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| Christchurch Town Hall |
The gathering took place amid strong growth in international business event travel to New Zealand, highlighting the country’s appeal as a destination for conferences, incentive travel, exhibitions and professional gatherings.
International Business Event Arrivals Increased by 28.5 Per Cent
Statistics New Zealand data released in October 2026 showed that 8,212 international delegates arrived in New Zealand for business events in August 2026, an increase of 28.5 per cent compared with August 2025.
The arrivals generated an estimated NZ$27 million for the economy. Delegate numbers were also 24.6 per cent higher than in August 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international travel and events.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins said the results demonstrated how sustained efforts to develop New Zealand’s business events sector were paying off.
She said the country’s reputation as a welcoming, safe and stable destination appealed to event organisers and delegates. Bookings indicated that momentum would continue into 2027, with around 70,000 domestic and international delegates expected to attend events between October and December 2026.
Christchurch Hosted the BEIA Conference 2026
The BEIA Conference took place on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October at Christchurch Town Hall, following a welcome function at One New Zealand Stadium on Tuesday 27 October.
The programme examined the economic environment affecting New Zealand businesses and the opportunities ahead for the business events industry.
Brad Olsen, Chief Executive of Infometrics, opened the conference with insights into the economic forces shaping the country’s business environment and their implications for the sector ahead of New Zealand’s General Election on 7 November.
The conference brought business events professionals together to exchange ideas, strengthen industry connections and explore opportunities for conferences and events throughout New Zealand.
The Bizzies Celebrated Business Events Excellence
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| Lisa Hopkins |
In its second year, The Bizzies Awards celebrated the individuals, organisations and initiatives that contributed to outstanding outcomes across New Zealand’s business events sector.
The awards recognised industry achievements and highlighted the people and organisations helping attract events, visitors and investment to destinations throughout the country.
Delegates Explored Christchurch’s Innovation and Reinvention
On Thursday, conference delegates explored Christchurch and met people involved in the city’s recovery and reinvention.
The programme concluded with a keynote address by Sir Ian Taylor, founder of Animation Research. His presentation explored how Christchurch had responded to adversity through innovation, investment and growth, and the lessons other businesses could learn from the city’s experience.
The conference also showcased Christchurch as a destination offering contemporary urban attractions, cultural experiences, hospitality and access to the wider Canterbury region. Hosting major business events provided the city with an opportunity to introduce its venues, accommodation, services and visitor experiences to international decision-makers.
New Zealand’s Business Events Industry Looked Ahead
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The conference was supported by Christchurch Airport, Venues Ōtautahi, Te Pae Christchurch, Technical Event Solutions, Celebrity Speakers NZ and ChristchurchNZ.
As Christchurch welcomed industry leaders, the event highlighted the contribution business tourism made to local businesses, accommodation providers, hospitality operators and the wider visitor economy.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA)
Website: https://www.beia.co.nz/For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
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