Spoil Yourself in Wellington at MEETINGS
28 July 2008
Who ever said you can’t get spoiled at a trade show? Not Wellington! The city has its largest contingent of venues and operators at this year’s MEETINGS, and all 14 have something unique to offer. So spoil yourself, visit the Wellington area.
The Wellington Convention Bureau has themed the stand to complement the city’s new domestic visitor marketing campaign, ‘Spoil Yourself in Wellington’. Part of Positively Wellington Tourism, the Bureau plays a crucial role in growing Wellington’s conference and business tourism market.
“We’re really excited about this year’s event, and the diverse range of Wellington conference businesses that are represented,” says Martin Boland, Sales Manager of the Wellington Convention Bureau. “We’ve got lots of news we want to share with the industry; including hotel refurbishments and sustainable stories.”
New to MEETINGS is Zest Food Tours, a Wellington tour company that takes in the city’s gourmet top spots, perfect for pre or post itineraries. Also new to the Wellington stand is Millennium, representing properties Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park, Wairarapa and Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay, which recently underwent a $10 million refurbishment.
Several other exhibitors also come fresh from refurbishment. Te Papa has just recently renovated the Oceania room, which has views of the harbour and Waitangi Park, and 519 sq metres of space. At Westpac Stadium Atmosphere, the 1650 sq metre Deloitte Gallery has been refurbished to include a new look colour scheme and matching panels on wheels; ideal for creating private breakout spaces. Then there’s the Duxton Hotel, which has a new staircase from the Ballroom to the Duxton Chambers, making the Chambers more involved in conferencing activity.
Sustainability is a key focus for several businesses. Last year, the Wellington Convention Centre became the first conference and events venue in New Zealand to achieve the ISO 14001 series of environmental standards. Accor hotel group has big news; Novotel Wellington got top marks in the Qualmark Green pilot programme.
Refining the dining experience has been a focus for two major hotels. The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor recently renovated its Chancellor 3 room and Whitby's restaurant, strengthening its bed and breakfast conference package offer. Across town, the Museum Hotel has re-branded its restaurant and bar; Hippopotamus. It offers French-influenced cuisine, and its level three location affords stunning harbour views.
InterContinental Wellington has been voted the Best Business Hotel in Australasia at the recent 15th World Travel Awards, for the second year in a row. Holiday Inn Wellington will be represented; it’s the city’s largest accommodation provider and offers onsite conference facilities. The Brentwood Hotel will also exhibit, which is close to Wellington airport and offers conference facilities and accommodation all on one level.
And for those looking for a luxury corporate retreat, Boomrock has the answers. Located 30 minutes drive from Wellington on scenic coastline, it is a venue or incentive product.
“Wellington has so much to offer conference organisers, with its diverse range of venues, attractions and services,” says Martin Boland. “Come and check out the Wellington area, then spoil your team by bringing your next conference to Wellington.”
