New Zealand’s Conference Business On The Rise

New Zealand’s Conference Business On The Rise

Auckland, 15 March 2010: The conference and incentive market spend is steadily on the rise and New Zealand is increasingly under the global spotlight as ‘the’ place to do business in 2010.

“New Zealand is very appealing for corporates, especially internationals, with its favourable exchange rate, ‘safe’ reputation and excellent venue and accommodation infrastructure,” says Alan Trotter, CEO Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ).

“This year the MICE market is showing promising signs of recovery and New Zealand is looking to build on that opportunity, with both the local and international markets. While Australia remains our biggest overseas market we are looking further afield to attract business from North America, Asia and India.”

In June a showcase of New Zealand’s hotels, venues and activities will converge on SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre to impress a select group of local and international MICE decision makers.

The annual MEETINGS 2010 show on 23 – 24 June allows conference and incentive travel planners to meet face-to-face with local suppliers and operators and see exactly what New Zealand has to offer. With 20 regions exhibiting, stretching from Northland to Invercargill, the show highlights a diverse range of New Zealand’s key destinations, venues, products and services for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, events and incentive travel programmes.

“This year one of our major sponsors Air New Zealand is extending its hosting of international MICE decision makers to some key players from North America, which is a big vote of confidence for the industry and I’m confident they will book some conference business here in the near future,” Mr Trotter says.

MEETINGS 2010 is now in its 14th year and has been voted the best convention industry trade show in Australia and New Zealand. Applications for hosted buyer places at MEETINGS 2010 are now open on-line at www.meetings.co.nz and close on April 16.

ENDS