At the close of the showcase at Energy Events Centre in the North Island city on Thursday, 20 June, 2024, the Best Stand Awards were announced at the Tourism New Zealand stand.
Voted by hosted buyers, criteria included initial impact; overall presentation and ambience; effectiveness of stand personnel; and presentation of marketing collateral.
The Best New Exhibitor gong went to Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, a local luxury cultural wellness destination located just minutes from Energy Events Centre on the shores of Lake Rotorua.
Wai Ariki hosted Spice during the week in Rotorua, as well as many other hosted buyers attending MEETINGS 2024. The venue’s win in this category saw it beat 34 other new exhibitors at the showcase.
The Best Individual Stand Award went to Millennium Hotels and Resorts – another venue to host Spice during MEETINGS 2024 – which incorporated Matariki into its offerings by encouraging buyers to cultivate, grow and harvest their own food through the distribution of seeds.
The Best Regional Stand Award went to Ōtautahi Christchurch (pictured, above) for creating an inviting space and feast for the senses that showcased the South Island region.
MEETINGS 2024 closed with a Rio-themed celebration high above Rotorua at Skyline Gondola on top of Mt Ngongotahā.
