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Monday, 23 June 2025

A Garden-Inspired Gathering: ChristchurchNZ Created a Sensory Experience at MEETINGS 2025

Christchurch
A Lush Tribute to Ōtautahi Christchurch

ChristchurchNZ Business Events made a vibrant return to MEETINGS 2025 with a show-stopping regional hub inspired by the natural beauty and garden heritage of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Following their Best Regional Stand win last year, the team delivered a space that delighted all the senses and celebrated the region’s unique character and creativity.

Designed to reflect the lush landscapes and relaxed elegance that define Christchurch, the stand featured a stunning green lounge area sponsored once again by Christchurch Airport. Attendees were welcomed into a serene oasis where networking flowed as freely as the refreshments, offering a refreshing pause in the middle of the busy show floor.

Theatrical Flavours and Local Flair

At the heart of the space stood a timber-framed bar bursting with greenery and charm. It became a focal point for visitors, where a zesty mixologist offered an unforgettable tasting experience. Guests sampled test tube taster shots filled with experimental beverages, crafted using locally sourced ingredients from across Canterbury.

Jen Henshaw, Business Events Manager at ChristchurchNZ, shared that the goal was to turn every visit into a sensory experience. With the creative expertise of ThemePro, Epic Entertainment, and Kim Chan Events, the stand offered a blend of texture, taste, and storytelling that left a lasting impression.

“We wanted to show a different side of Christchurch—fun, fresh, and full of flair. This year’s hub gave a playful taste of what’s coming when PCOs head to Christchurch in December for the PCOA conference,” Henshaw said.

Regional Talent on Full Display

Christchurch

Fourteen regional companies joined ChristchurchNZ across sixteen exhibition stands, bringing to life the full spectrum of Waitaha Canterbury’s event capabilities. From luxurious accommodation and epic attractions to cutting-edge venues and catering, the stand captured the spirit and innovation of the South Island.

Among the highlights was Venues Ōtautahi’s One New Zealand Stadium, set to open in April 2026. Promising to be a major milestone for the national events scene, the stadium represented the future of large-scale conferencing and entertainment in Aotearoa.

“Every one of our partners brings something genuinely unique. We were proud to give attendees a preview of the world-class experiences that Christchurch and the Canterbury region can deliver,” Henshaw added.

An Invitation to Explore More

Christchurch’s presence at MEETINGS extended beyond the event floor. On 13 June, eleven Australian hosted buyers travelled to the city for a post-MEETINGS famil weekend. They had the opportunity to experience the region’s renowned hospitality firsthand and explore venues and activities that could shape their future conferences and incentives.

As Christchurch continues to evolve with major infrastructure developments, an ever-growing hospitality scene, and a commitment to sustainability, it remains one of New Zealand’s most compelling event destinations. MEETINGS 2025 confirmed that the city isn’t just back—it’s blooming.

To learn more about business events in Christchurch and the Waitaha Canterbury region, visit
www.christchurchnz.com/meet

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