The two-day event, which wraps up in Auckland tonight, hosted 650 international and domestic buyers who were excited to learn more about New Zealand’s world-class locations, venues, and service after meeting with 192 exhibitors from across 17 regions.
Conventions and Incentives New Zealand’s (CINZ) Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says the opening of new convention facilities in Auckland and Christchurch next year is an exciting prospect for international organisers looking for modern large-scale venues in desirable locations. This, along with the new hotels that have opened and are soon to open, provide our cities with first-class infrastructure to support these world-class convention centres.
"Our influential contingent of international buyers and media at MEETINGS 2019 left inspired about New Zealand as a business events destination, and what we can offer for large events, as well as for high-end, bespoke incentive travel,” says CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan.
"The quality of our exhibitors has created a real buzz amongst our buyers, and together they have held over 6,000 meetings, and will be leaving MEETINGS with strong business signed,” she says. “Last year $60 million of business was signed on the show floor.”
“For our business it is all about building strong relationships, and meeting face to face to cement ties. The welcome our visitors have received this week has given them an unforgettable taste of New Zealand’s unique culture, our people, our distinct regional characteristics, and a deep insight into how warmly their delegates will be received here.”
Over 30 Australian organisers were given the opportunity to explore New Zealand before MEETINGS, and another 20 Australian buyers are on their way to Christchurch tomorrow to experience first-hand the transformation of the city including its new venues, hotels and activities.
For first-time buyer Monique Bernauer from Forum Group Events and Marketing, MEETINGS was amazing. New Zealand is growing with new venues and suppliers, and so much to give and experience all in one place. "MEETINGS itself is easy to navigate, with engaging stands.”
Hayley Green, from Cievents has had her first trip to New Zealand for MEETINGS, and it has been eye-opening and fascinating she says. “Kiwis are great to do business with, and there’s a real sense of community. New Zealand sells itself from the moment you step on an Air New Zealand plane, the safety video sums it all up. New Zealanders do things differently.”
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons event organiser, Elise Campbell from Melbourne is another first timer in New Zealand and says she is definitely bringing conferences to New Zealand, especially because of the meaningful cultural experiences. “MEETINGS is a seamless process. It’s so well set out. This has been a great chance to meet people face to face, and the smaller operators too.”
Melissa Waller of Event Travel Management in Sydney was back to MEETINGS for the first time in five years. “It’s great to be on the ground and getting the inspiration, I have had lightbulb moments here that happen mid-conversation when you meet people. I have been able to sign up business on the show floor as a serious buyer,” she says.
Koro Carman from Footprints Waipoua in Northland region says MEETINGS has reinforced for him the powerful impact Northland has for conference and incentive delegates. “Last weekend’s pre-familiarisation to Northland opened eyes for Australian buyers to the huge opportunities for meeting in the far north. Once they have personally engaged with the stories, the people, and the landscapes they are enchanted and excited by the options,” he says.
Taranaki region exhibited for the first time at MEETINGS this year, with a packed schedule of appointments. Marketing Manager for Venture Taranaki, Vicki Fairley says buyers are seeing Taranaki as a fresh destination and it is giving them a different look at what New Zealand can offer. “With new and unique venues, buyers are finding New Plymouth is an ideal compact, accessible and affordable small city just 40 minutes by air from Auckland on the North Island’s east coast.”
ChristchurchNZ Convention Bureau Manager, Claire Hector-Taylor says buyers have shown huge interest in Christchurch at MEETINGS this year. “From the first appointment on day one, we have received a string of leads and signed business for our new city venues, including the reopened Christchurch Town Hall and Te Pae opening in 2020. People definitely want to come back, and MEETINGS has given us the chance to share all the details they need,” she says.
ChristchurchNZ’s eight business partners on stand include Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa marketing manager, Shane Adcock who says Christchurch’s resurgence is fantastic for the whole region and is being felt in Hanmer Springs too. “It is reflected in investment from operators in the village, including our new thermal pools and conference venues opening later this year."
CINZ MEETINGS 2019 is New Zealand’s largest business events trade exhibition.
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