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MEETINGS 2026 has wrapped up in Auckland after delivering 8,000 business appointments across two days and drawing hundreds of buyers, exhibitors and industry leaders to the New Zealand International Convention Centre.
The event closed on June 18, 2026 with the Electric Garden celebration, attended by 700 guests and headlined by a performance from Synthony.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa chief executive Lisa Hopkins says the 29th edition of MEETINGS highlighted New Zealand’s strength as a business events destination.
“The ongoing growth and momentum of this sector is reflected in the scale of participation and the quality of the event,” Lisa says.
“MEETINGS continues to evolve to mirror the level of business activity, engagement and innovation we are seeing in New Zealand.”
Auckland Convention Bureau manager Ken Periera says exhibitors and partners were already reporting new business opportunities and event confirmations.
“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,” Ken says.
The trade show brought together more than 600 buyers from New Zealand and international markets, alongside exhibitors representing destinations, venues and suppliers from across the country.
Several new venues and experiences made their MEETINGS debut, including Wellington’s expanded Tiakiwai Conference Centre, Invercargill’s Te Unua Museum of Southland, which is due to open in 2027, and Te Puna Mahara, a new events centre under development in Cromwell.
Destination Marlborough business events development manager Anna Hayward says buyers showed strong interest in the region’s growing business events offering.
“MEETINGS has 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,” Anna says.
The event also highlighted business already being secured for future years. Sudima Hotels’ Leigh Higgins says the company prepared 14 event proposals on the first day of the trade show alone, for business extending through to 2028 and beyond.
The 30th edition of MEETINGS will be held at the NZICC in June 2027.
Meeting Newz Best Stand Awards 2026
The annual Meeting Newz Best Stand Awards were also announced during MEETINGS 2026.
- Best New Exhibitor: Finesse Entertainment
- Best Individual Stand: Hobbiton Movie Set
- Best Regional Stand: Ōtautahi Christchurch
