Auckland Convention Bureau kept its focus on innovation, creativity and world-leading AI developments by enlisting Jeff, its animatronics robot by Wetā Workshop, to greet MEETINGS attendees.

Jeff even learned Mandarin and Hindi to give bespoke welcomes to international business event guests at MEETINGS in Rotorua.

Auckland Convention Bureau is a specialist unit within Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, which aims to drive the growth of Auckland’s world-class business events sector.

Ken Pereira, Head of Auckland Convention Bureau, spoke of an exciting transformation in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau being the city’s Māori name) through new major infrastructure projects.

These include Intercontinental, Pullman Airport Hotel, and New Zealand International Convention Centre, located within the SkyCity Auckland entertainment precinct. SkyCity developed a striking chocolate display to showcase the city’s iconic skyline at MEETINGS 2024.

“This year we continue to expand Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s world-wide connectivity,” Pereira said.

“As part of this, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland Airport, and China Southern Airlines announced a new partnership that links Auckland with high-value Chinese business travellers.

“Auckland Convention Bureau and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited are also embedded in the local community through the Destination Partnership Program. The principle of kotahitanga – one shared purpose – drives our commitment to partnership with the wider Auckland Council whanau (family) and a diverse range of public and private sector organisations.

Written by: Peter Needham in Rotorua, New Zealand

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