MEETINGS Secures Three-Year Home at the New Zealand International Convention Centre

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has confirmed that MEETINGS, New Zealand's premier business events trade show, will remain at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) for the next three years, providing long-term certainty for the industry as the event approaches a major milestone.

The announcement was made by BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins during the official opening of MEETINGS 2026 on 16 June, attended by 750 industry professionals at Auckland's newly opened convention centre.

The decision follows a strategic review of the event's future and reflects a commitment to providing continuity, stability and long-term value for New Zealand's business events sector.

BEIA Board Chair Martin Snedden said securing the NZICC as MEETINGS' home for the next three editions creates a strong platform for future growth.

“The board wanted to ensure MEETINGS continued to evolve and grow. Staying at the NZICC for the next three years establishes long-term continuity. We can now plan for the future with confidence,” he said.

The announcement comes as MEETINGS prepares to celebrate a significant milestone in 2027, marking 30 years since the trade show was first launched.

According to Hopkins, the event has played a pivotal role in connecting buyers and suppliers while generating substantial economic benefits for New Zealand over the past three decades.

“Next year, we will be recognising MEETINGS' 30th anniversary. That is significant for an event which has welcomed thousands of event decision-makers, organisers and planners, resulting in billions of dollars being pumped into New Zealand's economy over the past three decades.

“Knowing that MEETINGS will be anchored at the NZICC means we can continue to ensure the trade show remains fresh and relevant, while at the same time enhancing the elements that we know are important to the industry.

“Supported by the New Zealand Convention Bureau network, the popular regional familiarisation programme will remain an important part of MEETINGS, offering a deeper understanding of the destinations, people and experiences across the country," she said.
 

Celebrating Auckland's diversity

The official opening featured a specially commissioned performance supported by Auckland Convention Bureau, a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and created by Oystar Creative.

Entitled Kotahitanga – One People, Many Cultures, the production showcased the cultural richness of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland through music and dance, celebrating connection, identity and community while welcoming delegates to the city.

International buyers gather in Auckland

Across the two-day event, more than 600 hosted buyers from New Zealand, Australia, North America, China, India, Japan and Southeast Asia are meeting with exhibitors representing more than 220 organisations from 18 regions across New Zealand.

The show remains the country's most important marketplace for business events, providing a platform for destinations, venues, hotels and suppliers to connect with key decision-makers from domestic and international markets.
 

Looking ahead

Following MEETINGS 2026, BEIA's attention will turn to Christchurch, where the organisation's next major industry gathering will take place later this year.

The BEIA Annual Conference 2026 and The Bizzies Awards are scheduled for 27-29 October at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, bringing together industry leaders from across New Zealand for three days of learning, networking and celebration.

With a new long-term home secured and its 30th anniversary on the horizon, MEETINGS enters its next chapter with renewed confidence, reinforcing its position as the cornerstone event for New Zealand's business events industry.
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.