MEETINGS 2022 set for fruitful show

Event professionals from Australia and New Zealand are set to meet in Christchurch, 15-16 June, for the business events trade show, MEETINGS 2022. Organisers report the two-day event at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has sold out, with 211 stands from 18 New Zealand regions and over 500 buyers, including 110 from Australia. Lisa Hopkins, chief executive of Business Events Industry Aotearoa, said: “The strong level of interest in MEETINGS is telling us that confidence in the sector is strong and both buyers and exhibitors have drawn a line in the sand around Covid-19. The perspective is very much about the future and what that can deliver.” Over 50 Australian hosted buyers will arrive on 10 June for weekend familiarisation tours of Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, Marlborough, and Queenstown. During MEETINGS, buyers will be hosted at 15 hotels close to the Te Pae Christchurch. Hopkins commented on Te Pae Christchurch: “In this spectacular venue in the new city of Ōtautahi Christchurch, we will be harnessing the power of face-to-face meetings. Te Pae Christchurch’s state-of-the-art exhibition halls, auditorium, and meeting rooms will be buzzing with activity, and creative energy from around New Zealand and across the Tasman.” Jen Henshaw, event director for MEETINGS 2022, added: “We have exceptional collaboration and support from the huge range of suppliers that bring an event together. Everything from audio visual, entertainment, to design and theming is on hand in Christchurch.” A range of professional development sessions are also part of the schedule at MEETINGS 2022. They include the Tourism New Zealand Regional Showcase and Knowledge Sessions, Celebrity Speakers Showcase, Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Masterclass, and a breakfast to celebrate the BE Mentoring programme, which saw 23 event professionals from around New Zealand mentor 23 younger colleagues in the industry. MEETINGS Day buyer registration is still open online and a NZ$100 (US$65) air travel rebate is on offer for visiting buyers. For more information, please click here.