Aotearoa, New Zealand’s annual business events exhibition, MEETINGS, broke records this year for the projected value of business it generated. Business Events Industry Aotearoa's (BEIA) post-MEETINGS buyer survey shows $157 million will be placed over the next five years following the two-day event in Wellington this June—a significant increase on 2022’s results.
BEIA CEO Lisa Hopkins said new infrastructure, increased international connectivity, and diverse regional offerings make New Zealand a desirable destination for event planners. “Business events are more than just economic contributors, they also heavily influence positive outcomes for society, communities, and create long-term legacies," she said.
With the opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in 2025, and two new convention centers in Christchurch and Wellington already open, business is being booked well into the future.
“We are securing strong advance bookings for the next five years. That means more doctors, scientists, technology experts, and innovative industry leaders coming to our shores to meet, bringing their global knowledge and collaborating with our experts.
“Not only are conference delegates stimulating the economy, but they are also supporting our culture, our environment, and our society. Local retailers, accommodation and hospitality providers, educational institutions, and communities all feel the boost when a conference is in town,” Hopkins continued.
BEIA’s MEETINGS 2023, held in Wellington, was the largest in its 27-year history, with 224 exhibition stands representing 19 regions, and over 400 buyers, including 100 from Australia and 10 from international markets.
Business Events Week takes place from September18 to 22, starting with the BEIA Conference in Marlborough, followed by a Policy Forum in Wellington, the Tourism New Zealand Business Events National Awards, and a Business Forum in Auckland. Supported by Tourism New Zealand, business events experts and international strategists will be joining local professionals to focus on the sector’s future legacies and opportunities.
For more information, visit www.beia.co.nz.
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