Australian hosted buyers heading to New Zealand’s premier business events meeting next year can be sure of “a huge welcome” to celebrate the soon-to-be-created travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand.
The two-way travel bubble was confirmed by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern earlier this week. See Gates open! Two-way travel bubble with NZ from early 2021
In a powerful gesture of confidence, Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), the official, membership-based association of New Zealand’s conference and business events industry, has gone ahead and confirmed MEETINGS 2021 for 2 and 3 June in Auckland, with its hosted buyer program launching early in 2021 – now just a few weeks away.
MEETINGS has always been a much-anticipated date on the business events calendar. It attracts hosted buyers and media from Australia.
BEIA (formerly CINZ) chief executive, Lisa Hopkins says next year’s event will be critical for reigniting the industry and updating buyers on the latest venues and unique experiences across the country.
MEETINGS 2019 at ASB Showgrounds, Auckland
“With our trans-Tasman travel bubble looking to open next year, MEETINGS will be celebrating the return of Australian hosted buyers back to Aotearoa New Zealand, and we can promise them a huge welcome,” Hopkins said yesterday.
MEETINGS is known as is a must-attend trade exhibition and networking event for all conference, meeting and incentive organisers booking business in New Zealand. In 2020, for the first time in 25 years, it was cancelled due to Covid.
“Our industry has continued to stage a large number of successful business events in New Zealand since restrictions lifted, bringing a huge level of confidence back into the industry. Now we are setting our sights on the return of international business events to destinations around the country, with the positive economic and social benefits they bring,” Hopkins said.
BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins
“MEETINGS 2021 will be the pinnacle of all our efforts, connecting hundreds of highly qualified business event organisers with New Zealand’s leading suppliers and regions. We can’t wait to share our manaakitanga (warm hospitality) with industry leaders.”
For the first time, in 2021 all MEETINGS’ Hosted Buyers from Australia and New Zealand will have the opportunity to experience more of New Zealand with eight regions on offer for MEETINGS’ pre- and post-familiarisation program.
“As well, our Hosted Buyer programme includes a carefully curated pre-scheduled appointments diary, access to exclusive networking events, complimentary flights and accommodation.
“We will have as many buyers as possible in person, but we will also have opportunity for the rest of the world to connect with exhibitors in a digital format. Business events are years in the planning, so we must continue to keep our future visitors engaged and focused on bringing their event to New Zealand,” Hopkins said.
MEETINGS 2021 will held at ASB Showgrounds Auckland on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 June. The following year, in mid-2022, MEETINGS will be hosted in Ōtautahi Christchurch at the city’s new convention centre, Te Pae Christchurch.
Hosted buyer registrations for MEETINGS 2021 will open in January 2021.
Edited by Peter Needham
Auckland Harbour. Photo by Nate Hovee from Pexels
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