Returning after two-years due to COVID19 restrictions, Meetings NZ has kicked off in Auckland, New Zealand this week, welcoming more than 500 business events industry buyers and media from Australia and New Zealand.
Welcomed to Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau on Wednesday for Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s MEETINGS exhibition, the delegates were formally greeted to host city Auckland at the ASB Showgrounds with a a mihi whakatau on the show floor, led by New Zealander of the Year theatre, film and television actor Jennifer Ward-Lealand CNZM.
Following her mihi in te reo Māori, the Ngā Rangatahi O Tamaki – a group of passionate youth selected from a variety of high schools throughout Auckland – led a karanga, call of welcome, and a powhiri.
Unable to attend the event in person as Parliament was sitting, the New Zealand Minister of Tourism, Hon. Stuart Nash welcomed guests by video link, followed by BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins and Auckland Unlimited’s Head of Major and Business Events, Richard Clarke.
Prior to day one of the event, delegates were treated to a launch event at Auckland’s newest experience and venue, Weta Workshop Unleashed at SkyCity precinct. Welcomed by Weta creator and Academy Award winner, Sir Richard Taylor, guests were immersed in the fantastical film effects inspired by Wellington’s Weta Workshop, making the most of the surreal environments and interactive experiences.
BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins welcomed the Australian and New Zealand business event decision-makers, encouraging them to learn everything they can about New Zealand as a business events destination and to book their events.
“There’s a sense of confidence coming back, reflected in the number of buyers and the number of first-time exhibitors to MEETINGS this year. They sum up the diversity of this industry – everything from Tauranga-based Brewbus, to Auckland’s stand-out new Hotel Britomart,” Lisa said.
“Many of our buyers have been travelling around New Zealand since Friday taking the opportunity to explore Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Our regional tourism organisations have been hosting familiarisation tours of their cities, highlighting new infrastructure, activities and hospitality. Now they have the chance to meet all of New Zealand in pre-scheduled appointments and networking time with 149 exhibitors across two days,” Lisa added.
In partnership with Congress Rentals, Tourism New Zealand’s Destination Zone showcases the silent conferencing technology as 18 regions across New Zealand deliver overviews to both day buyers and hosted buyers across the two days.
Also added to the new MEETINGS format is the Speaker Series, in partnership with Celebrity Speakers. Introducing the series, Lisa said “We are presenting a selection of Celebrity Speakers’ most in-demand speakers, including Dr Michelle Dickinson of Nanogirl Labs, popular psychologist Nigel Latta, and health and well-being experts, Dr Denise Quinlan and Dr Lucy Hone.”
Sustainability is forefront this year, with guests getting a taste of what is on offer at the Hononga Lounge. This included Bees Up Top, a company rescuing swarm bees and rehoming them in urban areas, such as Auckland hotel rooftops, and For the Better Good who make reusable and compostable water bottles from plants.
See the event in pictures:
Kate Webster is on location in Auckland at MeetingsNZ, hosted by Business Events Industry Aotearoa.
