“The world is not in your books and maps, it’s out there” – On the Auckland show floor – at least for two days in June 2026 (with apologies to Gandalf and J.R.R Tolkien).
New Zealand’s biggest business events trade show, MEETINGS 2026 drew to a close with a performance by Synthony at a celebration event for 700 guests, 18 June, following 8,000 meetings across two days at New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).
BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins said the 29th MEETINGS, “continues to evolve to mirror the level of business activity, engagement and innovation we are seeing in New Zealand, and the shape of what comes next for our industry. We are showcasing the best and most innovative ways to bring people together to meet and share ideas.”
Host city Auckland Convention Bureau manager, Ken Pereira said the city was excited to be hosting MEETINGS for the next three years.
“All our Auckland partners are reporting real and tangible business confirmations, with lots of future opportunities.
“MEETINGS has also given us a platform to launch several major new initiatives, such as Auckland Transport’s new Hui pass designed specifically for delegate travel,” he said.
One of the 18 regions on show at MEETINGS, Marlborough, debuted several new conference, incentive and meeting venues and experiences venue expansions and new hotels including the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, which is expanding to double the size.
Business events development manager for Destination Marlborough, Anna Hayward said MEETINGS had been packed with full appointment streams and plenty of interest from buyers understanding what the region has to offer in terms of capacity, quality and new experiences.
Other new venues to make their MEETINGS debut included Wellington’s expanded Tiakiwai Conference Centre, now spanning two heritage buildings including the newly opened Archives New Zealand, and Cliffside, an outcome-focused offsite destination on the clifftops of Karioitahi beach less than an hour from Auckland.
In the South Island, Te Unua Museum of Southland is a landmark new Invercargill museum opening in 2027, and Te Puna Mahara, a purpose-built 400-seat events centre is opening in Cromwell, Central Otago.
Leigh Higgins from Sudima Hotels said they were writing business on the show floor. “On the first day alone, we did 14 quotes directly with buyers for dates through to 2028 and beyond.”
NZICC’s Te Paepae theatre was transformed into a vibrant, festival‑inspired garden after dark for the ‘Electric Garden’ finale.
“Closing MEETINGS with Electric Garden and Synthony headlining is a real highlight for us,” said Prue Daly, NZICC general manager.
“Sharing an Auckland success story that’s gone on to make waves nationally and globally is a powerful way to bring the industry together for an experience that’s energetic, joyful and unmistakably special, and reflecting the impact we aspire to create through NZICC.”
The 30th MEETINGS will be held at the NZICC in June 2027.
The MEETINGS 2026 Best Stand Awards were announced on 18 June, voted for by hosted buyers and the Best Individual Stand Award went to Hobbiton™ Movie Set which took three full days to build.
