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MEETINGS 2026 will return to Auckland next month, with the country’s flagship business events showcase set to take place at the newly opened New Zealand International Convention Centre.
Running from June 16-18, the event is expected to bring together more than 1,500 delegates, buyers and exhibitors from New Zealand and international markets.
International buyers return
Run by Business Events Industry Aotearoa, MEETINGS 2026 will feature more than 250 stands representing 18 regions around New Zealand, including 10 first-time exhibitors.
Hosted buyers are travelling from Australia, South-East Asia, China, India and North America to meet with New Zealand destinations, venues, accommodation providers and event operators.
More than 6,000 pre-scheduled meetings are planned across the event.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins says the level of interest highlights New Zealand’s growing reputation in the international business events sector.
“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.
Last year’s event generated an estimated $110 million in business bookings for New Zealand.
Auckland infrastructure investment
The event comes as Auckland continues a major period of tourism and infrastructure investment.
New accommodation developments, including Radisson RED Auckland and TRIBE Auckland, alongside upgrades at Auckland Airport and the ongoing City Rail Link project, are increasing the city’s capacity to host large-scale events.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited head of business events Ken Pereira says Auckland is entering a new phase for the sector.
“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.
NZICC milestone event
MEETINGS 2026 will be one of the first major industry events hosted at NZICC since the convention centre opened.
With capacity for more than 4,000 delegates, the venue includes exhibition spaces, theatres and meeting rooms designed for large-scale conferences and international congresses.
NZICC general manager Prue Daly says hosting the event is a significant moment for the venue.
“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.”
