A ‘paddock to plate dinner’, degustation breakfast and Hobbit feast were all served up to a group of business event organisers in the Waikato last week.

The invited group were hosted in the region for an express 24-hour famil on 3-4 May. Dubbed ‘Taste Of Waikato’, the famil was co-hosted by Claudelands Conference & Exhibition Centre, Hobbiton Movie Set, Novotel Tainui Hamilton and Business Events Waikato.

Claudelands’ Business Development Manager Melissa Williams says the famil was a chance to give the event organisers a quick taste of what the Waikato could offer its business event visitors as well as demonstrate firsthand the close working relationship that exists between the region’s suppliers.

 “We know event organisers are incredibly busy so we wanted to provide the chance for a short, focussed famil that would give a really good overview of what our region could offer,” says Williams.

“We always tell people what a great business events destination the Waikato is, but nothing beats them being able to experience it for themselves – the itinerary was collaboratively put together to optimise their time here and give them a taste of the standard of venues, accommodation, attractions and activities on offer.”

The 24-hour visit included a tour and lunch at Hobbiton Movie Set, dinner at Novotel Tainui Hamilton, a morning yoga session, breakfast in the Montana Food and Events kitchen, and a masterclass at the Great NZ Food Show at Claudelands.