Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA) flagship exhibition, MEETINGS, has opened with a strong affirmation of the sector’s role in New Zealand’s economic and social success. The two-day event was opened by Stuart Nash, New Zealand’s minister for tourism and economic development at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
Lisa Hopkins, chief executive of BEIA, said Minister Nash’s speech at the event acknowledged the importance the New Zealand government places on the business events sector, and the vital role it has to play in the island country’s future success.
MEETINGS is the first international exhibition to be held at New Zealand’s convention center, Te Pae Christchurch. There are a record number of exhibitors from 18 regions across 211 stands, and more than 400 buyers, including 110 from Australia. Hopkins added that the attendees would make the most of the city of Ōtautahi (Christchurch), besides the convention center’s exhibition hall, auditorium, meeting rooms, and banqueting rooms overlooking the Ōtakaro (Avon River).
More than 650 people attended the cultural welcome ceremony at Christchurch Town Hall. Minister Nash welcomed overseas guests to Aotearoa (New Zealand), and they were welcomed to Christchurch by Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
The opening ceremony, hosted by ChristchurchNZ, began with a mihi whakatau (welcome speech) and kapa haka (performance) from Ngāi Tūāhuriri to welcome all attendees to Christchurch. The grand finale was a rendition of Dave Dobbin’s “Welcome Home” performed by Stella Maris, who was wearing a harakeke (flax) woven dress, created by Ōtautahi weavers Mihi Adams and Toni Rowe, depicting the intertwining of the city’s culture, heritage, community and people.
For more information, visit www.meetings.co.nz.
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