Countdown on for New Zealand's 28th MEETINGS

The countdown is on to 18 June, when Aotearoa New Zealand's leading national trade show for the business events industry, MEETINGS 2024 opens in Rotorua.

Over 220 hosted buyers and media from New Zealand, Australia and Singapore, plus a large contingent of domestic day buyers are set to meet across two days at the Energy Events Centre. This year, buyers can pre-schedule appointments of their choice from a record 205 exhibitors on 246 stands, including 35 first-time exhibitors, representing New Zealand's 18 regions.

MEETINGS, now in its 28th year, is owned and managed by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA). 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.

BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins says MEETINGS is a must-attend event on the Australasian business events calendar because it leads the way, delivering new ideas, exceptional business connections, and relevant knowledge for buyers and exhibitors.

“MEETINGS 2024 will be our biggest in recent memory, showcasing the very best products, services, venues and destinations New Zealand, plus a packed schedule of professional development and learning opportunities,” she says.

“This year's destination, Rotorua is proving to be a drawcard for both exhibitors and buyers who are excited to experience New Zealand's cultural heartland and immerse themselves in the restorative qualities of this special place and meet its people.”

New MEETINGS exhibitors this year include stunning new venues and experiences like Rotorua's award-winning Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa; Arrowtown's new Ayrburn - a cluster of newly restored heritage event spaces celebrating Queenstown's food and wine; and Tauranga's Historic Village. New activity operators include Auckland's Social Nature Movement, outdoor guided immersive nature experiences. Newly opened hotels, Auckland Hotel Indigo and InterContinental Auckland will also be on show.

To advance the event's sustainability credentials, Toitū is working with the MEETINGS 2024 team to provide exhibitors with resources teaching them how to measure and reduce their carbon footprint and exhibit more sustainability.

MEETINGS' caterers at the Energy Event Centre, KAK Hospitality will be helping to reduce food waste by working closely with Feeding Rotorua to donate suitable leftover food to those in need. All other food waste will be collected by Ecostock to create bio-gas, stock feed and fertiliser.

Hosted buyer flights and travel will be offset through MEETINGS' airline partner, Air New Zealand's FlyNeutral programme.

Once again this year, buyers and exhibitors are being urged to bring their reusable bags, coffee cups and water bottles, to use the MEETINGS App, and to walk to the venue if staying locally. Name badge pouches will be made optional for all exhibitors, day buyers and guests to the event. Instead of receiving a welcome gift, hosted buyers will be offered the chance to donate to local charities.

“We are delighted to be partnering with three local charities to support on behalf of our hosted buyers. They can choose to donate to either Waiariki Women's Refuge, Ka Pai Kai Rotorua school lunches, or the National Kiwi Hatchery,” Hopkins says.

Day buyer registration is free on the MEETINGS website. Day buyers can attend MEETINGS for any length of time - from two hours to two days - and will receive priority registration for their choice of education sessions, plus complimentary activities in Rotorua, and return transport from Auckland.