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Two international hospitality experts will headline the Hospitality New Zealand Conference and Trade Show (HNZ26), the country’s largest hospitality and accommodation conference.
Hospitality and accommodation operators, leaders and innovators from across the motu will gather in Rotorua for the event on Monday, June 23 – Tuesday, June 24, 2026, at the Energy Events Centre.
Among the first keynote speakers confirmed are US hospitality performance strategist Preston Lee and internationally recognised flavour researcher, bartender and author Atilla Bús.
Preston Lee founded The 30% Rule in 2023 to help independent restaurants grow by focusing on culture, systems, training and leadership development.
The programme has helped more than 200 restaurants improve consistency and guest experience, generating more than $250 million in additional sales for clients.
At HNZ26, Preston will share insights on how hospitality businesses can thrive in a constantly changing environment while strengthening both service standards and operational efficiency.
Atilla Bús works at the intersection of contemporary mixology, sensory design and storytelling. With more than a decade of international experience, his work focuses on flavour as an emotional and cultural medium rather than alcohol content.
Atilla has collaborated with bars, brands and creative communities across Europe, Asia and Australia, and increasingly focuses on alcohol-free and low-ABV drinks.
At HNZ26, Atilla will explore emerging trends in flavour-driven no- and low-ABV beverages, sustainability-led design and shifting consumer expectations. He will also host a masterclass on flavour design, structure and technique.
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Kristy Phillips says the speakers help set the tone for the conference programme.
“The theme for HNZ26 is ‘manaakitanga in motion’, and Preston and Atilla are great examples of this,” Kristy says.
“They’re both at the top of their game in their respective fields in hospitality. We’re looking forward to welcoming them to Rotorua to share their expertise with our industry.”
Further announcements about the HNZ26 programme will be made in the lead-up to the event.
“HNZ26 is the must-attend event on the hospitality calendar. We have inspiring keynote speakers, expert panels, a large trade expo supported by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, alongside networking and social opportunities,” Kristy says.
“We’ll be announcing more speakers and sessions soon, but operators should take advantage of early bird pricing while it is available.”
As part of HNZ26, the 2026 LION Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence will also be held across two nights.
“These awards celebrate the people and businesses that represent the best of New Zealand’s hospitality and accommodation sector,” Kristy says.
Entries for the 2026 LION Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence close on Monday, March 31, 2026. Businesses across the food, beverage and accommodation sectors are encouraged to enter multiple categories.
The programme’s highest honour, the Supreme Award, will be selected by independent judges from the category winners.
