Hosted buyer applications open for 20th CINZ MEETINGS

Exciting connections are on the cards for the 20th MEETINGS exhibition run by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) in Auckland this June.

CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says hosted buyers will receive invitations this week, and applications are now open online at meetings.co.nz.

“CINZ MEETINGS 2016 will be a stellar anniversary event and our buyers can look forward to full hosting including travel, accommodation and registration for the event on 15 and 16 June, plus famil opportunities before the show gets underway,” she says.

“These buyers are the people responsible for organising, planning, recommending, researching and influencing decisions about conference destinations and incentive travel, and we want to wow them with what New Zealand has to offer.

“Along with our legendary social hosting, the highlight of CINZ MEETINGS is focused, face-to-face appointments. Pre-scheduled appointments mean buyers can meet a choice of 200 exhibitors from 19 regions of New Zealand, all under one roof with 35 appointments across two days.”

Up to 100 hosted buyers from Australia will also have the opportunity to join one of eight regional familiarisation tours around New Zealand the weekend before MEETINGS, and a hosted Auckland familiarisation day experience on 14 June.

Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand are bringing influential international buyers and media to MEETINGS from North America, China, Japan, India and South East Asia.

More than 300 day buyers are also anticipated over the two days of MEETINGS, as well as 100 New Zealand event organisers who will be hosted in Auckland for two days.

MEETINGS’ appointment scheduling system uses the latest online technology for fast and efficient appointment planning. Buyers can select exhibitors they most want to meet with, making the best use of the time.

“Buyers tell us they enjoy the atmosphere of our appointment programme, with five minute breaks between appointments plus morning and afternoon tea breaks, all day coffee and tea, and exceptional networking and familiarisation events,” Sue Sullivan says.

Final applications for exhibitor bookings close on 28 March, and hosted buyer applications close on 18 April.

CINZ MEETINGS’ pre-scheduled appointment requests will take place during May, and the online diary will commence on 31 May with the final appointment diary available to view on 10 June.

Follow CINZ MEETINGS 2016 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and join the conversation with #CINZ16.


For more information and to apply to attend CINZ MEETINGS 2016 go towww.meetings.co.nz

Key Facts

• CINZ MEETINGS 2016 is New Zealand’s largest business tourism trade exhibition, on June 15 and 16 at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds.
• CINZ MEETINGS is celebrating its 20th year in 2016, and has been run by the industry association Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) annually since 1997.
• CINZ MEETINGS is New Zealand’s leading platform for connecting influential domestic, Australian and international buyers with key regions, meeting facilities, accommodation, off-site venues and activities.
• Air New Zealand is Principal Sponsor for CINZ MEETINGS 2016, renewing its long-standing commitment to the sector and to the Hosted Buyer Programmes. 
• Other major sponsors include ASB Showgrounds, Peek Exhibition, Centium Software and Auckland Convention Bureau.
• This year’s event will showcase close to 200 exhibitors from 19 regions across New Zealand to more than 500 New Zealand, Australian and international buyers. Exhibitors include venues, theming companies, hotels, AV companies, regional bureaux, attractions and activities.
• The Luxury Collection, which debuted in 2014, returns for its third year with a strong presence and a new booth layout to showcase New Zealand’s luxury incentive products, venues and services.
• Up to 100 hosted buyers and media from New Zealand, 100 hosted buyers and media from Australia and more than 300 day buyers from all around New Zealand are set to attend.
• Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) and Air New Zealand are bringing influential international buyers and media from China, Japan, South East Asia, India and North America.
• Exhibitors and buyers will hold more than 6,000 meetings during the two days of pre-scheduled appointments and social networking events.
• CINZ MEETINGS 2015 generated $56 million of signed business over its two days of pre-scheduled appointments.

CINZ

• CINZ www.conventionsnz.co.nz is the official, membership based association of New Zealand’s conference and business travel industry with more than 380 members across a broad range of sectors.
• CINZ takes a leadership role in increasing meetings, incentives, conference and events business for the benefit of its members, principal stakeholders and the New Zealand economy.
• CINZ works to actively promote the sector, providing advocacy with central government, and offering assistance, information, professional development and real business opportunities to its members.