The annual MEETINGS exhibition appears to be growing bigger and better every year with this year’s event resulting in significant new business leads being made.

Over the last two days a number of New Zealand suppliers and operators have successfully promoted themselves to 665 international conference organisers at Auckland’s Sky City Convention Centre.

Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) chief executive Alan Trotter said although it is too soon to put a dollar value on the business made, it has generated promising business leads and a great number of firm bookings.

“Most conventions and events have a long lead-in time so the connections made here over the past two days may not bear fruit for some years, but what we’re hearing is that buyers have been impressed and are keen to do business with us in the near future,” Mr Trotter said.

Mr Trotter added that with some already confirming booking and others showing serious interest in bringing their business to NZ in the future, their only challenge is to change the intent to confirmed booking.

CiEvents business development manager Mandy Slovitt said as a result of MEETINGS her company will be looking to bring more business to New Zealand.

“I’ve really appreciated being here and it’s been a really well run week with an awful lot packed into it,” Ms Slovitt said.

Auckland Convention Bureau manager Anna Hayward said MEETINGS 2012 has been a huge success.

“The quality of the buyers, the opportunities to engage with business, the look and feel of the stands has all been outstanding,” Ms Hayward said.

Ms Hayward added that each year they achieve value from this international event and she is looking forward to next years.

CINZ has confirmed that Auckland will play host to MEETINGS again next year.

The Sky City Convention Centre will once again be the venue for MEETING 2013 and will be held on 26 and 27 June.