Countdown To New Zealand's Flagship Business Event

The business events industry's flagship showcase, MEETINGS opens in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland next month at New Zealand's largest and newest convention centre.

From 16-18 June at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), MEETINGS will connect influential buyers from New Zealand, Australia, and international markets with regional destinations, venues, accommodation providers, and off-site experiences.

Run by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), the trade exhibition will feature over 250 stands representing 18 regions of New Zealand, including 10 first-time exhibitors.

More than 1,500 attendees are expected and over 6,000 prescheduled meetings are planned. Hosted buyers are travelling from Australia, South-East Asia, China, India and North America to meet with New Zealand's business events sector. Last year MEETINGS generated $110 million of business bookings for New Zealand.

Lisa Hopkins, BEIA Chief Executive says the level of interest from international and domestic markets shows New Zealand has come of age in the world of conferences, incentives and business events.

“We are thrilled to be bringing New Zealand's premier business events tradeshow back to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and to be hosting it at the NZICC for an audience that is largely new to MEETINGS,” she says.

MEETINGS comes at a time of major transformation, with new infrastructure, and expanded capacity for New Zealand's largest city.

Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says the timing aligns with strong momentum across the sector.

“MEETINGS 2026 comes at a pivotal time for Auckland. We're entering a new phase where we can confidently host larger, more complex events while still delivering the quality and experience we're known for,” he says.

Tāmaki Makaurau has seen significant investment across accommodation, transport and event infrastructure, reshaping what the region can offer organisers. New hotel developments, including Radisson RED and TRIBE Auckland, alongside a strong pipeline of international brands, are increasing capacity and choice. At the same time, major projects such as the City Rail Link and upgrades at Auckland Airport are improving connectivity across the region.

At the centre of this transformation is the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), the home of MEETINGS 2026. With capacity for more than 4000 delegates and flexible meeting spaces, NZICC complements the region's existing venues and enables Auckland to host large-scale international congresses in ways not previously possible.

NZICC General Manager, Prue Daly says hosting MEETINGS 2026 is one of the most meaningful milestones in NZICC's opening year.

“After years in the making, welcoming our own industry, clients and friends to share our venue, purpose-built for connection, creativity and collaboration feels especially significant - and powerfully reinforces why NZICC was created in the first place,” she says.

MEETINGS 2026 will make full use of NZICC's flexible and scalable spaces. They include the purpose-built exhibition hall Ariki, Te Paepae theatre and all the meeting spaces, supported by advanced technology, in-house catering and an experienced event delivery team.

Buyers and visitors can register to attend MEETINGS 2026 by visiting www.meetings.co.nz.

About BEIA

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) is the official membership-based association representing New Zealand's business events sector which encompasses meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

In 2025, New Zealand's business events sector made a substantial economic contribution, with multi-day conferences alone generating $925 million in total spend.

BEIA brings together an industry membership from across regional convention bureaus, tourism, hotels, convention centres, event suppliers and event organisers working to grow and benefit the business events industry within New Zealand. Its efforts are aimed at creating positive outcomes for members, stakeholders, and the wider economy, encouraging both domestic and international opportunities.

BEIA is also the custodian of Pīata Mai, the national strategic direction for New Zealand's business events sector. Launched in 2024, this 10-year strategy outlines a clear path for addressing the industry's challenges and unlocking sustainable growth opportunities.

Beyond advocacy, BEIA plays a central role in developing the sector's capability, offering professional development, education, and accreditation for individuals working in business events. The association represents more than 460 organisations and maintains an extensive network of buyers and organisers across New Zealand and Australia.

Through its work, BEIA continues to elevate the business events sector as a vital contributor to New Zealand's visitor economy and wider society.

MEETINGS is Aotearoa New Zealand's only national tradeshow for the business events industry. It is the leading platform for connecting influential domestic, Australian and international buyers with key regions, meeting facilities, accommodation, off-site venues and activities.

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