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Over 200 business event professionals are meeting in Ōtautahi Christchurch this week for Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s annual conference and The Bizzies awards, amidst news of strong growth for the sector.
Statistics NZ international arrivals data just released shows 8,212 international delegates arrived in New Zealand for business events in August 2026, a 28.5 percent increase on the same month last year, and bringing an estimated $27 million to the economy.
August 2026 delegate numbers were also 24.6 percent higher than August 2019, before COVID.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) chief executive Lisa Hopkins says the results show years of groundwork are paying off.
“Aotearoa New Zealand’s reputation as a welcoming, safe, and stable destination appeals to both event organisers and delegates,” she says.
“Bookings show the momentum for international and domestic business events will continue through the remainder of 2026, and into 2027, with around 70,000 domestic and international delegates expected to attend events between October and December this year.”
The BEIA Conference takes place on Wednesday October 28 and Thursday 29 at Christchurch Town Hall, following a welcome function at One New Zealand Stadium tonight (Tuesday October 27).
Leading economist and Infometrics chief executive, Brad Olsen opens the programme with his view of the economic forces shaping New Zealand’s business environment, and what they mean for the business events sector ahead of the General Election on 7 November.
On Wednesday evening, the industry will celebrate its achievements at The Bizzies gala dinner at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. Now in its second year, The Bizzies Awards celebrate the individuals, organisations, and initiatives that drive outstanding outcomes across New Zealand’s business events sector.
On Thursday, delegates will get out into the city to meet the people behind Christchurch’s recovery and reinvention. Sir Ian Taylor, founder of Animation Research, will deliver the closing keynote.
“Seeing how Christchurch has leveraged adversity as a catalyst for innovation, investment and growth will give us insights into how all businesses can learn, grow and thrive,” Lisa says.
The BEIA Conference 2026 is being supported by Christchurch Airport, Venues Ōtautahi, Te Pae Christchurch, Technical Event Solutions, Celebrity Speakers NZ, and ChristchurchNZ.
