While normality is still a time off, the MICE market is adapting well to the new restrictions and regulations, with planning already underway for 2021 events. Here is this week’s MICE news from Australia and across the ditch in New Zealand.
New Zealand counts down to MEETINGS 2021 in Christchurch
MEETINGS 2021 has announced new dates for the event to be held – 30 June and 1 July – at Te Pae Christchurch, the city’s new world-class convention centre in Ōtautahi. MEETINGS was last held in Ōtautahi in 2008.
MEETINGS is New Zealand’s premier business events exhibition, run by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ). CINZ Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins says Ōtautahi Christchurch will be a stunning location to relaunch MEETINGS and to showcase New Zealand’s best to a high-profile audience.
“Working together with Christchurch NZ, Te Pae Christchurch, Vbase, Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and Christchurch International Airport we will be bringing influential buyers into the heart of the South Island for an unforgettable experience. We are anticipating more than 180 exhibitors and over 300 domestic buyers from all over New Zealand, plus 115 from Australia and Asia-Pacific regions once our borders reopen. There is so much interest globally for what New Zealand has to offer, and this will give buyers the opportunity to meet all of New Zealand under one roof in a stunning location.”
Christchurch NZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction, Loren Heaphy, says the city is thrilled to be hosting MEETINGS 2021. “With the opening of Te Pae next year, and exceptional venues and accommodation already in place, Christchurch is set to be at the forefront of business events in New Zealand.”
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.”
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.
Intimate events at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
As hotels around the world reopen to the public and restrictions on travel and gatherings are increasingly relaxed, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts says it is taking “…a thoughtful approach to celebrating special occasions, milestones and other important gatherings.” Intimate gatherings amid grand settings are the focus as families, friends and colleagues eagerly regroup and celebrate the many personal milestones and annual get-togethers that were put on hold during the global pandemic lockdown.
Fairmont Brand, Vice President Sharon Cohen said “At this unprecedented moment in time, we feel fortunate to be welcoming back guests and are happy to help them create intimate moments of togetherness that focus on quality over quantity, where something small can be truly beautiful. With smaller social gatherings, people are observing the less is more philosophy right now, that bigger isn’t always better or that grandeur isn’t defined by size. A stunning natural vista or a rich, historic setting adorned with exquisite luxuries can be just as meaningful and powerful when shared with a select, hand-picked group of loved ones, where each and every guest feels special, valued and important.”
If you have any MICE news, please send it in to us by emailing Kate on kate@travelmonitor.com.au
