“Christchurch is recognised as a hub of expertise, with a strong business ecosystem and deep talent pool in our internationally-recognised tertiary institutions,” Ms Heaphy says.
“At MEETINGS we will be highlighting the region’s epic incentive and pre and post touring options. Canterbury is home to New Zealand’s highest mountain and largest glacier, stunning high country and coastal scenery, with urban, outdoor and adventure experiences all on the city doorstep.”
Te Pae Christchurch General Manager Ross Steele says, “We’re looking forward to working with CINZ and ChristchurchNZ in showcasing the very best of the Canterbury region to the business events community, and revealing New Zealand’s newest world class convention venue as the hub of MEETINGS 2021.”
Vbase Chief Executive Caroline Harvie-Teare is excited Christchurch Town Hall will be the venue for a spectacular welcome event for MEETINGS 2021.
“We are delighted to see confirmation of the new dates for CINZ MEETINGS 2021. The significance of the broader economic and social benefit to the region of an event such as this has never been more important. We are proud to have been part of the collaborative and collective efforts in securing this event and are buoyed by what this signals for the future of the events industry after a tumultuous and challenging few months,” she says.
MEETINGS was last held in Ōtautahi Christchurch in 2008. The most recent MEETINGS, held in 2019, generated over $62 million during its two days. In the same year the business events industry contributed $477M* to the New Zealand economy and it is seen as a significant economic driver in New Zealand’s post-COVID recovery.
*MBIE Business Events Delegate Survey YE December 2019