New Zealand regions to the fore for CINZ MEETINGS in Auckland

Australian hosted buyers will be offered a pre-touring programme for CINZ MEETINGS 2018, in May, with a choice of eight different regions. The show is one of New Zealand’s largest business tourism trade exhibitions and takes place at ASB Showgrounds in Auckland, from 30-31 May.  Organised by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), the CINZ MEETINGS 2018 pre-touring programme starts on 25 May. After MEETINGS, Australian hosted buyers are also offered the opportunity to visit Middle Earth at the Hobbiton movie set in the Waikato region. MEETINGS 2018 – free to attend for event planners – will showcase 195 exhibitors, from 19 regions across New Zealand, to more than 500 New Zealand, Australian and international buyers. Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand will bring buyers and media from China, South East Asia, India and North America. CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says: “Our regions are really to the fore this year. Their strength of showing makes MEETINGS a must-attend event for 600 event organisers looking to cover all of New Zealand in just one or two days.” Also expected to attend are 220-plus hosted buyers, including 90 Australian hosted buyers and media and 30 international. Furthermore, more than 300 day buyers are set to attend. Pre-scheduled appointments allow buyers to meet a choice of exhibitors from across New Zealand all under one roof, with 35 appointments in two days. International and regional domestic buyers will be fully hosted for their trip to New Zealand with the support of principal sponsor Air New Zealand and supporting hotels in Auckland city. Auckland is expanding with a strong showing from newcomers in the city’s West. The Grounds at Whoa! Studios is a new addition to the line-up, along with the Quality Hotel in Lincoln Green. Taranaki’s New Plymouth Event Venues is returning with a range of spaces including the city’s stadium, theatre and art gallery. Wairarapa returns to MEETINGS with partners including Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park, Tranzit Group and Brackenridge Resort and Spa. Joining Queenstown for the first time, The Rees is a five-star hotel and luxury apartment complex overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Twelve exhibitors will be joining the Luxury Collection to showcase the bespoke experiences and accommodation on offer around the country. Applications for the CINZ MEETINGS 2018 hosted buyer programme close on 2 April. Event organisers can register their interest on the MEETINGS website, here.