NZICC Lands Two of Australasia's Largest Medical Conferences for 2026

The New Zealand International Convention Centre will host two major medical conferences in the region with an expected attendance of 3,300 delegates.

Two of Australasia’s largest association conferences are confirmed for 2026 at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), with a combined total of 3300 delegates expected to attend generating millions of dollars in economic activity.

It’s the first time in more than a decade that both the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) will hold conferences in New Zealand.

ANZCA is expected to attract 1500 delegates from around the world and inject more than $3 million into the local economy, from 30 April to 5 May 2026. This Annual Scientific Meeting is an annual meeting organised by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM). It serves as a key forum for anaesthetists, pain medicine specialists, researchers, and healthcare professionals worldwide to engage in knowledge exchange, discuss advancements, and address critical issues in anaesthesia and pain medicine.

"As a trans-Tasman organisation, we are excited to announce that the 2026 ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) will take place in Auckland. We are one of the largest specialist medical colleges in Australasia, and we are thrilled to have secured the state-of-the-art venue of the NZICC," said Professor Dave Story, President of ANZCA.

ANZCA ASM 2026’s theme is “Herenga waka, herenga tāngata: From home to home”, which they worked with a designer, Chloē Reweti (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Porou), and cultural advisor, Tui Blair (Ngāti Whātua). The conference, which will be held across six days, including pre-meeting workshops, in May 2026, will feature a distinguished lineup of international keynote speakers on anaesthesia and pain medicine and will deliver up to 150 workshops to attendees.
 

Later in the year, from 5 to 9 November, RANZCO’s Annual Scientific Congress will take place. It’s expected to attract 1800 delegates in November and contribute more than $2 million in economic activity. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists Congress is an annual scientific meeting, bringing together ophthalmologists from Australia, New Zealand, and overseas. The event fosters collaboration and learning in the latest techniques, research, and advancements in eye care.

“RANZCO is delighted to be welcomed to Auckland for our 57th Congress. It has been over a decade since RANZCO’s Congress was last hosted in New Zealand and we’re excited to experience all the vibrancy Auckland has to offer," said CEO, Mark Carmichael.

NZICC Director of Sales and Planning, Alana Bicknell, says securing two such prestigious conferences in what will be NZICC’s first year of opening is a major boost.

“We can’t wait to extend our manaakitanga to the delegates of both conferences. We’re confident the NZICC will absolutely wow them.”

The bids securing these events were led by the NZICC with the support of the Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB), a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.

“We appreciate the support from our industry partners to help bring these events to New Zealand, and also the government for their recent announcement regarding changes to the law around the advertising of medicines that have previously been a barrier to international medical conferences coming here,” said Alana Bicknell.

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) is located in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland CBD, making it one of the most connected convention centres in the world. Designed collaboratively alongside event industry experts, the NZICC is a vertically stacked, flexible and modern building, creating a hub of innovation and positive exchange integrated into the fabric of a vibrant city.

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