The Meetings program has expanded to offer even more professional development opportunities for delegates gathering in Auckland from June 17 – 19.

For the first time Meetings is staging an exclusive master class for leading professional conference organisers (PCOs) and event managers, including a two-hour session with international presenter and author, Jonar Nader.

Meetings event manager Jeanette Stanton said, “The Meetings master class is an initiative we have created for a small group of PCOs and event managers. In turn they will take part in our pre-scheduled appointment programme and social functions.

“We aim to inspire PCOs and event managers to expand their services and learn new skills beyond logistics and production, and understand more about the art and science of educating an audience.

“Our social program is a very important part of Meetings. It gives our hosted buyers and exhibitors a chance to network informally as well as to experience some of our great venues, sample top New Zealand cuisine, see creative event design and theming, and enjoy some fabulous entertainment.

Meetings Mix and Mingle is a new addition to the programme this year. In the hour from 5.15pm after the exhibition closes on Wednesday 18 June, hosted buyers and exhibitors can enjoy drinks and nibbles around the regions on the floor at ASB Showgrounds.

Stanton said, “We wanted to give people free time in a relaxed setting to reconnect over a glass of wine after a busy day.”

Meetings social events kick off on June 17 with a welcome function hosted by Pullman Auckland Hotel in its Princes Ballroom.