To tell a compelling story of culture and hospitality that transcends the standard convention offerings, Tourism New Zealand is bringing a unique world-first cultural experience to IMEX.

Convention planners are invited to come and experience “Korero and Kai” (a chat and a snack) by meeting and eating together while seated around an impressive carved table, a work of art designed to express the timeless traditions of Māori hospitality which inspire contemporary New Zealand culture.

The“Korero and Kai” table is a powerful symbol of how New Zealand welcomes strangers, making them feel at home; and it represents an unforgettable invitation to the world to come to New Zealand and experience its beauty and welcoming culture.

Tourism New Zealand’s mission at IMEX 2018 in Frankfurt (May 15-17) is to show how an outstanding natural and cultural heritage, that has hospitality at its core, combines with world class venues, facilities, accommodation, catering and connectivity, to ensure memorable experiences.

It will be the first-ever outing for the “Korero and Kai” concept and the table which has been created exclusively for IMEX. The 250 kilogram table has been made and carved by New Zealand Māori craftsmen from the wood of a 4000-year-old New Zealand kauri tree, recovered from a swamp.

In Māori culture, it is believed that a stranger will soon become a friend after a conversation and meal. So the idea is to enable the world to get closer to the unique people and culture of New Zealand by sitting at their table from wherever they are in the world.

Around the table, planners taking part in the “Korero and Kai” experience will enjoy a meeting and sharing of a meal at some of New Zealand’smost spectacular natural locations. Just how that works will be revealed at IMEX but what we can tell you is that there will be a real taste of New Zealand food and cuisine as hosts and the guests sit together and meet each other across the table – sharing their ideas, expectations, belief and culture.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a slice of New Zealand, in Frankfurt. We are sure you will be highly inspired to organize your next congress in New Zealand and to extend the “Korero and Kai” experience to your own delegates.

You can join these special meetings during the TNZ hosted buyer group presentations and additionally, there will be additional time slots available for visitors who are not part of a hosted buyers group. We will communicate the exact times before IMEX here, and there also will be a sign at TNZ stand telling you when you definitely should drop by. You can find the TNZ team at stand C300.

Your contact at Tourism New Zealand:
Leonie Ashford
Business Events Bid Manager
Leonie.Ashford@tnz.govt.nz
tel. + 64 446 28 018
www.businessevents.newzealand.com