Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has confirmed that MEETINGS 2026, New Zealand's largest business events showcase, will be hosted at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland from 16 to 18 June. This marks a significant milestone for the venue in its opening year.
Event Scale and Structure
The three-day event will bring together more than 600 buyers and over 250 exhibitors representing 18 regions across New Zealand. Organisers have scheduled 6,000 pre-scheduled appointments, connecting influential buyers from domestic and international markets with regional destinations, venues, and accommodation providers.
Lisa Hopkins, BEIA Chief Executive, emphasised the convenience of the centralised setup: “This year the opening, trade show and celebration events are all being held under the one roof at the NZICC, within walking distance of most host hotels, creating a totally connected experience.”
International Buyer Attendance
International buyers are expected from key source markets including Australia, Southeast Asia, China, India, Japan, and North America. The Auckland Convention Bureau will host city tours for buyers and media on 16 June, prior to the official opening.
Prue Daly, General Manager of NZICC, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event: “Hosting MEETINGS 2026, New Zealand's premier business events showcase, is one of the most meaningful milestones in NZICC's opening year.”
Industry Access and Networking
The two-day exhibition is open to anyone organising business events in New Zealand, with industry hours scheduled for 17 and 18 June. This event underscores the NZICC's role as a hub for connection, creativity, and collaboration in the business events sector.
For MICE professionals, the event offers a concentrated opportunity to explore New Zealand's diverse offerings under one roof. The proximity of host hotels to the venue enhances the attendee experience, reducing transit time and maximising networking potential.
As the global business events industry continues to recover and evolve, MEETINGS 2026 positions New Zealand as a competitive destination for international conferences and incentive travel. The NZICC's modern facilities and central Auckland location are expected to attract a wide range of event organisers.
For more on MICE developments, see AYANA Bali Opens 1,850sqm Pillarless Grand Ballroom for MICE Events in 2026 and Outletcity Metzingen Launches World Cup Summer 2026 with Football Events and Extended Retail Hours.
