Over 1,000 professionals from the business events industry have descended upon Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, New Zealand for the highly anticipated MEETINGS 2023 exhibition hosted by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA).
The event kicked off last night with a Welcome Function at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. The event marks the first time in its 27-year history that the annual trade event is being held in Wellington, signifying a new era for the sector.
BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins, expressed excitement for this year’s MEETINGS, highlighting the record-breaking number of buyers and exhibitors in attendance. Notably, international buyers are making a comeback after a four-year hiatus, adding further significance to the event. Last year’s MEETINGS in Christchurch generated an impressive $107.5 million, solidifying its reputation as the single most important event in New Zealand’s industry calendar.
Tourism New Zealand is hosting senior incentive and meetings planners from North America, who will explore Auckland and Queenstown before and after the MEETINGS in Wellington. International buyers and media from Singapore, who recently visited Auckland and Christchurch, are also being hosted by BEIA. Hopkins emphasizes that MEETINGS offers firsthand insights into New Zealand’s ability to deliver exceptional events while showcasing the country’s world-class cities, venues, accommodations, transportation hubs, and the warm hospitality encapsulated by manaakitanga.
General Manager of Tākina Commercial Development at Wellington City Council, David Perks, expresses immense delight in welcoming buyers and industry colleagues from around the country and abroad to Wellington. Hosting MEETINGS for the first time at Tākina, their state-of-the-art venue, is a momentous occasion for the city and its local partners. The overwhelming support from stakeholders, including a record number of Australian buyers, further reinforces Wellington’s reputation as a premier destination for business events. Perks concludes by stating the city’s excitement for the future of business events in Wellington as they embark on this new era.
MEETINGS 2023 is supported by partners such as Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, Wellington NZ, Tākina – Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, EventsAir, Peek Exhibition, Exhibition Hire, Celebrity Speakers, and Johnston’s. The event promises to be a catalyst for fostering business connections, driving economic growth, and showcasing the vibrant city of Wellington to the world.
View photos from the opening night event on our Facebook Page.
Travel Monitor journalist Kate Webster is on the ground in New Zealand reporting live from MEETINGS 2023. To stay up to date with more on the event, check in with Travel Monitor daily HERE.
Photo Credit: Smoke Photography Ltd.
