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The New Zealand Business Events Bid Champions Awards 2025 celebrated the industry leaders and academics who won international conferences for New Zealand through the Conference Assistance Programme.
Tourism New Zealand recognised the conference champions who successfully bid for high-profile events during the past year at a ceremony at Eden Park in Auckland on Thursday, September 18.
Overall, New Zealand secured 64 conference wins in the last financial year with an estimated economic impact of $78.8m.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy says these conferences not only enrich New Zealand’s visitor economy, but its universities, innovation hubs, key sectors, and communities.
“These bid champions have secured conferences in areas from health to the environment, law to information technology. Their dedication in bidding for these events means New Zealand will play a leading role in shaping the future of these sectors.”
With Tourism New Zealand’s business events team currently chasing 110 bids worth $185m, its highest-ever value target, he urged more bid champions to come forward and help extend the conference pipeline.
“Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme offers funding and support for those who want to bid for an international conference.
“Hosting an international conference can help progress a bid champion’s personal and professional career, as well as showcasing the work of their peers, organisation, and New Zealand’s knowledge strengths on the world stage.”
