MEETINGS Draws Record Numbers

News release
28 May, 2013
MEETINGS Draws Record Numbers

A two-day showcase of New Zealand’s business events industry has drawn a record number of exhibitors.

Some 180 exhibitors will be promoting their products and services during MEETINGS 2013, which is being held at Auckland SKYCITY Convention Centre on June 26 and 27.

Organised annually by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), MEETINGS give suppliers and operators of a diverse range of destinations, venues, products and services the opportunity to meet under one roof with conference and incentive travel planners from around the globe.

Now in its 17th year, a record 350 local day buyers are expected and 190 hosted buyers will be attending MEETINGS. They are professional business event organisers and decision makers representing influential companies and associations from Australia, China, Malaysia, Singapore, India and New Zealand, being brought here with the support of Air New Zealand.

A group of Australian and US media representatives are also attending MEETINGS, as well as key New Zealand media.

The Chinese and South-East Asian buyers and United States media are attending MEETINGS with the assistance of Tourism New Zealand. During MEETINGS they will get to sample New Zealand’s world-class hospitality first-hand and will be introduced to the diversity of New Zealand’s offerings through a series of briefings by the country’s regional convention bureaux.

“If we want to compete on the international stage we have to show these buyers that not only do we have stand-out destinations but that we also offer great value for money. MEETINGS give us an opportunity to do just that,” says CINZ chief executive Alan Trotter.

“We’re looking forward to a very successful two days and are confident of securing some valuable new business for New Zealand. With the prospect of three new convention centres - in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown – over the next few years we’re moving to the next level to promote New Zealand as the dream destination for conferences, conventions and incentive travel,” Mr Trotter says.

“And with new government funding for Tourism New Zealand recently announced, the coming year will see greater focus on the international business events sector as a means of attracting higher-value visitors to this country.”

Last year MEETINGS generated in excess of $32 million worth of business.

An independent survey conducted by the Reserve Group after the event showed three-quarters of exhibitors left
MEETINGS with new business leads and more than two-thirds of hosted buyers walked away with the intention of booking with exhibitors they had met.

Some 97% of hosted buyers said that MEETINGS had met or exceeded their expectations.

MEETINGS event manager Jeanette Stanton says about 600 people are expected at both the welcome function at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)) Aviation Hall and the farewell dinner at Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront.

“These functions are an important part of MEETINGS because they not only give people a chance to network informally, but they also allow us to showcase some of our unique venues, catering and suppliers of entertainment, audio-visual and event design and theming," says Ms Stanton. “They are a very popular part of our programme.’’

SKYCITY Convention Centre will be operating at full capacity during MEETINGS.

www.meetings.co.nz

ENDS

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