New Zealand’s largest and newest convention centre will next month host MEETINGS, the business events industry’s premier trade showcase, in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Taking place from 16-18 June at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), MEETINGS will bring together influential buyers from New Zealand, Australia, and international markets with regional destinations, venues, accommodation providers, and off-site experiences.
Organised by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), the trade exhibition will feature more than 250 stands representing 18 regions of New Zealand, including 10 first-time exhibitors.
More than 1,500 attendees are expected, with over 6,000 pre-scheduled meetings planned. Hosted buyers are travelling from Australia, South-East Asia, China, India, and North America to engage with New Zealand’s business events sector. Last year, MEETINGS generated $110 million in business bookings for New Zealand.
Lisa Hopkins, chief executive of BEIA, says the level of interest from both international and domestic markets reflects the growing maturity of New Zealand’s conference, incentive, and business events offering. “Returning MEETINGS to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and hosting it at the NZICC for an audience that is largely new to the event, is a significant opportunity for the sector,” she says.
MEETINGS arrives at a time of considerable transformation, with new infrastructure and expanded capacity supporting New Zealand’s largest city.
Ken Pereira, head of business events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says the timing reflects strong momentum across the sector. “MEETINGS 2026 comes at a pivotal time for Auckland. The region is entering a new phase where it can confidently host larger, more complex events whilst continuing to deliver the quality and experience for which it is known,” he says.
Tāmaki Makaurau has seen substantial investment across accommodation, transport, and event infrastructure, broadening what the region can offer event organisers. New hotel developments, including Radisson RED and TRIBE Auckland, alongside a strong pipeline of international brands, are increasing both capacity and choice. Major projects such as the City Rail Link and upgrades at Auckland Airport are also improving connectivity across the region.
At the centre of this transformation is the NZICC, the venue for MEETINGS 2026. With capacity for more than 4,000 delegates and flexible meeting spaces, the NZICC complements the region’s existing venues and enables Auckland to host large-scale international congresses in ways not previously possible.
Prue Daly, general manager of NZICC, says hosting MEETINGS 2026 represents one of the most meaningful milestones in the venue’s opening year. “After years in the making, welcoming the industry, clients, and colleagues to a venue purpose-built for connection, creativity, and collaboration feels especially significant – and speaks directly to why the NZICC was created,” she says.
MEETINGS 2026 will make full use of the NZICC’s flexible and scalable spaces, including the purpose-built exhibition hall Ariki, the Te Paepae theatre, and a full range of meeting rooms, all supported by advanced technology, in-house catering, and an experienced event delivery team.
Buyers and visitors can register to attend MEETINGS 2026 at www.meetings.co.nz.
