Arinex recently had the pleasure of participating in the highly anticipated MEETINGS 2023 tradeshow hosted by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) in scenic Wellington, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, New Zealand.
The team, comprising CEO Nicole Walker, Head of Business Development Jessica Ferguson, Manager – Incentives and Special Events Samantha Smith, and Business Development Manager Marie Osias, reconnected with familiar faces, discovered new suppliers and experienced the vibrant offerings of the destination.
Commencing with a pre-famil experience in Wellington, Arinex were treated to a taste of the city’s finest venues, including the renowned QT and TRYP by Wyndham. The morning unfolded with exciting activities at Boomrock Lodge, where the team engaged in clay shooting, archery, axe throwing, farm tours and golf, set among the backdrop of the picturesque landscape.
A delightful long table lunch brought together the entire famil group, fostering valuable connections and networking opportunities. In the afternoon, smaller groups undertook activities such as a beer and dumpling pairing at Three Whistling Sisters and a local wine tasting session at Noble Rot. These experiences provided a glimpse into the region’s rich culinary and beverage scene.
Throughout MEETINGS 2023, Arinex engaged in over 90 appointments, allowing the team to forge and develop meaningful relationships with suppliers and vendors. Additionally, the team attended several social functions including dinners by Accor, IHG, Business Events Wellington and ChristchurchNZ Convention Bureau. These gatherings served as platforms for networking and exchanging insights.
MEETINGS 2023 took place across two floors at the newly opened Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, and showcased offerings from local and international exhibitors. The welcome function, held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, set the stage for a productive week of networking, knowledge sharing and celebration.
CEO Nicole Walker said the Arinex team was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm displayed by the New Zealand incentives and business events industry.
“Witnessing the industry’s remarkable recovery following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic left our team excited to further strengthen our relationship with BEIA and collaborate on delivering more inspiring experiences in New Zealand,” she said.
The MEETINGS 2023 trade show is the pinnacle event of the New Zealand business events industry calendar. Wellington maximised their host city status, showcasing the cultural vibrancy, and manaakitanga (warm hospitality) that the world’s “coolest capital city” is renowned for.