Vital role of business events recognised at MEETINGS 2022

New Zealand’s flagship events industry exhibition, MEETINGS opened its in-person 2022 edition with a strong endorsement of the business events sector’s role in the country’s economic and social success. The two-day event was officially opened, 15 June, by Hon. Stuart Nash, New Zealand’s minister for tourism and economic development, at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. Show organiser, Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s chief executive Lisa Hopkins said minister Nash’s speech at the opening, and at the welcome ceremony the previous evening, acknowledged the importance the government places on the business events sector, and the vital role it has to play in New Zealand’s future success. “The energy, resilience and optimism of our industry are truly on show. The powerful cultural performances at our opening, and speeches of encouragement have inspired all of our guests,” Hopkins said. MEETINGS is the first international exhibition to be held at New Zealand’s next-generation convention centre, Te Pae Christchurch. There are a record number of exhibitors from 18 regions across 211 stands, and over 400 buyers, including 110 from Australia. “Over the next two days we are making the most of Ōtautahi Christchurch’s compact and beautiful central city, and of Te Pae’s state-of-the art facilities. We are using all the new venue’s expansive and impressively designed spaces, including the exhibition hall, auditorium, meeting rooms, and banqueting rooms overlooking the Ōtakaro Avon River,” Hopkins added. More than 650 people attended the cultural welcome ceremony at Christchurch Town Hall.