“Now is an exciting time to be back in New Zealand’s largest city and to showcase major developments, infrastructure investment and new products from Auckland and from across New Zealand,” said Lisa Hopkins, chief executive of Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), which owns and organises MEETINGS.
Auckland has benefited from huge infrastructure investment and delivery over the past few years. Between 2019 and the start of this year, the city’s hotel stock jumped by 23 per cent.
On top of that, the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) is less than a year out from opening.
“There are now 18,000 hotel rooms in the region, with new additions in the city centre including the Horizon by SkyCity with direct links to the NZICC, SOHO Hotel Auckland, JW Marriott, Intercontinental, Hotel Indigo, Abstract and Hotel Grand Chancellor properties, plus Auckland Airport’s new Te Arikinui Pullman,” said head of Auckland Convention Bureau Ken Pereira.
“Openings this year will include the Radisson RED – the first RED in the Pacific – and TRIBE Auckland.
“The City Rail Link project, and the new transport hub that is part of Auckland Airport’s expansion, support our vision for a more connected and accessible Auckland while meeting the highest standards of environmental responsibility. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to connect, collaborate and to experience all that Auckland has to offer.”
Aside from a pre-famil of Auckland for hosted buyers, MEETINGS will also provide hosted and day buyers with the opportunity to meet with 200 exhibitors representing business events products and services from across the country next month.
Through MEETINGS’ social functions, buyers will also experience two more Auckland venues – the welcome event will be held at Eden Park, New Zealand’s largest stadium, while the final MEETINGS celebration will be held at the waterfront Viaduct Events Centre.
“We can’t wait to see the response to the MEETINGS welcome night ‘kick-off’ at Eden Park on 10 June, which will put the stadium’s events prowess on full display,” said Pereira.
Meanwhile BEIA’s head of event delivery, Chris Peak, said of the closing night event, “The 2025 Celebration will put the spotlight on our top talent, culinary prowess and the theme – Regatta! – will channel Auckland’s City of Sails vibe right on the waterfront”.
While hosted buyers are now locked in, day buyer registrations for MEETINGS are still open, with day buyers able to apply for a $100 flight rebate if travelling from outside Auckland and stay at city hotels on industry rates.
MEETINGS takes place on June 11 and 12 at Auckland Showgrounds. It will be held at the NZICC for the first time in 2026.
