MEETINGS 2025 concluded with a vibrant Auckland waterfront celebration, showcasing New Zealand’s top event suppliers and destinations, while facilitating over 8,000 meetings and valuable industry connections across two days.
MEETINGS 2025, New Zealand’s largest trade exhibition for the business events industry, concluded successfully at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre, following two high-impact days at Auckland Showgrounds where over 8,000 pre-scheduled meetings took place. As the anchor event for New Zealand’s business events calendar, MEETINGS 2025 brought together more than 1,200 attendees, including domestic and international buyers, suppliers, and destination representatives, highlighting its strategic importance across the Asia-Pacific MICE landscape.
Hosted by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), MEETINGS 2025 served as a live marketplace for event organisers seeking innovative solutions, regional diversity, and culturally rich experiences. BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins emphasized the value of showcasing uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand experiences, noting that buyers were deeply impressed by the blend of professionalism, creativity, and hospitality offered by exhibitors from across the country.
Feedback from participants confirmed MEETINGS 2025 as a crucial platform for reconnecting with existing partners and forming new supplier relationships. Angela Webster of Fable Hotels and Resorts described the event as a “one-stop shop” for planners, especially with increasing interest in regional destinations like Dunedin, supported by new air connectivity.
The event also spotlighted New Zealand’s cultural vibrancy with a Regatta!-themed closing celebration that paid homage to Auckland’s maritime heritage. MEETINGS 2025 collaborated with key partners including Auckland Conventions, Venues and Events, and The Events Group to deliver an immersive experience. A performance by New Zealand’s new supergroup, Sonar Flare, and an after-party at QT Auckland capped the festivities.
The MEETINGS 2025 Best Stand Awards recognized excellence in exhibitor presentation. Rotorua won Best Regional Stand for its creative robe-based concept, Millennium Hotels and Resorts took Best Individual Stand, and ROAM—only 10 days old—earned Best New Exhibitor, illustrating the event’s role in spotlighting both established and emerging players.
Looking ahead, MEETINGS 2026 is set to take place at the new New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) on 17–18 June 2026. According to Hopkins, this transition marks a milestone and promises to elevate the event’s scale and global reach.
As the business events industry continues to rebound and evolve, MEETINGS remains a pivotal platform that reinforces New Zealand’s capacity to deliver world-class meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions with a distinctive local flavour.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
