Zoos and Gardens among new exhibitors attending New Zealand’s MEETINGS 2023

New Zealand's premier business events showcase, MEETINGS 2023 to be held on 21st and 22nd June in Wellington is attracting new exhibitors and buyers including Wellngton Zoo and Hamilton Gardens.

MEETINGS 2023 run by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has seen over 200 stands having already been booked, including 18 new exhibitors who will take part in the first MEETINGS to be held Wellington at the brand new Tākina – Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.

MEETINGS, now in its 27th year, is New Zealand's leading platform for connecting influential domestic and Australian buyers and media with key regions, venues, accommodation, production and event design companies, and activities.

MEETINGS 2022 generated $107.5 million worth of business during its two days - a 45.3% increase on MEETINGS 2021.

BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins says the huge support for MEETINGS from exhibitors and buyers reflects the strength of New Zealand's reputation as a world-class business events destination and the rebound of business events' confidence.

Hopkins notes “the Hosted Buyer programme was launched in early February and the response is tracking at the highest level ever. We are delighted with industry enthusiasm for the programme and the eagerness of buyers wanting to experience Wellington and everything New Zealand has to offer this sector.”.

The 18 new exhibitors this year represent accommodation providers, venues, event management companies, tour companies and activities. With complementary products and services, many new exhibitors are choosing to share a stand and an appointment stream.

Among them is first-time exhibitor, Wellington Zoo. Close to the city centre, with diverse venue spaces including the award-winning Kamala's (pictured above), the zoo gives visitors a rare opportunity to connect with native and exotic wildlife.

Vanessa Langford from Wellington Zoo Trust says attending MEETINGS and reaching the business events sector is an important part of their business plan and enthused “we are excited to expand our client base and reach a broader audience, while promoting our sustainability initiatives as a Carbon Zero Zoo. And, as a not-for-profit organisation, all proceeds from our events go back into caring for the animals and our conservation work.”

Hamilton Gardens in Waikato (pictured top) is also new to MEETINGS this year. The internationally acclaimed 54-hectare park tells the stories of gardens throughout the ages and combines an award-winning visitor destination with renovated venue hire spaces.

Ali Bartleet, Business Development Lead for Hamilton's Visitor Destinations says MEETINGS is the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of the venue hire offering at Hamilton Gardens.

“With a major new development project kicking off, and reconfiguration of our indoor spaces due to be completed in time to host 2024 events, we are excited to develop relationships with business events industry professionals and put our Waikato gem firmly on the consideration list,” she says.

Kinross winery, Queenstown Chief Executive Nicky Sygrove says MEETINGS has a reputation as such a great place to connect and reconnect with so many industry faces.

Sygrove adds “we knew we needed to be part of this event. The fastest way forward for us all is to share knowledge and band together. Kinross will be promoting our new cellar door that immerses guests in our world of wine here in Central Otago. We look forward to showcasing the range of visitor activities we can offer groups visiting Queenstown - from dining and wine tastings through to incredible 'cork and fork' full immersion experiences.”

MEETINGS is free to attend for event planners as a Hosted Buyer or Day Buyer. The Hosted Buyer programme allows buyers to meet a choice of exhibitors from across New Zealand all under one roof as part of a pre-scheduled appointment diary. Australian and regional regional domestic buyers will be fully hosted for their trip to New Zealand with the support of airline partner Air New Zealand and supporting hotels in Wellington.

Limited spaces are available on the MEETINGS 2023 Hosted Buyer programme until applications close on Wednesday 19th April. Day Buyer registrations open Wednesday 26th April.

More on MEETINGS 2023 at www.meetings.co.nz/