Exhibitor registrations for Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA) annual MEETINGS 2022 are now open.
Last hosted in the South Island 14 years ago, the two-day event will take place on 15 and 16 June in Christchurch, also known as Ōtautahi in the Maori language, at the purpose-built Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
Deemed as the most important event on New Zealand’s business events calendar, MEETINGS is the country’s only national tradeshow for the business events industry. Now in its 26th year, it normally hosts 90 Australian buyers, 100 New Zealand buyers, 20 international buyers and 15 Australian and New Zealand media.
BEIA events project manager Jen Henshaw said a dynamic programme was being put together to appeal to both domestic and international buyers in 2022.
“High on everyone’s wish-list is the opportunity to connect face-to-face with qualified hosted buyers from Australia, New Zealand and key international markets across two full days,” Henshaw said.
“Our pre-scheduled appointment programme with qualified decision-makers will create valuable new business opportunities, and MEETINGS’ busy social programme is the chance to network and cement relationships.”
Despite the severe impact of the global pandemic, BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins said the inherent human need to meet and connect in-person has not waned.
“The results from this year’s event were extraordinary, demonstrating the powerful desire for business events, and the importance they will play in New Zealand’s economic recovery and reconnections to the world,” she said.
This year’s event, which was held in June during an opening in the trans-Tasman bubble, showcased 150 exhibitors from 17 regions to 140 qualified hosted buyers from Australia and New Zealand. Over the two days, $74 million was provisionally secured from over 4,500 appointments, and 97 per cent of exhibitors felt the event met or exceeded their expectations.
ChristchurchNZ head of business events Megan Crum said exhibitors from around New Zealand will have the chance to experience the new Te Pae Christchurch, and the other incredible venues and hospitality in New Zealand’s newest city.
“Participating in, and leveraging off this event should be top of the list for New Zealand business events industry members in 2022,” Crum said.
