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New Zealand’s tourism industry rolled out the red carpet last night for 750 industry professionals at the country’s national stadium, Auckland’s Eden Park, to kick off Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA) flagship event, MEETINGS.

New Zealand Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Louise Upston, opened MEETINGS 2025 by announcing the Government is investing an additional NZ$3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, as part of Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme (CAP).

“I see the business events sector as an incredibly valuable visitor market for supporting tourism growth. That is why I’m thrilled to announce I am committing an additional NZ$3 million to Tourism New Zealand to boost business events attraction for a further year,” she said.

BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins (left) with New Zealand’s Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Louise Upston

“Business events punch well above their weight by attracting high-value international conferences to our regions and main centres throughout the year, and MEETINGS is a prime example of this.

“Events like this are a powerful reminder of what it takes to deliver world-class experiences – whether its state-of-the-art venues, exceptional food and catering, smooth logistics, or engaging content,” Minister Upston said.

Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown officially welcomed guests to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, acknowledging the city’s unique standing as the largest Polynesian city in the world and the significant infrastructure investment shaping its future. He was joined by BEIA Chair Martin Snedden and Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins, who reflected on the proud legacy of Eden Park, a venue steeped in history and home to many of New Zealand’s sporting legends, which included Martin’s own memories playing for New Zealand’s international cricket team.

MEETINGS is New Zealand’s largest business events showcase. The two-day trade exhibition starts tomorrow (11 June) at Auckland Showgrounds, where over 550 buyers will meet with 215 exhibitors across 255 stands representing 18 regions.

Lisa Hopkins said MEETINGS perfectly aligned with the industry’s broader goals: driving demand, supporting growth and talent for a more sustainable industry and future.

“The real impact of this event won’t be seen in just two days, but in the business it generates over the next 12 to 18 months,” Hopkins said.

“Tonight’s event gave us exclusive access to one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, Eden Park. This was more than just a welcome – it was a celebration of connection, culture, and the power of place.”

“On top of amazing venues like this, we have a myriad of talented professionals in New Zealand to deliver spectacular events like these. We wanted to show our international and Kiwi guests what we can turn on for them. We wanted them to feel the maanakitanga of an event which embraces our Māori culture with the support of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei .”

Vidcom, Better Band and Auckland Convention Bureau joined the Eden Park team to put on a spectacular welcome for MEETINGS 2025 delegates. It included a dazzling light and laser show produced by Switch It Up. Guests were also taken through a bespoke walk of fame featuring memorabilia from Eden Park’s sporting and entertainment history and met All Black greats Josh Kronfeld and Ian Jones.