New Zealand’s largest business events showcase gets underway next week at Auckland Showgrounds, where more than 550 buyers will meet exhibitors on 253 stands representing 18 regions.
They will be welcomed to Auckland on 10 June at Eden Park by minister of tourism and hospitality, Hon Louise Upston and mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown.
Run annually since 1997 by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), MEETINGS returns to Auckland for the first time in four years. The two-day exhibition runs 11-12 June and the 2025 show includes 35 new exhibitors representing venues, theming companies, hotels, AV companies, regional bureaux, attractions and activities from around the country.
BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins said New Zealand’s growth as a premium destination for business events is sparking interest around the world, and buyers are eager to attend MEETINGS and ready to book events here.
“This year sees the largest-ever delegation from Australia, with 126 business event organisers crossing the Tasman to meet in Auckland. They will be joined by a group of international buyers, alongside a strong contingent of domestic event planners, all keen to find out what New Zealand has to offer for conferences, incentive travel and corporate meetings,” she said.
With the support of seven regional convention bureaux and Air New Zealand, 64 of the Australian buyers will explore destinations of their choice before and after MEETINGS. Hosted buyers are also set to experience a city tour hosted by Auckland Convention Bureau on 10 June.
Last year MEETINGS generated more than NZ$110m (US$66m) of business bookings during its two days of pre-scheduled appointments.
The exhibition is open to a wider audience during Industry Hours between 2.30pm and 4.00pm on both 11 June and Thursday 12 June.
Day Buyer registrations are still open. To find out more about the MEETINGS 2025 programme and Industry Hours entry go to the MEETINGS website. Registration is free.
