Our team at Activities and Events Unlimited had a blast exhibiting at MEETINGS 2023, Aotearoa’s biggest and best trade show for the events industry. This marked our third year attending the event, and we were excited to once again connect with industry peers and engage with potential clients at the flagship event.
Our team not only had the pleasure of exhibiting with the RotoruaNZ team, but we also played a significant role in creating and building the stand that won the MEETINGS 2023 “Best Regional Stand Award” as voted by the hosted buyers. The stand was truly a treat for all the senses, incorporating their captivating story throughout.
We were thrilled to be involved in building the Wharenui, which provided a culturally immersive entrance for the buyers. The stand was filled with photographs showcasing the iconic sites of the city.
Image credit- RotoruaNZ Business Events
As an extra special touch, a bespoke signature scent was created specifically for the stand by Conan Fee, Professor at the University of Canterbury, and founder of Fragranzi Artisan Perfume Studio. Harnessing his expertise in chemical engineering, Conan worked alongside our Business Development Manager, Demelza, who was excited to be part of this creative and unique process. She describes the scent as a refreshing Redwood Forest walk, with the clean mountain air and nearby cold streams invigorating the senses.
To complete the extraordinary sensory experience that RotoruaNZ provided for its buyers, a playlist was curated in consultation with Vanessa Wallace, the Business Events Manager. This playlist incorporated traditional Māori musical instruments, such as the Kōauau, adding an authentic touch to the ambiance.
Unveiling MEETINGS 2023 in Wellington
This time around, MEETINGS 2023 chose the vibrant heart of Wellington as its backdrop, and the result was nothing short of spectacular. The event unfolded at the brand-new Tākina Convention Centre, offering a dazzling display of networking activities and show-stopping exhibition stands.
Organised by the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), the annual gathering is now in its 28th year. It’s an opportunity for professionals from various sectors to come together to explore fresh business opportunities. It serves as a vibrant hub for corporate conferences and incentive travel, packing two action-packed days with excitement and opportunities.
Over these two dynamic days, our team was engaged in more than 30 scheduled appointments. We had the pleasure of meeting both domestic and Australian buyers, all eager for insights into corporate events, conferences, incentive trips, and gala dinners.
MEETINGS stands out as the sole event of its kind in New Zealand, featuring a pre-scheduled appointment programme that offers exhibitors like us a golden opportunity to connect with qualified buyers. These face-to-face encounters provided us with the opportunity to answer questions about our services, showcase some of our most memorable events in our photo gallery, and establish valuable connections for their future events.
Our Business Development Manager, Demelza Smith, was the face of our three companies at the event – Activities & Events Unlimited, Higher Perspective Conference & Events and Right Turn Agency. By joining forces in our exhibition, we had the perfect stage to present the complete range of our services, covering corporate conferences, event theming, incentives, and marketing.
A Toast to Excellence
MEETINGS 2023 wasn’t your run-of-the-mill event; it was a grand celebration of the exceptional work within our industry. It was a nod to the resilience and determination of businesses in our sector, especially after facing some challenging times.
We cherished the opportunity to reunite with our friends in the event industry scene, including both suppliers and providers. It was an excellent excuse to catch up with our fellow event enthusiasts, and it was amazing to reconnect with each other.
Our Director, Deb Wootton, had always dreamt of being a part of MEETINGS, since she began our company. So standing shoulder to shoulder with the best in New Zealand’s events industry was not only a dream come true, but also signified how far our young companies have come.
The grand finale wrapped up with a fabulous gala dinner and awards ceremony, capped off with an announcement that Rotorua would host Meetings 2024. We’re all excited to get back together next year in our own neck of the woods!
We want to extend a big thank you to the Business Events Industry Aotearoa, for putting together this incredible experience. Until we reunite at MEETINGS 2024, here’s to an exciting future filled with events and opportunities.