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Over 230 business event organizers worldwide are set to attend the MEETINGS exhibition, an educational and networking event in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, this June. The event, organized by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), features 224 stands from 19 regions across New Zealand, filling two levels at the new Tākina – Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.

With 100 hosted or semi-hosted buyers flying in from Australia, 86 of whom have not attended MEETINGS before or have not been hosted since 2018, and 130 hosted buyers from across New Zealand, this event is set to be a massive success. BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins says the response to the MEETINGS 2023 program has been 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,” she says.

The MEETINGS exhibition, which will be held on Wednesday, 21 and Thursday, 22 June, is a collaboration between BEIA, Tourism New Zealand, Business Events Wellington, and Air New Zealand. Fully hosted buyers have their air travel and four nights’ accommodation included. Air New Zealand has again partnered with MEETINGS to facilitate flights for buyers, and 26 Wellington hotels are hosting accommodation.

“MEETINGS is a collaboration. BEIA cannot put the event on without the extraordinary support of our partners and we are thrilled not only to have our friends at Air New Zealand on board, but also, and for the first time, the Wellington hotel collective. It’s this unified approach that lies at the heart of our event,” says Hopkins.

In addition to the exhibition, Tourism New Zealand will host eight high-end senior incentive and meeting planners from North America who will visit Auckland and Queenstown before and after MEETINGS in Wellington.

“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,” says Hopkins.

BEIA will also host two international buyers and one media representative from Singapore. These influential buyers will visit Auckland and Christchurch before heading to Wellington for MEETINGS 2023.

The day buyer program is free of charge and ideal for anyone responsible for organizing meetings and events wanting to attend without pre-scheduled appointments. Day buyers are hosted to lunch and refreshments throughout the day. An educational program at the Tourism New Zealand Knowledge and Destination Hub highlights valuable updates on new nationwide and insightful knowledge sessions.

“Even if you can only spare half a day, it is worth visiting MEETINGS to make business connections and professional development opportunities. At no other time can you meet such a diverse range of destinations, venues, products and services under one roof,” says Hopkins.

Registrations are now open for day buyer positions, and everyone who registers before 17 May has a chance to win travel to Wellington and MEETINGS social event tickets.

The MEETINGS exhibition allows event planners and suppliers to come together to showcase the best of New Zealand’s business event offerings. With its stunning scenery, world-class venues, and warm hospitality, New Zealand is the perfect destination for business events.