As MEETINGS 2026 officially opened last night in scintillating style, Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) today used the event to reveal that MEETINGS, the New Zealand business events industry’s biggest showcase of the year, will return to the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland for the next three years.
The announcement was made by BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins at the official opening of MEETINGS 2026 at the NZICC, with 750 people in attendance.
BEIA Board Chair Martin Snedden said the decision was the result of careful consideration of MEETINGS’ future, recognising the importance of providing certainty, consistency and long-term value for the industry.
“The board wanted to ensure MEETINGS continued to evolve and grow. Staying at the NZICC for the next three years establishes long-term continuity. We can now plan for the future with confidence,” he said.
BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins said the trade show is delivering on its primary purpose.
“Next year, we will be recognising MEETINGS’ 30th anniversary. That is significant for an event which has welcomed thousands of event decision-makers, organisers and planners, resulting in billions of dollars being pumped into New Zealand’s economy over the past three decades.
“Knowing that MEETINGS will be anchored at the NZICC means we can continue to ensure the trade show remains fresh and relevant, while at the same time enhancing the elements that we know are important to the industry.
“Supported by the New Zealand Convention Bureau network, the popular regional familiarisation programme will remain an important part of MEETINGS, offering a deeper understanding of the destinations, people and experiences across the country,” she said.
The MEETINGS 2026 official opening included a brilliant performance supported by Auckland Convention Bureau, a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and created by Oystar Creative, Kotahitanga – One People, Many Cultures, which brought the city to life. The vibrant welcome celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland with a showcase of music and dance in a shared celebration of connection, identity, and community.
Chinese dragon dancers shared the stage with traditional New Zealand Māori performances, vibrant Indian entertainers and spellbinding Polynesian drumming and hula dancing.
Over two days (17 and 18 June), more than 600 buyers from New Zealand, Australia, North America, China, India, Japan and Southeast Asia are meeting with exhibitors across 18 regions of New Zealand, representing over 220 organisations.
BEIA’s next key industry event will be held in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, this October. The BEIA Annual Conference 2026 and The Bizzies Awards will both take place at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre from 27 – 29 October.
Day Buyers can still register online or on the day, onsite to attend MEETINGS. Other visitors are invited during Industry Hours from 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm on either Wednesday, 17 June, or Thursday, 18 June.
By: Peter Needham at MEETINGS in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland – © 2026.
Read Time: 2 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.
