‘Rotorua’ named Best Regional Stand at MEETINGS 2025 with event having attracted over 1200 attendees

June 13, 2025

Events / Tourism / Venues /

New Zealand's biggest business events showcase, MEETINGS 2025 has closed having attracted over 1,200 people with comments from both exhibitors and buyers confirming it was a must-attend event on the Asia-Pacific calendar.

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins said guests were impressed by the uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand experiences at the social functions and on the exhibition floor throughout the event.

Hopkins shared “the atmosphere has been fantastic and all our buyers from New Zealand, Australia and international markets have been wowed by the depth and breadth of experiences on show from across New Zealand.

“Event organisers have been planning and booking future events on the show floor and have come away with innovative ideas and new suppliers."

The MEETINGS 2025 Best Stand Awards were announced on 12th June, voted for by hosted buyers and presented by Meeting Newz magazine at the Tourism New Zealand stand.

The winning criteria included initial impact, overall presentation and ambience of the stand, effectiveness of stand personnel, and the presentation of marketing collateral available on the stand.

The 2025 awards were presented by Lisa Hopkins and Terry Holt from Meeting Newz with Best Regional Stand awarded to Rotorua.

Hopkins shared “this year, 18 regions are proudly exhibiting at MEETINGS, and once again they've gone above and beyond to showcase the very best of what their destinations have to offer. From creative concepts to stunning designs, the standard has been nothing short of spectacular.

“This year's winning region, Rotorua, has added a new element to an already successful design, positioning itself as the ultimate destination to relax and unwind with their region's robe-based activities. The combination of their region's renowned manaakitanga with robe-clad staff has proved a huge hit this year.”

ROAM secured the award for Best New Exhibitor while Best Individual Stand Award was given to Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

This was the first MEETINGS for Sarah Adams from TRIBE Travel and Events Australia, who has spent a week in Auckland, first touring the region then attending the two-day exhibition.

Adams enthused “I've made some wonderful connections for the future which I will share with my team back in Melbourne. There are lots of options and something different for groups from 100 to 1000, plus small incentive groups. The regions all have a real sense of community, and venues and suppliers are open to being adaptable for bespoke events. If I can dream it, they can do it.”

Angela Webster from Fable Hotels and Resorts said MEETINGS was a one-stop shop for event organisers adding “with all of New Zealand under one roof, MEETINGS reminds everyone how amazing the country is and gives us a chance to update buyers on the latest. For example, our Dunedin hotel is now high on the radar for Brisbane visitors, with new direct flights to Dunedin. It's all about connecting with new people, and reconnecting with others. Attending MEETINGS every year cements these valuable relationships.”

New Zealand's business events industry night of nights took place at the Viaduct Events Centre. Themed Regatta!, MEETINGS' exclusive event celebrated Auckland's sailing legacy.

MEETINGS partnered with Auckland Conventions, Venues and Events, Urban Gourmet, The Events Group, The Production Agency, and Flock Events to make the night come alive.

It featured a high-energy finale with a showstopping performance by Sonar Flare - New Zealand's newest supergroup made up of members of legendary bands The Feelers, Opshop, and Zed. Later, the celebration continued with the official after-party at the QT Auckland rooftop bar.

MEETINGS 2026 will take place on 17th and 18th June next year at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland.

Images. Credit: BEIA

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19th August 2024 - BEIA MEETINGS returns to Auckland in 2025 and 2026

24th June 2024 - MEETINGS 24 brought together tourism, hospitality, and event association leaders in Rotorua

19th June 2024 - Buyers welcomed in Rotorua ahead of MEETINGS 2024

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25th March 2024 - BEIA opens Day Buyer registrations for MEETINGS 2024

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