Thursday, May 15, 2025
Business events professionals from across New Zealand, Australia, and key international markets are gearing up to converge on Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for MEETINGS 2025, the flagship event of the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA). Set to take place from June 10 to 12 at the Auckland Showgrounds, MEETINGS 2025 marks the return of New Zealand’s premier business events exhibition to the city after a four-year hiatus.
The event promises to be a vibrant hub where over 200 New Zealand exhibitors will showcase the latest developments in the country’s business events sector, alongside networking opportunities, hosted buyer experiences, and unique local cultural and leisure activities.
MEETINGS 2025: A Milestone for Auckland’s Business Events Sector
According to the New Zealand Government’s Business Events page, the business events industry is a vital contributor to the country’s economy, attracting thousands of delegates annually who inject significant revenue into local communities. MEETINGS 2025 is a key event supporting this growth by bringing together industry leaders, planners, suppliers, and buyers to foster connections and showcase New Zealand’s business event capabilities.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins expressed enthusiasm for Auckland’s return as host city:
“MEETINGS was last held in Auckland in 2021, and now is an exciting time to be back in New Zealand’s largest city. It offers the perfect platform to highlight major developments, infrastructure investments, and new products emerging from Auckland and across the country.”
This excitement aligns with Auckland Council’s vision for Tāmaki Makaurau as a global business events destination. The city is undergoing transformative growth to cater to increasing demand and raise its profile on the international stage.
Auckland’s Transformational Infrastructure and Accommodation Boom
Auckland’s capability to host large-scale business events has been significantly boosted by investments in infrastructure and accommodation. The opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), operated by the Auckland Convention Bureau, represents a major milestone. This state-of-the-art venue is New Zealand’s largest purpose-built convention centre, equipped with flexible meeting spaces, cutting-edge technology, and world-class facilities designed to host international conferences and business gatherings.
Ken Pereira, head of Auckland Convention Bureau at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, highlighted the city’s rapid transformation:
“There are now 18,000 hotel rooms in the Auckland region, with numerous new properties adding to the city’s accommodation portfolio, including Horizon by SkyCity — which offers direct access to the NZICC — SOHO Hotel Auckland, JW Marriott, Intercontinental, Hotel Indigo, Abstract, and Hotel Grand Chancellor, alongside the new Te Arikinui Pullman at Auckland Airport.”
These additions reflect Auckland’s growing appeal as a business events hub and align with the government’s focus on tourism and economic development. According to MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment), business events tourism plays a crucial role in stimulating regional economies and increasing New Zealand’s international profile.
Further enhancements supporting Auckland’s accessibility include the ongoing City Rail Link project and the expansion of Auckland Airport, which features a new transport hub to better connect the city with domestic and international visitors.
New hotel openings scheduled for 2025 include Radisson RED — the first of its kind in the Pacific — and TRIBE Auckland, expanding the diversity of accommodation options for visitors attending MEETINGS 2025 and other events.
A Unique Experience for Hosted Buyers and Delegates
MEETINGS 2025 offers more than just exhibition and networking opportunities; it provides hosted buyers with curated Auckland experiences that showcase the city’s unique cultural and recreational assets.
On June 10, hosted buyers will enjoy an Auckland city experience, including visits to iconic attractions like the All Blacks Experience and Wētā Workshop Unleashed, where they can explore New Zealand’s renowned creative industries. Additionally, wine tasting on Waiheke Island, known for its boutique vineyards and scenic landscapes, and sailing on the Waitematā Harbour offer memorable ways to connect with the destination.
The welcome night kick-off event will be held at Eden Park, one of New Zealand’s most famous sporting venues, providing a vibrant setting for delegates to mingle and celebrate the return of MEETINGS to Auckland. The event culminates with a final celebration at the Viaduct Events Centre on June 12, followed by an after-party at the Rooftop at QT Auckland, showcasing the city’s dynamic nightlife.
MEETINGS 2025: Supporting New Zealand’s Business Events Future
The return of MEETINGS to Auckland coincides with a broader national agenda to strengthen New Zealand’s position in the global business events market. The government, through agencies such as Tourism New Zealand and MBIE, continues to invest in infrastructure, marketing, and partnerships that enhance the country’s appeal to international event planners and delegates.
Business events contribute significantly to New Zealand’s GDP by bringing high-value visitors who often extend their stay to experience the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Events like MEETINGS 2025 not only facilitate business but also promote cross-sector collaboration, innovation, and international trade opportunities.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Business Events in Auckland and New Zealand
With its new facilities, growing accommodation capacity, and commitment to sustainability and accessibility, Auckland is well-positioned to welcome major international conferences and exhibitions in the coming years. The City Rail Link and airport expansions ensure that visitors can move seamlessly between venues and attractions, enhancing their overall experience.
BEIA and the Auckland Convention Bureau are working closely with local businesses and government agencies to ensure MEETINGS 2025 reflects the best of New Zealand’s hospitality and professional event management.
