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ChristchurchNZ has secured the prestigious International Society for Pneumonia and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) Biennial Meeting in 2028, bringing one of the world’s leading infectious disease conferences to Christchurch and reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a destination for high-impact international scientific events.
The conference, to be held in Christchurch March 5 – 9 2028 at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, is expected to attract 1,000 leading researchers, clinicians, public health experts and healthcare professionals from around the world to discuss the latest advances in the prevention, treatment and understanding of pneumonia and pneumococcal diseases. The meeting is expected to bring over $4 million in direct economic benefit to the city.
The successful bid is a major win for Christchurch and New Zealand’s health and research sectors, delivering significant economic benefits while creating opportunities for local researchers, clinicians and students to engage with global leaders in infectious disease research.
ISPPD 2028 co-chairs, professors Tony Walls and David Murdoch, say: “Hosting the world’s leading pneumonia conference recognises New Zealand’s contribution to infectious diseases research and provides a unique opportunity to showcase our science, strengthen global collaborations and help advance efforts to reduce the burden of pneumonia worldwide.”
The successful bid for the event recognises Christchurch’s growing role as a centre for health and medical research. Local experts have made internationally significant contributions across infectious diseases, respiratory health, vaccination and public health, making Christchurch a fitting host city for a conference of this scale and importance.
Bree Jones, Business Events manager at ChristchurchNZ, says “Hosting ISPPD provides an opportunity to showcase Christchurch’s world-class conference infrastructure, our renowned health and research community, and the collaborative spirit that makes this city an outstanding place to meet, learn, and explore.”
“We can’t wait to welcome the ISPPD community to Christchurch in 2028. Delegates will experience a city that is ambitious, innovative and connected to the world – an ideal setting for conversations and collaborations that have the potential to improve lives globally.”
