IBTM World says that it is set to host its smartest event yet with the launch of innovative new technology designed to elevate the attendee experience and create better business results for all attendees.

In its inaugural edition in New Zealand, the World of Drones & Robotics Congress (WoDaRC) shone a light on the exciting opportunities in drone applications in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Cvent has released its Cvent Event Industry Report 2023 – Australia Edition.  The report aims to provide event professionals with insights into the latest trends that can help them navigate the changing event landscape and make informed decisions, while discovering opportunities to offer more engaging and impactful experiences to their target audiences. 

TableHub has partnered with the Hurricanes for the 2023 Super Rugby season. TableHub will be transforming the corporate lounge table experience at all Hurricanes home games at Sky Stadium in Wellington.

Christchurch, New Zealand is to host the 29th ACM Virtual Reality Software and Technology (VRST) symposium in October 2023.

Event tech platform EventsAir is anticipating the hybrid model of meetings to remain following global trends in event management and the changing workplace.

Hawke’s Bay-based Intense Sound & Vision has announced the recent purchase of Image Group NZ, a well-established Palmerston North-based business.

Tākina Convention Centre is set to feature state-of-the-art audio and visual technology to local, national and international industry professionals and suppliers for future years. 

Meta in partnership with Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), is bringing its first in-person Meta Boost events to Queenstown on 6 September and Rotorua on 8 September.

Meta Boosts a free digital skills programme which empowers small businesses with the tools they need to start and grow a business online. The workshop in Queenstown has been developed to help tourism businesses based on feedback from TIA members and case studies from local tourism business. The free half-day session will be delivered by Meta’s Community Trainers who will cover:

Meta Boost workshop agenda

• How to establish your presence on Facebook and Instagram
• How to use Meta Business Suite to save time and improve outcomes
• How to reach your audience with personalised advertising
• How to creatively engage your audience with new tools such as Reels
• Fireside chat with local businesses on their experiences

The Meta Boost workshop is one of two in person events in collaboration with TIA, to help New Zealand businesses upskill to reach new customers in a changing market as the borders reopen. Since 2018, Meta’s Boost program has trained over 5,700 small businesses in New Zealand. Small businesses from all sectors are also welcome to attend.

Details Queenstown

• Location: The Winehouse, Sh 6 / 1693 Gibbston Highway
• Time: 9.30am - 2pm
• Register: https://metaboostqueenstown.splashthat.com/

Details (Rotorua)

• The Skyline
• 8 September
• 9.30am - 2pm
• https://metaboostrotorua.splashthat.com/

Comment from Meta NZ

We know many tourism businesses have been hard hit by the pandemic and are excited to welcome back visitors. In partnership with Tourism Industry Aotearoa, we’ve crafted a unique digital skills training program called Meta Boost to help Kiwi businesses connect with new visitors local and from overseas to encourage them to come, shop, eat, and experience Aotearoa. When small businesses succeed, the wider economy benefits and this is critical to New Zealand’s economic covid recovery and will help tell New Zealand’s story globally again. Meta is proud to support TIA in enabling the tourism sector to thrive online.” says Nick McDonnell, Head of Policy, New Zealand Pacific Islands at Meta.

Comment from Tourism Industry Aotearoa

“This is an exciting time for tourism businesses as they gear up for the return of our international manuhiri. These workshops will give operators the confidence to make the most of the latest digital tools to tell their stories and attract new customers. We encourage all tourism businesses to come along and learn valuable skills that will contribute to a successful future,” says Ann-Marie Johnson, Communications Manager, TIA

A lag in the return of international students could see Australian tertiary institutions taking a greater interest in hosting business events.

The latest figures released by the Business Events Data Programme* show the Waikato, highly sought after in pre-COVID pandemic times, is now returning to a position of strong demand from meeting and conference organisers as the sector recovers. 

The international business events and incentives trade fair IMEX will be held in Frankfurt from 31 May to 2 June this year.