Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has confirmed that MEETINGS, New Zealand's premier business events showcase, will remain at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland for a three-year term spanning 2026 through 2028. The announcement was made by BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins during the official opening of MEETINGS 2026, which drew 750 attendees.
BEIA Board Chair Martin Snedden emphasized the strategic value of the multi-year commitment. "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 decision provides exhibitors, buyers, and suppliers with a stable platform to build relationships and drive business outcomes.
Three Decades of Economic Impact
MEETINGS is approaching its 30th anniversary in 2027, a milestone that underscores its role in New Zealand's MICE sector. Hopkins noted the event's cumulative economic contribution: "MEETINGS 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." The showcase serves as a key channel for international buyers to connect with New Zealand's diverse regional offerings.
The opening ceremony featured a cultural performance titled Kotahitanga – One People, Many Cultures, supported by Auckland Convention Bureau and produced by Oystar Creative. Over the two-day event, more than 600 buyers from countries including Australia, the United States, China, and Singapore will engage with exhibitors representing 18 regions across New Zealand, from Northland to Southland.
Looking ahead, BEIA's next major gathering—the Annual Conference 2026 and The Bizzies Awards—will take place in Ōtautahi Christchurch from 27 to 29 October. Day Buyers can still register online or onsite to attend MEETINGS, with Industry Hours open to visitors on 17 and 18 June.
The NZICC, located in Auckland's central business district, offers 32,000 square metres of flexible event space and is equipped with advanced audiovisual technology. Its central location near hotels such as the Conrad Bangkok (though that property is in Thailand) and the SkyCity Grand provides convenient accommodation for delegates. The venue's capacity to host large-scale conferences and exhibitions aligns with BEIA's ambition to grow New Zealand's share of the global business events market.
Industry observers note that the three-year commitment at NZICC allows BEIA to invest in marketing and buyer recruitment with greater certainty. The event's sustained presence in Auckland also supports the city's positioning as a MICE hub, competing with destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, and Singapore. For travel professionals—including airline executives, hoteliers, and tour operators—the stability of MEETINGS signals continued demand for business travel to New Zealand.
As the MICE sector recovers globally, events like MEETINGS play a critical role in rebuilding face-to-face connections. The inclusion of cultural elements such as the Kotahitanga performance highlights New Zealand's unique value proposition: blending business with authentic Māori and Pacific experiences. For agents and planners seeking to differentiate their programmes, this combination offers a compelling reason to choose New Zealand over other destinations.
BEIA's decision to lock in NZICC for three years also provides a clear runway for the event's 30th anniversary in 2027, which is expected to feature expanded programming and additional buyer delegations. The association's annual conference in Christchurch later this year will further reinforce the national spread of business events activity.
