15 June, 2015

MEETINGS cranks up the ‘wow’ factor

MEETINGS 2015 has taken things to the next level, wowing guests with the sights and sounds of New Zealand.

Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) staged its largest industry exhibition last week, wrapping the event up in Auckland with a gala dinner at Shed 10.

“Our Australian and international buyers have been looking for new destinations, something different and outside the square and they certainly found plenty to excite them this year at MEETINGS,” CINZ chief executive Sue Sullivan said.

“We have shown them New Zealand is a brilliant learning and networking environment. We can offer the whole package, with exciting activities, culture, service, food and wine.”

The promise of new convention facilities in Auckland and Christchurch has also been welcomed by professional conference organisers looking for large-format New Zealand venues.

Aussie organisers were given the chance to explore seven regions in the lead up to MEETINGS, while over 50 international buyers were hosted through the regions over the weekend.

Dieticians Association of Australia’s Carolyn Jamieson visited Rotorua, and has grand plans to spread the word back home.

“We discovered a well-kept secret,” Jamieson said.

“Our group of Australian buyers loved it. We were treated like family and the Rotorua team gave us an adventure of a lifetime.”

AgCarm Inc in Wellington’s Lee Shephard added that MEETINGS’ was a well-run conference that was enjoyable to attend.

“Both buyers and exhibitors love the online diary scheduling with a five minute breather between each,” she said.

Exhibitors have been thrilled with the quality of buyers and the numbers of appointment slots filled at MEETINGS. First time exhibitors Hassle Free Tours from Canterbury say 60% of their appointments have been with Australians keen to get back to Christchurch.

Hassle Free owner and director Mark Gilbert says buyers have been bringing business with them, and they have written several contracts on the show floor.

“We will definitely be back on an annual basis now,” Gilbert said.

Speaking at MEETINGS, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Tourism, Sectors, Regions and Cities’ director Roger Wigglesworth said the New Zealand government is committed to attracting more business event visitors.

“These are high spending visitors who fill the shoulder seasons and deliver regional expenditure, raise New Zealand’s profile and generate additional taxation revenue,” he said.

“Conventions bring people with new or world-leading ideas, potential investors and export business partners.

“This is why governments are interested in attracting more business events, why there is a need for government involvement in attracting business events, and why the government is doing to more to make New Zealand a more attractive destination for business events.”

These initiatives include new infrastructure with international standard facilities in Auckland and Christchurch, and adopting a consistent and coordinated national approach to promoting New Zealand as a business events destination.

The 20th CINZ MEETINGS will be held on June 15 and 16 2016 at ASB Showgrounds in Auckland.

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CINZ meetings 2015 New Zealand