MEETINGS 2015 is the place to do business

New Zealand’s premier business events trade exhibition, CINZ MEETINGS 2015 returns for its 19th year in June, promising bigger business opportunities and an expanded programme.

Buyers booked valuable business at last year’s show. Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says this growth is set to continue as the country’s business events sector expands.

“Over $50 million was written at CINZ MEETINGS 2014. It is the place to do business,” Sue Sullivan says.

“MEETINGS is New Zealand’s leading platform for connecting important domestic, Australian and international buyers with key regions, meeting facilities, accommodation, off- site venues and activities.”

Organised by CINZ, MEETINGS 2015 will be staged across two large pavilions at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds on June 10 and 11. All of New Zealand’s regions will be showing their business tourism strengths, with more than 180 exhibitors and an expanded Luxury Collection.

“We are delighted to be back in Auckland again and at ASB Showgrounds. Exhibition space is already booking fast after the success of our first show here last year,” Sue Sullivan says.

“The expansive pavilions have proven popular with exhibitors and buyers, who really appreciate the open, friendly feel.”

Leveraging MEETINGS’ growing international reputation, CINZ is again working with partners Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) and Air New Zealand to attract quality buyers.

They are bringing more than 35 influential buyers and media from North America, Japan, China, India and South East Asia to MEETINGS 2015.

Through their joint strategic partnerships in Australia, TNZ and CINZ are also inviting key association buyers to the event with the support of Air New Zealand.

Australian hosted buyers are in for another treat this year, with the chance to join one of eight regional familiarisation programmes prior to the show, Sue Sullivan says.

For the first time, Nelson and Dunedin are joining other regional hotspots Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch and Canterbury, Queenstown, Hamilton and Waikato to host special weekend experiences for Australians from 6 to 8 June.

“These famil opportunities are incredibly well-received, and they are a fun way for buyers to experience the beauty and charm of regional New Zealand,” she says.

MEETINGS’ social programme will be another guaranteed highlight in 2015.

“We are planning a myriad of networking opportunities this year, showcasing New Zealand’s top venues and best creative and culinary talents.

“It all starts with a fabulous welcome function on 9 June, topped off by a spectacular gala dinner on 11 June. During the two-day event Mix and Mingle drinks, daily lunches, and morning and afternoon teas will set the scene for plenty of relaxed and productive networking.”

Air New Zealand is Principal Sponsor for CINZ MEETINGS 2015, renewing its ongoing commitment to the sector and to the Hosted Buyer Programme. The event’s other major sponsors are ASB Showgrounds, Peek Exhibition and Centium Software.

To apply for the CINZ MEETINGS 2015 Hosted Buyer Programme visit www.meetings.co.nz.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

• MEETINGS is New Zealand’s largest business tourism trade exhibition. 
• MEETINGS has been run annually since 1997 by Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ). 
• CINZ MEETINGS 2015 is expected to attract more than 180 exhibitors from throughout New Zealand. 
• The Luxury Collection, which debuted in 2014, is expanding in 2015 and will highlight exhibitors offering luxe incentive products, venues and services around New Zealand. 
• There were more than 6,000 meetings amongst the more than 1000 people who attended MEETINGS in 2014. 
• Over 220 hosted buyers and media from New Zealand, Australia and international markets, plus 400 day buyers are expected to attend CINZ MEETINGS 2015. 
• Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) is the official, membership based association of New Zealand’s conference and business travel industry. www.conventionsnz.co.nz with over 400 members across a broad range of sector. 
• Its role is to advocate with central and local government, profile and market the sector provide information, professional development and real business opportunities to its members. 
• International knowledge of New Zealand as a business events destination is at an all-time high – with New Zealand ranking 51st in the International Conference and Convention Association’s (ICCA) 2014 annual country and city rankings. 
• New Zealand’s ICCA ranking is up four places on the previous year and sits just outside the world’s top 50.