[I NDUSTRY NEWS Auckland to host MEETINGS 2025 and 2026 NZ upskills Asia Pacific business events sector MEETINGS is returning to Auckland for 2025 and 2026. Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has announced dates for the next two years, with the first to be held at the Auckland Showgrounds on 11 and 12 June 2025, followed by 17 and 18 June 2026 at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC). BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins says she is thrilled MEETINGS is heading to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland given the significant growth of the city’s business events sector New Zealand has boosted the professional development of business events by hosting Australasia's first in-person ICCASkills Training Programme. In all, 18 business events professionals from New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and India took part in the three-day ICCASkills training event hosted at Te Pae Christchurch Convention & Exhibition Centre (10-12 September). The sessions were facilitated by ICCA’s (the International Congress & Convention Association) expert international instructors Deanna Varga from Australia and Juan José García from Spain. Following the completion of their exams, attendees will receive CICE (Certified International Convention Executive) accreditation, aimed at senior professionals with management experience. ICCA instructor Juan José García says, “Over three days, key business events leaders have come together in New Zealand and infrastructure in the last few years. “It’s been four years since MEETINGS was held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and much has changed in the city,” she says. “We can't wait to introduce buyers to the exciting transformation the city is experiencing with new major infrastructure projects such as the NZICC, City Rail Link (due to open end of 2025) and several new hotels, including five-star product at Horizon Hotel and InterContinental Auckland, as well as the expansion of the Cordis Pinnacle Tower. to shape the future of business events in Asia Pacific, exchanging cutting-edge insights and best practices from across the globe. The quality of New Zealand’s ICCASkills programme marks a pivotal moment in fostering innovation and collaboration on a regional scale.” Tourism New Zealand supported the training with an ICCASkills scholarship programme, giving New Zealand business events professionals the chance to undertake the certification by sharing costs with the scholarship recipient’s employer. Tourism New Zealand global manager business events, Penelope Ryan says “Business events are a key part of Tourism New Zealand’s strategy to attract visitors to New Zealand year-round, with particular focus on growing arrivals in the off-peak season.” “Hosted buyers, by invitation, will have the opportunity to tour the NZICC in 2025, as a prelude to 2026. “We are already looking ahead for MEETINGS' 30th anniversary in 2026 and NZICC will be an exciting venue to celebrate this milestone,” she says. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's chief executive Nick Hill says he is delighted MEETINGS is returning to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for two consecutive years. “This announcement reflects Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's strong partnership with BEIA, and our commitment to attract more high-value business events to our region. The sector plays an important role in increasing our visitation and tourism numbers and we're looking forward to welcoming everyone to connect, collaborate and to experience all that Auckland has to offer,” Hill says. Auckland Harbour Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland has officially opened with 191 guest rooms, Forester Bar & Grill signature dining and Nine Birds Café. Located at 80 Wellesley St West, downtown Auckland, directly across from the soon-to-open New Zealand International Convention Centre, the 4.5-star Hotel Grand Chancellor supports Auckland’s growth as a key international visitor destination. Hotel Grand Chancellor area general manager, Steve Martin says, “The investment of the Hotel Grand Chancellor brand in the New Zealand market is a testament to its commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences. The Auckland hotel is the first new build for the group and we’re thrilled to open the doors and welcome guests to this thoughtfully designed property.” Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland opens ICCASkills 24 group, Te Pae Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland [6] meeting newz [september october] 2024
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