’ s capital , Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington , is host city for the 2023 event . MEETINGS is working towards Toitū net carbonzero certification as a certified event operation . More than 90 hosted and semi-hosted buyers from Australia , plus 130 hosted buyers from New Zealand and 10 from international markets ( including North America and Singapore ) will attend . Up to 300 buyers from Wellington and around New Zealand are also expected to be there for one day . Exhibitors will include venues , production and event design companies , hotels , regional convention bureaux , caterers , attractions and activities . MEETINGS 2022 generated a record-breaking $ 107.5 million of signed business during the event . Last year , 97 % of hosted buyers said MEETINGS met or exceeded their expectations .
MEETINGS , New Zealand ’ s annual trade show for the event , meeting and incentive travel sector , will be making its 27th appearance between 20th and 22nd June 2023 . An anticipated 230 business event planners from Australia , North America , Singapore and New Zealand have been confirmed as fully hosted buyers at the event , which will be held for the first time in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington , at the new Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre .
Organised by Business Events Industry Aotearoa ( BEIA ), the two-day trade exhibition , educational and networking event , will feature 224 stands from 19 regions across New Zealand , filling two levels at the venue .
BEIA ’ s chief executive Lisa Hopkins , says the response to this year ’ s program has been nothing short of phenomenal : “ Now more than ever , it is important to bring buyers to New Zealand to educate them on our destination and show them our country is back open and ready for their business . BEIA has been working with Tourism New Zealand , Business Events Wellington , and Air New Zealand to target key decision-makers .”
Who will be there ? MEETINGS has broadened its source markets in 2023 , with attendees also expected from North America for the first time : “ MEETINGS will demonstrate our ability to deliver well-designed and seamlessly executed five-star incentive programs that meet the world-class expectations of our North American buyers . They will be able to experience first-hand New Zealand ’ s luxury accommodation , high-end transfer options , function venues , dining experiences and the unique , wow factor activities on offer here ,” adds Lisa . At last count , 100 hosted or semi-hosted buyers were anticipated to fly in from Australia – 86 of these are new to MEETINGS or have not been hosted at the event since 2018 .
There are also an anticipated 130 hosted buyers from across New Zealand , with 47 % of these being first-timers .
Fully hosted buyers have both their air travel ( Air New Zealand has again partnered with MEETINGS ) and four nights ’ accommodation included at 26 Wellington hotels – a true collaboration of industry , according to Lisa .
Can I get involved ? New Zealand based EAs can still register to attend as day buyers . This is free , and ideal for anyone responsible for organising meetings and events who would like to attend without pre-scheduled appointments .
Lisa advises that attending for even just half a day is well worth it to make new business connections : “ At no other time can you meet such a diverse range of destinations , venues , products and services under one roof . We ’ re keen to welcome not only Wellington locals for the day but also event planners from around the country . They can pack a lot in during their visit – be among the first to experience the new Tākina venue and meet with their choice of 19 different regions and all of the country ’ s leading business event suppliers . Exhibitors range from new convention venues , hotels and luxury lodges to activity providers , caterers , speakers , designer , and production experts .”
Day buyers will enjoy lunch and refreshments throughout the day , as well as an educational program at the Tourism New Zealand Knowledge and Destination Hub , highlighting valuable updates on what ’ s new across the country , and insightful knowledge sessions .
Not attending this year ? Stay tuned to Executive PA to be the first to hear when registration opens for the 2024 event . S
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Winter Issue 2023 | Executive PA 27