BEIA flags its MEETINGS 2026 milestone event at New Zealand International Convention Centre

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), the official membership-based association representing New Zealand's business events sector has flagged its expectations for MEETINGS 2026 at Auckland's New Zealand International Convention Centre.

New Zealand's biggest trade show for the business events industry, MEETINGS  continues to gain momentum in attendance and reputation as next year's venue prepares for opening.

Over 1,200 people attended the 28th MEETINGS event in 2025 across two days at Auckland Showgrounds, with a record 250 stands representing 18 regions of New Zealand. Over 540 buyers and media attended, a 69% increase on the 2024 number, including a record 126 buyers and media from Australia. MEETINGS' ever-popular social gatherings attracted 700 people to the welcome function at Auckland's Eden Park, and 650 to celebrate the finale at Viaduct Events Centre.

BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins says MEETINGS goes from strength to strength and is gearing up for next year's milestone event at Auckland's New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).

Hopkins advised “we anticipate the biggest MEETINGS ever next year at Auckland's New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC). The BEIA team is working closely with the teams at NZICC and Auckland Convention Bureau to open up registration and hosted buyer applications for 2026 as early as possible.”

NZICC will open to New Zealand and the world for conferences and events in February 2026.

Destined to become an iconic part of Auckland's skyline, NZICC will stand alongside landmarks like the Sky Tower to symbolise the city's ambition and global connectivity.

NZICC is a joint venture between the NZ Government and SkyCity Entertainment Group for a space that will accommodate up to 3150 delegates for conferences, host up to 33 meetings at any one time and provide a public laneway with hospitality and retail tenants.

NZICC was designed by a collaboration of architectural firms: Warren and Mahoney, Moller Architects, and Woods Bagot. They worked together to create a versatile and modern space for conventions, exhibitions, and events. Peata Larkin also contributed to the design, particularly the facade. 

BEIA advise that independent post-MEETINGS 2025 research and analysis projects $110 million in business transactions between exhibitors and buyers will happen within the next three years, the same value as last year.

Hopkins adds “this result isn't unexpected given current domestic and international economic challenges and is likely a reflection of event organisers tending to consider shorter lead times in booking at the moment.

“What it also tells us is that MEETINGS is vital for establishing a pipeline of business, as well as for building those connections that will come to fruition in the future. Doing the mahi (work) now helps future-proof the sector.”

Recognising the importance of the business events sector for its growth agenda, the New Zealand Government chose MEETINGS 2025 to announce a new round of funding for business events, part of the wider Tourism Growth Roadmap launched by New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Louise Upston at Eden Park.

MEETINGS 2025 set a new bar for the level of knowledge sharing and dialogue with 11 speakers at Kōrero, an industry leadership summit. The BEIA Approved Professional Conference Organiser Masterclass, Corporate Event Organisers' meeting, Celebrity Speakers Showcase, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) gatherings and regional Convention Bureaux meetings also took place around the event.

Social impact was a meaningful focus again this year, with buyers invited to support one of three Auckland charities selected by BEIA – Pet Refuge, Auckland City Mission and Big Buddy. A donation was made on each person's behalf to their chosen organisation.

“We saw plenty of energy and optimism on the show floor and received incredible and constructive feedback from buyers and exhibitors. They've told us MEETINGS is an essential part of their calendar, how good it is to meet face-to-face in New Zealand, and how much the friendly and welcoming hospitality (manaakitanga) and the strong cultural ethos meant to them,” Hopkins continued

"Our buyers commented on the cohesiveness New Zealand displays within our regions, with suppliers recommending or collaborating with others to tailor the best solutions for clients. That is such an important point of difference.”

MEETINGS 2026 will be held on 17th and 18th June 2026 at the NZICC in Auckland.