New Zealand’s biggest business events trade show, MEETINGS 2026, closed last night with a breathtaking performance by Synthony – the renowned Kiwi fusion of electronic dance anthems, live orchestra, DJs, vocalists and immersive visuals – at a celebration event for 700 guests, following 8000 meetings across two days at New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).
BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins, said the 29th MEETINGS was a stand-out event for the industry and highlighted New Zealand’s appeal as a business events destination.
“The ongoing growth and momentum of this sector is reflected in the scale of participation and the quality of the event, and makes MEETINGS a key trade show in Australasia and Asia Pacific for industry professionals.
“MEETINGS continues to evolve to mirror the level of business activity, engagement and innovation we are seeing in New Zealand, and the shape of what comes next for our industry. We are showcasing the best and most innovative ways to bring people together to meet and share ideas,” she said.
Host city Auckland Convention Bureau Manager Ken Periera said the city was excited to host MEETINGS for the next three years.
The Best Individual Stand at MEETINGS 2026 – Hobbiton™ Movie Set
“All our Auckland partners are reporting real and tangible business confirmations, with lots of future opportunities.
“MEETINGS has also given us a platform to launch several major new initiatives, such as Auckland Transport’s new Hui pass designed specifically for delegate travel,” he said.
Event organisers have been planning and booking future events on the show floor, and all have come away with innovative ideas and new suppliers.
Melbourne buyer, Charlene Tsui-Po from WaldronSmith Management Australia, who organises conferences for 300 to 2000 delegates, said this was her first visit to MEETINGS, and she had great catch-ups with suppliers, hoteliers and theming companies to support three events she has booked for New Zealand. She also visited Christchurch before MEETINGS. “It gave me a great feel for what it has to offer. It’s the perfect conference city – contained and accessible.”
Another first-time Australian buyer, Linda Parra from True Synergy, found new venues, attractions, merchandise, AV tech and speaker options for upcoming conferences in New Zealand. She was looking at options in the main centres and the regions. “I have loved the real community feel here at MEETINGS. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and I have made so many new connections,” she said.
The NZICC and Auckland’s Sky Tower lit up for MEETINGS 2026
One of the 18 regions on show at MEETINGS, Marlborough, debuted several new conference, incentive and meeting venues and experiences, venue expansions and new hotels, including the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, which is expanding to double the size.
Business Events Development Manager for Destination Marlborough, Anna Hayward, said MEETINGS had been packed with full appointment streams and plenty of interest from buyers, understanding what the region has to offer in terms of capacity, quality and new experiences.
Other new venues making their MEETINGS debut included Wellington’s expanded Tiakiwai Conference Centre, now spanning two heritage buildings, including the newly opened Archives New Zealand, and Cliffside, an outcome-focused offsite destination on the clifftops of Karioitahi Beach, less than an hour from Auckland. In the South Island, Te Unua Museum of Southland is a landmark new Invercargill museum opening in 2027, and Te Puna Mahara, a purpose-built 400-seat events centre, is opening in Cromwell, Central Otago.
MEETINGS showcased the NZICC’s exceptional location and facilities over three days of networking events and the trade show. As part of the NZICC precinct, Sudima Auckland City Hotel is less than 100 steps from the venue.
Leigh Higgins from Sudima Hotels said they were writing business on the show floor. “On the first day alone, we did 14 quotes directly with buyers for dates through to 2028 and beyond.”
“We work collaboratively with all the hotels in the precinct and NZICC to create a lively walkable atmosphere surrounding the convention centre,” she said.
NZICC’s Te Paepae theatre was transformed into a vibrant, festival-inspired garden after dark for the ‘Electric Garden’ finale. The highlight was a performance by Synthony, whose fusion of orchestral power and electronic beats has captivated audiences across New Zealand and Australia.
New Zealand’s leading event production and design specialists came together with BEIA to bring the space to life — The Events Group, Auckland Convention Bureau, Flock Events, The Production Agency, NZICC, and Hire Plants.
“Closing MEETINGS with Electric Garden and Synthony headlining is a real highlight for us,” said Prue Daly, NZICC General Manager.
“Sharing an Auckland success story that’s gone on to make waves nationally and globally is a powerful way to bring the industry together for an experience that’s energetic, joyful and unmistakably special, and reflecting the impact we aspire to create through NZICC.”
The 30th MEETINGS will be held at the NZICC in June 2027.
Meeting Newz Best Stand Awards 2026
The MEETINGS 2026 Best Stand Awards were announced on 18 June, voted for by hosted buyers and presented by Meeting Newz. The winning criteria included initial impact, overall presentation and ambience of the stand, effectiveness of stand personnel, and the presentation of marketing collateral available on the stand.
2026 winners:
Best New Exhibitor – Finesse Entertainment
This year’s winner made a big impact with their stand, which showcased the full array of elegant meet-and-greet entertainment and their roaming performance options that brought glitz and glamour to this year’s MEETINGS.
Best Individual Stand Award – Hobbiton™ Movie Set
This year’s winner has really been the showstopper of MEETINGS 2026. With a level of detail that is difficult to comprehend and taking three full days to build, the work and craftsmanship involved are magnificent.
Best Regional Stand – Ōtautahi Christchurch
In what was an extremely close contest, this year’s winning region utilised natural materials, sweeping curves and earthy tones to seamlessly align with the region’s brand and activation, which offered buyers the opportunity to shape and finish their very own pounamu necklaces.
Edited by: Peter Needham at MEETINGS 2026 in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland – © 2026.
Read Time: 4 Minutes.
About the Author.
With more than 35 years in travel journalism, Peter Needham has filed stories from Fleet Street to Fiji, and just about everywhere in between. As Managing Editor (Australasia) for Global Travel Media, he shapes industry coverage with the steady hand of someone who’s seen fashions come and go and knows what lasts.
Since going freelance in 1993, his byline has appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review, Reader’s Digest and Qantas’ inflight magazines. He edited Inside Tourism for seven years, wrote the long-running Travel Tales column for Vacations & Travel, and even crafted copy for Tourism Australia ahead of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
A Reuters, Guardian and AAP veteran, Peter has travelled widely from South American backpacking trails to a Saudi military hospital gathering stories the old-fashioned way: by being there.
