The Bizzies 2026: Celebrating New Zealand’s Best in the Business Events Industry

The Bizzies 2026

New Zealand's business events industry celebrated its outstanding talent, creativity and achievements at The Bizzies 2026, held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on Wednesday 28 October 2026.

Bringing together 245 industry professionals from across the country, the prestigious black-tie awards evening recognised the people, organisations and partnerships helping shape the future of New Zealand's business events sector.

Now in its second year, The Bizzies has established itself as Aotearoa New Zealand's only awards programme dedicated exclusively to the business events industry.

Celebrating Excellence Across New Zealand

Supported by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), The Bizzies recognise excellence, innovation and positive industry impact across seven award categories.

The awards celebrate achievements throughout the business events sector, including convention centres, venues, event suppliers, professional organisers, destinations and individuals.

The 2026 celebration was held in conjunction with the BEIA Conference, bringing together professionals who contribute to New Zealand's reputation as an attractive destination for international conferences, exhibitions, incentive travel and business events.

The awards are supported by a volunteer steering committee of industry professionals, led by co-chairs Rachel Cook and Alana Bicknell.

They highlighted the impressive range of talent and achievements represented among this year's finalists, acknowledging the creativity, collaboration and considerable work that takes place behind the scenes to deliver successful business events.

A Night of Recognition in Christchurch

The Bizzies 2026

The black-tie celebration welcomed 245 guests to Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, one of New Zealand's leading international convention venues.

Returning as hosts for the second year were two of New Zealand's prominent broadcasters and journalists, Mike McRoberts and Melissa Chan-Green.

The evening recognised the exceptional standard of entries, with judges impressed by the innovation, collaboration and passion demonstrated throughout the industry.

The organisers also acknowledged the sponsors and judges whose contributions helped make the awards possible.

The Bizzies 2026 Award Winners

Seven categories recognised outstanding contributions to New Zealand's business events industry.

The 2026 winners were:

Emerging Business Events Professional Award

Sponsored by New Zealand International Convention Centre.
Winner: Zoe Lloyd, Food Envy.

Exceptional Business Events Professional Award

Sponsored by ServiceIQ.
Winner: Sharon Auld, Business Events Industry Aotearoa.

Legacy Impact Award

Sponsored by WellingtonNZ.
Winner: Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, The Conference Company and ChristchurchNZ.

Outstanding Marketing Award

Sponsored by Coast Group.
Winner: New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).

Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award

Sponsored by Christchurch Airport.
Winner: Venues Wellington in partnership with FillGood.

Innovation Award

Sponsored by NW Group.
Winner: 10th IWA-ASPIRE Conference and Water New Zealand Conference and Expo 2025.

Outstanding Partnership Award

Sponsored by New Zealand Society of Association Executives (NZSAE).
Winner: Auckland University of Technology – Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

Recognising the Power of Partnerships

The Bizzies also acknowledged the organisations supporting the awards and the wider business events community.

Event sponsors included Celebrity Speakers, Conference Innovators, Crowne Plaza Christchurch, EPIC Entertainment, Flubatek, Kim Chan Events, Rydges Latimer Christchurch, Smoke, Streamliner Productions, Sudima Hotels, The Production Agency and Multi-Media Systems.

The Outstanding Partnership Award particularly highlighted the importance of collaboration between organisations and communities in creating meaningful and lasting outcomes.

Christchurch Strengthens Its Business Events Reputation

The Bizzies 2026

Hosting The Bizzies at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre further highlighted Christchurch's position as an important destination for conferences, exhibitions and international business events.

The awards demonstrate the contribution made by New Zealand's business events professionals to tourism, economic development, knowledge sharing and international connections.

As The Bizzies enters its third year, the awards are helping build recognition for an industry that plays an important role in attracting visitors, supporting businesses and showcasing New Zealand to the world.

For international event organisers considering New Zealand for their next conference or business gathering, the achievements celebrated at The Bizzies 2026 provide another compelling reason to consider Aotearoa.

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA)

Website: https://www.beia.co.nz/

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

Website: https://www.tepae.co.nz/
Email: info@tepae.co.nz
Address: 188 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand.

New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)

Website: https://www.nzicc.co.nz/
Address: 101 Hobson Street, Auckland Central, Auckland, New Zealand.

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