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The largest Australian delegation ever, consisting of 126 business event organisers, will arrive in Auckland next week for New Zealand’s most significant business events showcase.

MEETINGS 2025 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 Tuesday, 10 June at Eden Park by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Louise Upston and the Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown.

Peter Needham will be on hand there to report the latest developments in New Zealand’s business events industry for EGT Media.

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, on 11 and 12 June, is open to anyone interested in organising business events in Aotearoa New Zealand. These can be corporate events, conferences, product launches, incentive experiences, exhibitions, roadshows, or team-building events.

The 2025 show features 35 new exhibitors, representing venues, theming companies, hotels, AV companies, regional bureaus, attractions, and activities from around the country.

BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins, says 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 says.

With the support of seven regional convention bureaux and Air New Zealand, 64 Australian buyers will explore more of New Zealand, visiting destinations of their choice before and after the meetings. Hosted buyers are also set to experience a city tour sponsored by Auckland Convention Bureau on Tuesday, 10 June.

“MEETINGS is a microcosm of New Zealand under one roof. Buyers can organise their events on the spot, boost their knowledge of the regional destinations, get updates on all the new infrastructure, and find out more about the assistance available to bring their events here.”

Last year, MEETINGS generated more than $110 million of business bookings during its two days of pre-scheduled appointments.

The exhibition is open to a broader audience during Industry Hours, from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm on Wednesday, 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.

MEETINGS organiser, Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), is the official membership-based association representing New Zealand’s business events sector, which encompasses meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

BEIA brings together an industry membership from across regional convention bureaus, tourism, hotels, convention centres, event suppliers and event organisers working to grow and benefit the business events industry within New Zealand. Its efforts are aimed at creating positive outcomes for members, stakeholders, and the broader economy, encouraging both domestic and international opportunities.

BEIA is also the custodian of Pīata Mai, the national strategic direction for New Zealand’s business events sector. Launched in 2024, this 10-year strategy outlines a clear path for addressing the industry’s challenges and unlocking sustainable growth opportunities.

Beyond advocacy, BEIA plays a central role in developing the sector’s capability, offering professional development, education, and accreditation for individuals working in business events. The association represents more than 460 organisations and maintains an extensive network of buyers and organisers across New Zealand and Australia.

Through its work, BEIA continues to elevate the business events sector as a vital contributor to New Zealand’s visitor economy and broader society.

MEETINGS is Aotearoa New Zealand’s only national tradeshow for the business events industry. It is the leading platform for connecting influential domestic, Australian, and international buyers with key regions, meeting facilities, accommodations, off-site venues, and activities.

Major partners include Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand Business Events, Auckland Convention Bureau, Auckland Showgrounds, EventsAIR, Peek Exhibition and Display, and Exhibition Hire.