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Auckland has secured the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s 30th Scientific Symposium, with the international conference set to be held in November 2028.
The event, known as WPATH 2028, will bring approximately 1,300 clinicians, researchers, educators, policymakers and community leaders to Auckland from November 5-10, marking the first time the symposium has been hosted in Oceania.
Organisers estimate the conference will generate close to $3.1 million in economic impact and around 7,300 visitor nights for the city.
The successful bid was led by Dr Elizabeth McElrea, a board member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and Jennifer Shields, president of the Professional Association of Transgender Health Aotearoa, with support from the Auckland Convention Bureau, a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
Jennifer Shields says hosting the symposium reflects Auckland’s reputation as an inclusive and welcoming destination, while providing an opportunity to showcase Aotearoa to an international professional audience.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited head of business events Ken Pereira says securing WPATH 2028 reinforces Auckland’s standing as a globally connected centre for major conferences.
“WPATH is a values-led, knowledge-driven event, and Auckland offers the facilities, health sector expertise and community infrastructure to support meaningful exchange,” Ken says.
The symposium will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, located within Auckland’s central city innovation precinct.
WPATH executive director Leo Lewis says the 2028 programme will focus on advancing research and best practice in transgender health through global collaboration.
