Buyers, exhibitors, and industry guests, including a large Australian contingent, have arrived in Rotorua for MEETINGS 2024, the national trade show for the business events sector that starts today.

Yesterday (Tuesday, 18 June) hosted buyers toured the city with RotoruaNZ, and in the evening, 600 MEETINGS guests were treated to a complete Māori cultural immersion at the official welcoming ceremony at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre.

Now in its 28th year, MEETINGS represents every region of New Zealand under one roof. Run by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), the exhibition at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre features 246 stands representing 205 exhibiting organisations across 18 regions of New Zealand, including 35 first-time exhibitors.

They are joined by 217 hosted buyers and media from New Zealand, Australia and Singapore, more than 150 day-buyers around New Zealand, critical tourism and industry leaders, and 60 students from Rotorua’s School of Tourism and Hospitality, Toi Ohomai.

BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins says the breadth of products displayed across New Zealand is more significant than anything seen before.

“Couple this with a packed programme and a deep immersion into the culture, we are set to give our guests a tremendous welcome in Rotorua,” she said yesterday.

The two-day exhibition is complemented by networking and social functions showcasing Rotorua and New Zealand’s best event and entertainment talent and pre- and post-tours of Rotorua and other New Zealand regions.

RotoruaNZ Chief Executive Andrew Wilson says the city is thrilled to host MEETINGS, one of New Zealand’s largest annual trade shows, generating millions in conference and business event spending each year.

“As one of the first major tourism conferences in our region post-COVID, this is a key opportunity for Rotorua’s local tourism and hospitality community to shine, secure business, and further cement our reputation has one of New Zealand’s top destinations,” he said.

RotoruaNZ will host a special dinner for hosted buyers on Wednesday, June 19, to usher in Matariki—the Māori New Year. Signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in the night sky, this is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead.

After receiving Toitū net carbonzero certification as a Certified Event Operation for the first time last year, MEETINGS is continuing its journey as a certified net carbon zero event in 2024. To achieve this certification, all emissions associated with the planning and operations will be measured and audited in alignment with strict world-leading criteria. Guests are being asked to reduce waste by bringing reusable bottles and bags and walking between venues wherever possible, while exhibitors will champion sustainability initiatives across the show floor.

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) is the official membership-based association of New Zealand’s business events sector. It has more than 460 members across a broad range of industries.

MEETINGS is Aotearoa, New Zealand’s only national tradeshow for the business events industry. It is the leading platform for connecting influential domestic, Australian and international buyers with critical regions, meeting facilities, accommodation, off-site venues and activities.

Edited by Peter Needham in Rotorua, New Zealand

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