New Zealand’s largest business events showcase has opened at Auckland Showgrounds, where more than 550 buyers will meet exhibitors on 253 stands representing 18 regions.
They were welcomed to Auckland on Tuesday 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, on 11 and 12 June, is open to anyone wanting to organise business events in Aotearoa New Zealand – corporate events, conferences, product launches, incentive experiences, exhibitions, roadshows, and team-building events.
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 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 of the Australian buyers will explore more of New Zealand, visiting destinations of their choice before and after MEETINGS. Hosted buyers are also set to experience a city tour hosted 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.
It is truly uplifting to see New Zealand establishing itself so strongly in the global MICE and business events market—everything from CINZ MEETINGS in Auckland to really immersive cultural experiences like MEETINGS Rotorua are setting the bar high. The personalisation, world-class venues, and Māori-led programs highlight how this destination is personalising experiences for modern delegates.
If anyone is interested, I have recently written a comprehensive piece that explores the factors that AI and smart tools bring to increased efficiency and engagement to events – particularly relevant for organisers looking to combine high-tech solutions with real local experiences: https://bit.ly/3Zt9V5M