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Buyers, exhibitors and industry guests from Australia, Singapore and New Zealand have arrived in Rotorua for MEETINGS 2024 – the national trade show for the business events sector which commences19th June.

Hosted buyers yesterday toured the city with RotoruaNZ, and last night 600 MEETINGS guests were treated to a full Māori cultural immersion at the official welcoming ceremony at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre.

Now in its 28th year, every region of New Zealand is represented under one roof at MEETINGS. 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 from around New Zealand, plus key 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 on display from across New Zealand is greater than anything seen before and adds “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.”

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 be hosting MEETINGS, one of New Zealand's largest annual trade shows, generating millions in conference and business event spending each year.

Wilson enthused “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.”

RotoruaNZ will be hosting a special dinner for hosted buyers on Wednesday 19th June 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 carbon zero 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, audited in alignment with strict world-leading criteria. Guests are being asked to reduce wasted by bringing reusable bottles and bags, and walk between venues wherever possible while exhibitors will be championing sustainability initiatives across the show floor.

More information on BEIA 

Image. Australian attendees being welcomed to Rotorua. Credit: BEIA

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