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| Auckland |
After a four-year hiatus, MEETINGS 2025 made a triumphant return to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, bringing New Zealand’s premier business events trade show back to the country’s largest and most diverse city. Held at Auckland Showgrounds, the event marked the beginning of a new two-year hosting era for the city, with next year’s MEETINGS set to take place at the state-of-the-art New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).
The return to Auckland offered more than just a change of venue—it represented a symbolic homecoming to the city where commerce, culture, and connection converge. Tāmaki Makaurau, the traditional Māori name for Auckland, has long been known as a place where iwi (tribes) gathered to meet and trade, making it an apt location for the business events industry to gather, collaborate, and create new opportunities.
A City on the Rise
Ken Pereira, Head of Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, shared that the city’s revitalisation had set the stage for an exceptional MEETINGS. With the NZICC nearing completion and significant investment in new hotel infrastructure, Auckland now boasted over 18,000 hotel rooms across the region. New city-centre properties such as Horizon by SkyCity, SOHO Hotel, JW Marriott, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo were complemented by airport additions like Te Arikinui Pullman.
Pereira also highlighted transformative infrastructure projects such as the City Rail Link and Auckland Airport’s upgraded transport hub, which enhanced connectivity while meeting high standards for sustainability. These developments collectively positioned Auckland as a forward-facing, environmentally responsible destination for world-class business events.
Showcasing the Treasures of Tāmaki
A key theme for MEETINGS 2025 was the opportunity to experience the “Treasures of Tāmaki”—a platform showcasing authentic Māori tourism businesses. Through storytelling, cultural performance, indigenous cuisine, and unique accommodation and venue offerings, attendees discovered ways to weave meaningful cultural experiences into their events.
Pereira noted that Māori culture offered Auckland a distinctive competitive advantage on the global stage. By incorporating local iwi and cultural advisors into programme development, the Auckland Convention Bureau helped event organisers create rich, authentic, and memorable experiences for delegates.
Aligning Innovation with Events
The Auckland Convention Bureau also worked to align business events with the region’s innovation economy. In collaboration with local universities and economic development bodies, the city targeted international conferences in sectors such as medical technology, aerospace, clean technology, fintech, and advanced manufacturing. This strategy not only helped attract high-value events but also created opportunities for knowledge exchange and industry growth.
Memorable Moments On and Off the Show Floor
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| sailing on the Waitematā Harbour |
The city’s major venues delivered unforgettable moments throughout the week. Eden Park hosted a high-energy welcome night, showcasing its legendary status as more than just a sports stadium. The closing night celebration at the Viaduct Events Centre brought MEETINGS to a stylish finale, capped by an after-party at the Rooftop at QT Hotel.
With a renewed spirit, exciting developments, and a firm connection to its cultural roots, Auckland reminded attendees why it remained one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most compelling business event destinations.
To learn more about Auckland as a destination for business events, visit
www.aucklandnz.com/meet
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