Record MEETINGS exhibition set for Christchurch in June

New Zealand’s annual business events industry trade show, MEETINGS has sold out with a record number of exhibitors set to meet with event organisers from across Australia and New Zealand in Christchurch, 15-16 June. The two-day event will showcase 211 stands from across 18 regions of New Zealand, welcoming 410 event organisers to the newly constructed Te Pae Christchuch Convention Centre. The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) event will be officially opened by minister for tourism, Stuart Nash, and returns to Christchurch for the first time in 14 years. Lisa Hopkins, chief of BEIA, commented: “Across one impressive and expansive space at Te Pae, our hosted buyers can meet all of New Zealand’s leading hotels, venues, convention centres, tourism activities, and suppliers to the business events industry. “Our Australian buyers have the chance to tour select regions before and after the event, and airline partner Air New Zealand has offered hosted buyers the opportunity to extend their stay and explore more of New Zealand at their leisure.” BEIA MEETINGS 2021: https://youtu.be/xL0bX4XWvRQ A programme has been designed to explore ideas from business events innovators within and outside the industry, learn and apply new business frameworks and design events of the future. The Tourism New Zealand Regional Showcase will share the latest products and new initiatives from 20 regions, giving buyers the opportunity to research destinations. Presentations will run throughout both days of MEETINGS, and registrations are encouraged as there are limited spaces available. Hopkins added: “We want to really showcase our smaller regions, spanning every possibility of landscape and activities – coastal, alpine, urban, wildlife, cultural, and food and wine, and silos of knowledge, all with excellent venues, accommodation and distinctive local hospitality.” Day buyers from across New Zealand who register for MEETINGS and spend a full day on the show floor can receive an air travel rebate up to the value of NZ$100 (US$65) towards return airfares to Christchurch, plus free registration, hospitality at MEETINGS and return airport transfers.