Wednesday, June 4, 2025
New Zealand is bringing together event professionals from across its 18 regions and Australia at MEETINGS 2025 in Auckland to boost nationwide business tourism by generating new bookings, promoting regional destinations, and fueling industry-wide growth. By connecting over 550 buyers with 253 exhibitors and offering site visits, networking, and hands-on showcases, the event is driving real-time results that support both local economies and New Zealand’s position as a global leader in business events.
Aotearoa New Zealand is preparing to shine on the global business events stage as its largest industry showcase returns to Auckland Showgrounds next week. The highly anticipated MEETINGS 2025 will bring together more than 550 buyers and 253 exhibitors from across 18 regions, marking a major moment for the country’s growing business events sector.
After a four-year absence from the city, the event reclaims its place in Auckland with renewed energy and an expanded offering. Attendees will gather for the official welcome on Tuesday, 10 June, followed by two full days of exhibitions on 11 and 12 June. For anyone involved in planning business events in New Zealand—whether it’s corporate functions, incentive trips, trade shows, product launches, or conferences—this year’s MEETINGS promises a comprehensive and engaging experience.
Expanding Nationwide Participation
This year’s edition introduces 35 new exhibitors, adding fresh perspectives and services to the event. From new venues and hotels to creative event theming, audiovisual production, attractions, and regional tourism offices, the show floor will offer a dynamic mix of options to explore. This diversity reflects the depth and innovation emerging across New Zealand’s business events landscape.
Regions are stepping up in a big way. From urban centers like Wellington and Christchurch to destination gems like Rotorua, Queenstown, and the Bay of Plenty, exhibitors are ready to show buyers how they can bring memorable events to life in their part of the country.
Returning to Auckland with Momentum
First launched in 1997, MEETINGS has become a cornerstone of New Zealand’s business tourism calendar. Its return to Auckland marks a significant milestone after hosting recent editions in other cities. The 2025 event will leverage Auckland’s upgraded infrastructure, growing hospitality scene, and status as a major gateway for international business travelers.
The Auckland Showgrounds venue provides the perfect space for large-scale networking, product demonstrations, and destination showcases. It’s also strategically positioned to highlight the city’s connectivity, hospitality strengths, and entertainment offerings—all essential for event planners making destination decisions.
Australian Buyers Explore Beyond the Show
International participation remains strong, with 64 buyers flying in from Australia to take part in the event. Their involvement doesn’t stop at the exhibition floor. With support from regional tourism offices and the national airline, these buyers will also embark on familiarization trips before and after MEETINGS. These curated itineraries allow them to explore venues, meet local suppliers, and experience firsthand the unique appeal of destinations across the country.
To further enrich their experience, hosted buyers will join a guided city tour of Auckland on Tuesday, offering them an up-close look at local venues, waterfront attractions, and urban developments that are transforming the city into a major events hub.
Proven Economic Impact
The economic value of MEETINGS continues to be substantial. Last year’s event generated over \$110 million in business through pre-scheduled appointments held over just two days. This impressive outcome underscores the vital role that face-to-face meetings still play in an increasingly digital world. Businesses forge stronger partnerships, negotiate complex arrangements, and build trust more effectively through in-person interaction—and MEETINGS is designed to facilitate just that.
As New Zealand’s tourism and events industry rebuilds post-pandemic, this kind of direct engagement is more important than ever. MEETINGS helps convert conversations into bookings, helping hotels, venues, suppliers, and regions secure high-value business for the months and years ahead.
Open Access Through Industry Hours
While the core of MEETINGS focuses on pre-qualified hosted buyers and exhibitors, the event also creates space for broader industry involvement. On Wednesday and Thursday, the exhibition will open to additional attendees during designated Industry Hours from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. This window allows event planners, marketing professionals, administrative coordinators, and anyone interested in the events space to walk the floor, meet suppliers, and learn what’s available.
This more flexible access ensures that even those not formally part of the hosted buyer programme can still benefit from the networking and discovery opportunities MEETINGS provides. It also helps grow the local knowledge base by exposing more professionals to the full spectrum of business event offerings available across Aotearoa.
Free Registration and Easy Access
Registration remains open for Day Buyers, with free access available to both days of the event. This initiative aims to lower barriers for entry and encourage broader participation from small businesses, entrepreneurs, and new entrants in the events industry. Attendees can register online through the official MEETINGS website, where they’ll also find the full schedule, exhibitor list, and tips for making the most of their visit.
Whether you’re planning a national roadshow, sourcing suppliers for a gala dinner, or exploring destinations for a corporate incentive trip, MEETINGS 2025 provides the connections and insight you need to succeed.
A Bright Outlook for Business Events in Aotearoa
With a rising demand for authentic, high-quality, and sustainable business events, New Zealand is positioning itself as a global leader in this space. MEETINGS 2025 doesn’t just showcase venues and services—it reflects the country’s broader ambition to grow this high-value sector, create jobs, and strengthen international ties through business tourism.
New Zealand is uniting event professionals from across the country and Australia at MEETINGS 2025 in Auckland to drive fresh bookings, boost regional visibility, and strengthen the business events sector through high-impact networking and nationwide collaboration.
By bringing buyers and sellers together under one roof in Auckland, the event continues to deliver long-term value to the economy, energize the events industry, and promote regional development through strategic event hosting.
