As MEETINGS 2024 prepares to launch in Rotorua, over 1,100 business events professionals from New Zealand, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region are set to converge for the prestigious national trade show on June 19 and 20. This year’s event promises an extraordinary blend of business and cultural experiences, setting a new standard for the industry.

The intro to MEETINGS 2024 begins with a tour of the iconic Hobbiton™ Movie Set, offering a sneak peek at the latest development, Bagshot Row™. This exclusive tour is tailored for more than 30 Australian-hosted buyers, who will embark on their journey from Auckland Airport on June 16. Transported in themed Hobbiton™ coaches, the buyers will stay at the luxurious DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka before exploring the enchanting movie set in rural Waikato.

On June 18, these Australian delegates will join RotoruaNZ for a unique one-day destination famil, designed to showcase the region’s diverse attractions. The itinerary reflects the event’s commitment to providing a multi-sensory experience, as Lisa Hopkins, Chief Executive of Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) emphasised. Hopkins states, “MEETINGS is so much more than a two-day tradeshow. It’s a series of immersive experiences that will leave guests with long-lasting memories. Our visitors to MEETINGS 2024 can expect a full immersion into Aotearoa, New Zealand’s rich culture and a warm welcome in the heart of the North Island.”

MEETINGS 2024 venue – Energy Events Centre, Rotorua.

Shayne Forrest, General Manager of Tourism at Hobbiton™ Movie Set, shares the excitement and eagerness to showcase the new Bagshot Row™ interiors. “We appreciate the opportunity to present our piece of Middle-earth to such a distinguished group. These new interior Hobbit Holes opened to the public six months ago, and the feedback has been incredible. We believe they will be very popular in the business events and incentive space.”

New Zealand-hosted buyers will also get their turn to experience the Hobbiton™ Movie Set tours on June 17 and June 21, bookending the main event. Following the MEETINGS, many Australian buyers, supported by Air New Zealand and regional business events bureaux, will explore other destinations such as Auckland, Taupō, Rotorua, Waikato, Wellington, and Christchurch.

This year’s event at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre will feature a record number of buyers and exhibitors. The festivities commence with a pōhiri and welcome function at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre on June 18. Additionally, MEETINGS 2024 coincides with Te Tau Hou Māori, the Māori New Year, marked by the reappearance of Matariki in the dawn skies. Hosted buyers are invited to a special Matariki dinner on June 19 to celebrate this significant cultural event.

New initiatives include MEETINGS Education sessions for buyers during lunch breaks, covering relevant and trending topics. The Tourism New Zealand Knowledge and Destination Hub will host 23 targeted 15-minute presentations over the two days, offering attendees insights into the latest developments and regional updates nationwide.

Day buyers can register for free on the MEETINGS website, with the flexibility to attend for any duration. They can request priority registration for their choice of education sessions and enjoy complimentary activities in Rotorua, with return transport from Auckland available.

As MEETINGS 2024 draws near, the anticipation is palpable. This year’s event is poised to deliver unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and experiencing the best of Aotearoa New Zealand’s business and cultural offerings.

Written by: Michelle Warner

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