Auckland will remain the home of New Zealand’s largest business events trade show until at least 2029, a decision that cements the new harbourside convention centre as a critical economic anchor and secures a stream of high-value visitors for the city during the quietest time of the year.
The announcement was made by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) at the opening of its flagship annual showcase, MEETINGS 2026, on 16 June. BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins confirmed to an audience of around 750 industry professionals that the next three editions of the event would be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).
The commitment provides a significant vote of confidence in the $715 million convention centre, which only opened its doors in February. For Auckland, it guarantees the annual arrival of hundreds of international and domestic event buyers, providing a reliable economic injection just as the winter chill begins to slow the traditional leisure tourism market.
A move for stability and growth
BEIA’s leadership framed the decision as a strategic move to provide long-term stability for the event, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. The continuity allows organisers to build on the showcase’s success and reputation as a cornerstone of the national business events calendar.
Knowing that MEETINGS will be anchored at the NZICC means we can continue to ensure the trade show remains fresh and relevant.
BEIA board chair Martin Snedden said the board’s priority was to ensure the event could continue to develop and expand. "Staying at the NZICC for the next three years establishes long-term continuity," he said, highlighting the goal of sustained growth for the showcase.
This year’s event, running from 16 to 18 June, underscores the scale and importance of the gathering. It has brought together over 600 buyers to meet with more than 250 exhibitors representing 18 of the country's regions. An estimated 6,000 pre-scheduled appointments were booked, with the total number of attendees exceeding 1,500 people. A significant portion of this year's buyers, about half, are attending for the first time, signalling fresh interest in what New Zealand has to offer.
High-value visitors bolster winter economy
The long-term deal is a significant win for Auckland’s accommodation and hospitality sectors, particularly given the profile of business event attendees. Research from BEIA and Fresh Info revealed that multi-day business events contributed a massive $925 million to the New Zealand economy in 2025, generating approximately 1.5 million visitor nights nationwide.
Crucially, international delegates are high-spending visitors. An international delegate spends an average of $645 per day, substantially more than the average overseas holidaymaker’s daily spend of around $417. The total value of each international delegate is estimated at $3,726 for their visit, a lucrative market that Auckland is now poised to capture consistently each winter.
The international contingent at MEETINGS 2026 is strong, with 105 organisers and media arriving from Australia with support from Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand. Buyers have also travelled from key markets including Southeast Asia, China, India, Japan and North America, reinforcing the event's global reach.
A timely boost for Auckland’s hotel boom
The decision to anchor MEETINGS in Auckland provides a timely and reliable demand driver for the city’s expanding hotel market. The NZICC itself is part of a connected precinct that includes the SkyCity Grand, SkyCity Hotel, and the new Horizon hotel, offering more than 930 rooms within a short walk of the exhibition floor. As Auckland continues to host major events, such as the Matariki celebrations, its accommodation sector is set to benefit.
This central hub is being complemented by a wave of new hotel developments across the central city. Among the new entrants is the 322-room Radisson RED on Lorne Street, which marks the first New Zealand property for the Radisson Hotel Group. A 231-room DoubleTree by Hilton is also under construction on Albert Street. Securing a major annual event like MEETINGS gives these new and existing hotels a guaranteed block of bookings during what is typically the year's slowest period.
Tourism recovery gathers pace
The commitment comes as New Zealand’s wider tourism sector continues its strong post-pandemic recovery. The latest data from Stats NZ shows a positive trend, with 288,000 international visitors arriving in April, an 8 percent increase compared to the same month last year.
Overall visitor numbers are now tracking at approximately 93 percent of pre-pandemic levels. The recovery is being partly driven by a significant resurgence in arrivals from China, which surged 52 percent in April to over 32,000 visitors. This growth creates a favourable environment for both leisure and business travel.
By securing MEETINGS until 2029, Auckland has transformed the NZICC's opening into a recurring economic triumph. The deal provides hotels, restaurants, and operators with three more winters of predictable, high-value demand, cementing the convention centre as the pivotal investment the city had envisioned.
