MEETINGS 2025 in Auckland Sets Record with 1,200 Attendees

Auckland’s MEETINGS 2025 event has shattered records, marking a significant milestone for New Zealand’s business events sector. Held from June 10 to 12 at the Auckland Showgrounds, the event attracted 1,200 visitors, including 540 buyers and media representatives, a 69% increase from the previous year.

This surge in attendance underscores the growing global interest in New Zealand as a premier destination for business events. With 250 stands representing 18 different regions of the country, MEETINGS 2025 showcased the diversity and richness of New Zealand’s business event offerings, making it an essential event for both local and international stakeholders.

Organized by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), MEETINGS 2025 was designed to connect key players in the business events industry, including exhibitors, buyers, and media. This year’s event also witnessed a remarkable presence of international buyers and media, particularly from Australia. A record 126 buyers and media from Australia attended the event, highlighting New Zealand’s growing appeal in the Australian market and its potential to become a key player in the international business events arena. This is particularly significant, as the event was not just a networking opportunity but also a platform to drive future business opportunities and foster long-term relationships.

The 28th edition of MEETINGS was a resounding success, with the event boasting a record number of exhibitors and stands. According to BEIA, the event saw 250 stands representing regions across New Zealand, offering a diverse array of business events and incentive packages to global buyers. This number marks a significant milestone, as it surpasses the previous records for stand participation, demonstrating the growing confidence in New Zealand’s business events sector.

Post-event analysis from BEIA’s research suggests that the impact of MEETINGS 2025 will be substantial, with projections indicating $110 million in business transactions between exhibitors and buyers over the next three years. This projection is identical to the value generated after MEETINGS 2024, demonstrating the ongoing importance of the event in driving business to New Zealand’s economy. This substantial value of business transactions further confirms MEETINGS as a vital event for establishing future pipelines of business and building connections that will lead to fruitful partnerships down the road.

The success of MEETINGS 2025 comes at a time when the business events industry in New Zealand is being bolstered by significant government support. In an effort to grow the business events sector further, New Zealand’s government has announced an additional NZ$3 million investment to support the hosting of international conferences and events in the country. This funding will be channeled through Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme, which is designed to increase the number of global conferences hosted in New Zealand. This second wave of government investment follows an initial NZ$3 million boost announced earlier in March 2025.

This financial commitment from the government sends a clear and deliberate message to the global market that New Zealand is serious about competing for international business events. According to BEIA, the additional funding provides renewed momentum for the sector, instilling confidence among both local and international stakeholders. The government’s ongoing investment is expected to have a significant long-term impact, contributing to the growth of New Zealand’s business tourism and reinforcing its position as a global hub for conferences and business events.

Tourism New Zealand has emphasized the value of business events as an essential part of New Zealand’s tourism sector, highlighting the substantial economic contributions of conference and incentive delegates. The average business event delegate spends NZ$175 more per day than other international visitors, which has a direct positive impact on New Zealand’s economy. Furthermore, business events often occur during shoulder and off-peak seasons between March and November, helping to sustain demand in these quieter months and support regional economies across the country.

Looking ahead, MEETINGS 2026 is set to take place at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland, scheduled for June 17-18. BEIA anticipates that MEETINGS 2026 will be the largest event to date, attracting more exhibitors, buyers, and media representatives. The NZICC, a state-of-the-art venue, is expected to provide the perfect backdrop for what is expected to be the biggest and most impactful MEETINGS event in history. As New Zealand’s business events sector continues to grow, the success of MEETINGS 2025 has set a solid foundation for the future.

The strong turnout and positive feedback from MEETINGS 2025 demonstrate that New Zealand’s business events sector is thriving. The event has played a pivotal role in reaffirming the country’s status as a premier destination for business events and incentive travel. For international buyers, attending MEETINGS 2025 was an opportunity to experience New Zealand’s renowned hospitality, manaakitanga, and cultural ethos. Feedback from exhibitors and buyers alike highlighted the importance of face-to-face meetings in building strong, lasting relationships.

As New Zealand continues to invest in its business events sector and offer new opportunities for global collaboration, MEETINGS 2025 has reinforced the country’s position as a dynamic and competitive destination for international conferences and corporate events. With strong government support, a vibrant events sector, and world-class venues, New Zealand is well poised to continue attracting high-value business events that drive tourism, trade, and investment.