Strength of NZ's business events industry on show next week

Strength of New Zealand's business events industry on show next week

The New Zealand business tourism and events industry will be out in full strength when MEETINGS 2014 opens in Auckland next week.

MEETINGS is the industry's largest trade exhibition and is being held for the first time at the ASB Showgrounds, beginning on Wednesday 18 June.

This year's exhibition has attracted 185 exhibitors, representing every region of New Zealand, as well as over 620 conference and event managers (buyers) from New Zealand, Australia and international markets, who will be scouting for new products and services.

Last year 100 per cent of hosted buyers who attended MEETINGS said the exhibition met or exceeded their expectations, and event manager Jeanette Stanton is confident buyers will be equally happy with what is on offer this time round.

"The shift to the ASB Showgrounds has given us the luxury of space so we've been able to introduce some new elements to MEETINGS which we think people will really appreciate," Ms Stanton says.

While applications for the Hosted Buyer Programme have closed, registrations are still open for those interested in attending MEETINGS as day buyers.

"If it is your role to organise, research or make decisions on conferences, meetings, product launches, incentive experiences, roadshows or any type of event in New Zealand then MEETINGS 2014 is a must-attend event," says Ms Stanton.

'"You can come along for a day or half a day and you'll be able to find under one roof everything you need to organise your next event."

Each of New Zealand's regional convention bureaux, who are available to offer free expert advice to business event managers, will be presenting a series of regional updates and seminars throughout the day on 19 June.

For the first time MEETINGS will be staging an exclusive MasterClass for leading professional conference organisers (PCOs) and event managers, featuring a two-hour session with international presenter and author, Jonar Nader.

"We aim to inspire PCOs and event managers to expand their services and learn new skills beyond logistics and production, and understand more about the art and science of educating an audience," says Ms Stanton.

MEETINGS is organised by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), with the support of Tourism New Zealand and principal sponsor Air New Zealand and is on at Auckland's ASB Showgrounds from June 18 to 19.

To register as a day buyer or find out more go to www.meetings.co.nz

ENDS

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