In a strategic move set to redefine the business events landscape in New Zealand, Auckland will once again become the epicentre of MEETINGS, the nation’s premier trade show for the business events sector, in 2025 and 2026. This return to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland marks a significant shift for the industry following a record-breaking event in Rotorua this year.
A Landmark Decision: Auckland Secures MEETINGS
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has officially confirmed the dates for the subsequent two editions of MEETINGS, underscoring Auckland’s pivotal role in the growth of New Zealand’s business events sector. The 2025 event will take place on June 11-12 at the Auckland Showgrounds, while the 2026 edition will be hosted at the newly built New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) on June 17-18.
BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins expressed her excitement over bringing MEETINGS back to Auckland, highlighting the city’s rapid development and enhanced ability to host world-class events.
“It’s been four years since MEETINGS was held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and much has changed in the city,” Hopkins said. “We can’t wait to introduce buyers to the exciting transformation the city is experiencing with new major infrastructure projects such as the NZICC, the City Rail Link, which is due to open at the end of 2025, and several new hotels, including five-star properties like the Horizon Hotel and Intercontinental Auckland, as well as the expansion of the Cordis Pinnacle Tower.”
Auckland’s Rising Profile in the Global Business Events Arena
The return of MEETINGS to Auckland is a testament to the city’s growing stature as a leading destination for international business events. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) recently ranked Auckland among the top 100 cities worldwide for hosting international conferences, with its best ranking in the Asia Pacific region in the last decade, now sitting at 15th.
Auckland’s impressive infrastructure developments are a key factor in this rise. The NZICC, set to be one of the largest conference centres in the Southern Hemisphere, will provide a state-of-the-art venue for MEETINGS 2026, coinciding with the event’s 30th anniversary. Hosted buyers in 2025 will be given an exclusive tour of the NZICC, offering a preview of the venue that will serve as the heart of New Zealand’s business events industry in the coming years.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Auckland’s Success
The decision to host MEETINGS in Auckland for two consecutive years also reflects the strong partnership between BEIA and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the city’s economic and cultural agency. Nick Hill, Chief Executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in securing high-value business events for the region.
“This announcement reflects Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s strong partnership with BEIA, and our commitment to attract more high-value business events to our region,” Hill stated. “The sector plays an important role in increasing our visitation and tourism numbers, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to connect, collaborate, and experience all that Auckland has to offer.”
A New Era for Auckland’s Business Events Sector
The return of MEETINGS to Auckland is not just a win for the city; it signals a new era for New Zealand’s business events sector. With the city’s enhanced infrastructure, strategic location, and world-class venues, Auckland is poised to lead the industry into a future of growth and innovation.
As the countdown to MEETINGS 2025 begins, the spotlight is on Auckland, a city ready to showcase its transformation to the world. The return of this prestigious event to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is more than just a homecoming—it is a bold statement of the city’s ambition and its central role in the global business events arena.
Written by: Octavia Koo
