The welcome event for MEETINGS’ return to Auckland has been revealed as Eden Park, New Zealand’s largest sports stadium, located just 3km from the Auckland CBD.
“Our social programme always has an element of surprise, and we will continue to up the game with an amazing opening and welcome set for Eden Park, Auckland on Tuesday 10 June,” said Lisa Hopkins, chief executive of Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), which owns and organises MEETINGS.
“BEIA, Eden Park and our partners from Vidcom are excited to be unveiling an experience that MEETINGS has never seen before.
“Eden Park is an iconic venue of significance for Auckland and the nation, with a century of rich sporting history – a fitting place to welcome all international visitors and exhibitors.”
The welcome event will be held following an Auckland familiarisation day for hosted buyers and prior to the opening of the MEETINGS show floor on June 11.
The show itself will run through June 11 and 12, with a closing gala event at Viaduct Events Centre to conclude MEETINGS in the evening of June 12.
“The final night celebration is a fantastic way for everyone to come together for one last time,” said Hopkins.
“All visitors to Auckland will have the opportunity to experience the CBD night life, while the Auckland community gets to enjoy this incredible event, in their own backyard.”
The exhibition itself is being held out at a familiar location, the Auckland Showgrounds, before moving to the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) for the 2026 event when Auckland hosts MEETINGS for a second consecutive year.
Those wishing to be hosted for MEETINGS are running out of time to apply, with hosted buyer applications closing on Friday April 11.
Hosted buyers receive complimentary flights – although Australian buyers will need to pay flight taxes – accommodation and tickets to the two MEETINGS social events.
“MEETINGS has established a longstanding reputation for the quality of the connections we organise,” said Hopkins.
“Hosted buyers are guaranteed to come away with new insights, new contacts and excellent business opportunities.
“Meeting all of New Zealand’s regions from the far north to the deep south under one roof in two days is a phenomenal experience.
“There’s a seamless balance of work and social, and a lot of learning for the key decision makers and organisers of business events from Australia and New Zealand, who will enjoy complimentary flights and accommodation as well as other incredible benefits.”
At MEETINGS 2025, 500 buyers are expected to meet with more than 200 sellers from New Zealand’s business events ecosystem.
