MEETINGS 2026 Showcased New Zealand’s Business Events Strength on a Global Stage

New Zealand International Convention Centre

Auckland’s Landmark Convention Centre Hosted the Nation’s Biggest Business Events Showcase

The New Zealand business events industry celebrated another successful chapter as MEETINGS 2026 was held for the first time at the impressive New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland.

The annual showcase attracted more than 700 hosted buyers from New Zealand and key international markets, while 253 exhibition stands transformed the convention centre into a vibrant marketplace for business events, incentives, conferences and meetings. Industry suppliers from every corner of the country gathered under one roof to promote destinations, venues, accommodation providers, attractions and experiences.

Organised by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), the 29th edition of MEETINGS highlighted the growing strength and resilience of New Zealand’s business events sector as international arrivals continued their strong recovery.

Business Events Delivered Significant Economic Benefits

MEETINGS 2026

According to BEIA research, New Zealand’s business events industry contributed an impressive $925 million to the national economy during the previous year.

The sector welcomed more than 16,500 international delegates during the first quarter of 2026, representing growth of more than 50 per cent compared with the same period in 2025. Delegate arrivals were only four per cent below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, demonstrating how quickly the market had rebounded.

April 2026 also recorded strong growth, with international delegate arrivals increasing by 21 per cent compared with April 2025.

The value of the sector extended well beyond visitor numbers. Conference and incentive travellers supported hotels, restaurants, transport providers, event venues and tourism operators throughout New Zealand, while also bringing valuable international knowledge, expertise and business connections into the country.

MEETINGS itself continued to generate significant economic opportunities. During MEETINGS 2025, more than $110 million worth of future business bookings were secured for destinations and suppliers across New Zealand.

Hobbiton Brought The Shire to the Exhibition Floor

Hobbiton Movie Set

One of the most talked-about attractions at MEETINGS 2026 was the spectacular activation by Hobbiton Movie Set.

Delegates were transported directly into the world of Middle-earth through a full-scale Hobbit Hole recreation that captured the charm and authenticity of The Shire. The installation featured living grass, colourful flowers and lush vegetation, creating one of the most photographed experiences on the exhibition floor.

The display was constructed by the same skilled team of carpenters, scenic painters, landscapers and craftspeople responsible for maintaining the iconic movie set in Matamata, ensuring visitors experienced an authentic taste of one of New Zealand’s most famous tourism attractions.

Supporting Communities Through Garden to Table

Garden to Table

MEETINGS 2026 also highlighted the importance of giving back to communities through its partnership with Garden to Table as the event’s official charity.

Representatives from the organisation showcased their work teaching children how to grow, harvest and prepare fresh seasonal produce. The programme continued to make a significant impact throughout New Zealand, with more than 32,000 students across 309 schools participating during the previous year.

Together, those students enjoyed more than one million vegetable-based meals, helping to build healthier eating habits and stronger connections to sustainable food production.

Industry Leaders Shared Insights and Inspiration

Celebrity Speakers NZ Showcase 

The Celebrity Speakers NZ Showcase added another dimension to the event programme, featuring lunchtime sessions with respected leaders from business, innovation and community sectors.

These presentations provided delegates with valuable insights into emerging trends, leadership, innovation and future opportunities, complementing the extensive networking and business development opportunities available throughout the exhibition.

The speaker programme reinforced MEETINGS’ reputation as more than just a trade exhibition, positioning it as a key forum for learning, collaboration and industry advancement.

A Positive Future for New Zealand’s Meetings and Incentives Sector

MEETINGS 2026

MEETINGS 2026 demonstrated why New Zealand remains one of the most attractive destinations in the Asia-Pacific region for conferences, incentives, meetings and exhibitions.

With international delegate numbers continuing to climb, world-class facilities now available at the NZICC, and strong industry collaboration across the country, the future of New Zealand’s business events sector looked exceptionally promising.

The successful staging of MEETINGS 2026 reinforced the industry's ability to generate economic growth, foster international relationships and showcase the very best of New Zealand to decision-makers from around the world.

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA)

Website: Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA)

Hobbiton Movie Set Website: Hobbiton Movie Set
New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) Website: New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)
Garden to Table Website: https://gardentotable.org.nz/

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/