A record number of exhibitors have registered for the business events industry’s premier trade show MEETINGS. More than 180 exhibitors from all over New Zealand will be ready to book business at the Auckland ASB Show grounds when MEETINGS 2014 opens on June 18.

Among them are several newcomers to the business events industry, including Wanaka-based Peak Functions and Auckland-based Team Up Events. Team Up Events has only been in business since December last year and plans to use MEETINGS to increase its profile and drum up new business.

MEETINGS was identified very early on as a must-attend event to showcase our business and the services we provide to the events industry,” says managing director Stu Robertson.

Our industry is very much about relationships and so often itÂ's the people that make the difference. The opportunity to meet and network with new clients, industry members, and everyone associated with the showcase will be fantastic for Team Up Events as we continue to build our reputation and strengthen our growing position in the team activity market,” Mr Robertson says.

Peak Functions, WanakaÂ's newest conference and function venue, is also excited by the opportunities exhibiting at MEETINGS will bring. We have a fabulous purpose-built venue in one of the most idyllic destinations in New Zealand and MEETINGS 2014 will be a fantastic stage to showcase our product,” says marketing manager Mandy Enoka.

AucklandÂ's Seafood Central is also among the 30-plus new exhibitors making their debut appearance at MEETINGS.  We are using MEETINGS 2014 for our jumping pad to get into the minds of the corporate market and put Seafood Central on the map,” says Seafood CentralÂ's food and beverage operations manager Lisa Kerr.

MEETINGS event manager Jeanette Stanton says she is thrilled to have so many new exhibitors taking part in MEETINGS. With this year’s event also attracting a record number of hosted international buyers, it is shaping up to the best and biggest MEETINGS yet,Â'Â' Ms Stanton says.

Thirty-seven incentive organisers from greater China, Japan, North America, South East Asia, and Singapore will attend the first day of MEETINGS before departing on a four-day famil throughout various New Zealand locations.

MEETINGS is being held this year at the Auckland ASB Show grounds on June 18 and 19. The new, larger venue has given event organiser, Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), the opportunity to expand the exhibition. For the first time it will be staged across two pavilions. Eighteen regions of New Zealand will be on show.

Registrations are open for day buyers to attend MEETINGS. As well as a valuable opportunity to meet all of New Zealand under one roof, day buyers are also invited to enjoy a gourmet lunch and speaker showcase courtesy of Millennium Hotels and Celebrity Speakers. To find out more go to http://www.meetings.co.nz/daybuyer.