More than 1000 business event professionals from Oceania, the Asia-Pacific and North America have been welcomed to MEETINGS 2024 in Rotorua.

A traditional Maori ceremony took place as the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) delegates were welcomed to the Sir Howard Morrison Centre.

Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell, welcomed delegates to the city she described as a hub for business innovation and events.

“We’re going through an exciting period of change here and can’t wait to showcase what’s new since MEETINGS was last held in Rotorua,” says Tapsell.

“We now have a world-class lakefront, luxury Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa facility, our brand new Sir Howard Morrison Centre, new forest hubs, and exciting new tourism attractions and hospitality offerings.”

BEIA CEO, Lisa Hopkins, says the traditional pōhiri (welcoming ceremony) ensures visitors are warmly welcomed and made to feel at home in Rotorua.

“Last night’s dramatic representation of Te Ao Māori – the Māori World, created by a group of talented young performers from Te Whare Tapere o Te Arawa, fused visual art, theatre, contemporary dance and kapa haka and ensured a powerful start to MEETINGS 2024,” she says.

Later guests witnessed a transformation, from daylight to darkness, with nine suspended and elevated performers wearing large-scale costumes. 

MEETINGS 2024 guests also enjoyed a live music showcase from some of Rotorua’s local jazz and soul musicians.

The event runs from June 19-20.