Rotorua, has announced their excitment to host the country’s premier business tourism expo, Meetings 2011, for the first time ever, in June 2012.

“We’re so excited,’’ says Rotorua Convention Bureau manager, Denise Siviter. “It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase this exciting part of New Zealand to the decision-makers in the business tourism industry and to prove we are the ideal destination for conferences and incentives.’’

Meetings 2011 was originally due to be held in Christchurch but it has been shifted to Rotorua because of last month’s damaging earthquake. The expo will now be held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on June 22 and 23.

Conventions and Incentives New Zealand chief executive Alan Trotter says he is delighted Rotorua has agreed to host the expo and is confident they will do a fantastic job.

“This is a great chance for Rotorua to show just how far it has evolved as a business tourism destination. It has superb facilities for conferencing, a fantastic array of accommodation, and many unique attractions and activities so it has loads to offer corporate groups and conference organisers.
“Direct flights between Rotorua and Australia means it is also easily accessible to the Australian and international markets,’’ Trotter says.

Brett Jeffery, sales and marketing manager for Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre, says he is looking forward to giving conference organisers a first-hand look at the facility, which at 8255sq m is one of the largest convention centres in New Zealand.

“The convention centre is one of the reasons our destination was selected to host Meetings in place of Christchurch. It’s a fantastic facility and at the heart of the amazing business tourism infrastructure we have here in Rotorua,’’ Jeffery says. “We very much look forward to hosting this event.”
And Christchurch will certainly not be forgotten during Meetings, Alan Trotter says. “The gala dinner will have a Canterbury theme and a fundraiser will be held around the evening with the proceeds going to Christchurch’s earthquake recovery. “

MEETINGS 2010 is now in its 15th year and has been voted the best convention industry trade show in Australia and New Zealand. Applications for hosted buyer places at MEETINGS 2011 are now open on-line by clicking here.