Conventions and Incentives New Zealand’s (CINZ) annual business events showcase, CINZ MEETINGS 2019, wrapped up last week with a colourful fiesta-themed gala celebration in Auckland.

Dubbed Fiestaval in the Sky, the event was managed and designed by Total Event, which transformed the SkyCity Convention Centre into a high-energy fiesta atmosphere.

The evening was not only a farewell for MEETINGS 2019, but also a farewell for SkyCity Convention Centre, which is closing in late October to make way for new tourism attractions.

Taking over the entire fifth floor of the venue, the event gave attendees a taste of South American, Mexican and Latin cuisine, with catering provided by The Kitchen at SkyCity.

The Production and Music Agency was tasked with producing the entertainment, which included a Latin band, DJ and Latin dancers. Guests also took part in a silent disco, which featured live DJs playing on three different tracks.

Encore brought their expertise to provide staging, lighting and integrated digital technologies for the event.

During the evening, CINZ chief executive Sue Sullivan also announced the 2019 exhibition stand winners.

Best new exhibitor went to Auckland Zoo for their focus on sustainability and an energetic team; best individual stand went to Millennium Hotels & Resorts for their visually appealing display; while best stand went to Auckland Convention Bureau for their personalised Avatar activation.

“We had so many extraordinarily clever and eye-catching exhibition stands this year, and it was a difficult decision for the judges to come down to choosing the final three,” said Sullivan.

“They gave particular mention to the smaller regions, and commented how welcoming, warm and passionate they were.”

Next year’s CINZ MEETINGS will be held on 22 and 23 April 2020 at ASB Showgrounds in Auckland.