Reflecting on MEETINGS 2026: Building Momentum for Auckland's Business Events Future

MEETINGS 2026 was more than just another industry gathering; it was an opportunity to showcase Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's growing strength as a business events destination and to reinforce the partnerships that will help drive the sector forward in the years ahead. 

Against the backdrop of continued investment and renewed confidence in Aotearoa New Zealand's business events sector, the week highlighted both the opportunities ahead and Auckland's readiness to compete on the international stage. 

Setting the Scene: An Evening at Auckland Art Gallery 

Our MEETINGS week began on Sunday evening with an intimate dinner hosted in partnership with Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) for Australian conference and event organisers, associations and incentive travel professionals. Held at the stunning Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Art Gallery, the evening offered a memorable blend of connection, creativity and Auckland hospitality. 

One of the highlights of the evening was the interactive clay exhibition, where guests enthusiastically rolled up their sleeves and contributed their own creations, sparking plenty of laughter and conversation along the way. 

The surprises continued with dessert, where our catering partner Urban Gourmet perfectly captured the venue's creative spirit. Served directly onto individual canvases, guests were invited to experience dessert as both a culinary creation and a work of art. 

Welcoming Hosted Buyers to Auckland 

On Tuesday morning, we had the pleasure of hosting approximately 200 hosted buyers at the Aotea Centre. They were welcomed into the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, where the morning began with a warm welcome from Auckland Conventions, Venues and Events (ACVE) Head of Sales, Richard Dodds, and ACB Head of Business Events, Ken Periera. Setting the scene for the day ahead, they spoke about Auckland's strengths as a business events destination and the experiences waiting for guests across the region. 

From there, our MC Andie took the audience on an immersive audio journey, building anticipation and transporting guests through the sights, sounds and spirit of Auckland. Then came the big reveal. 

As the theatre curtain slowly lifted, guests were greeted by breakfast laid out across the stage itself. The transformation of the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre into a vibrant breakfast setting created a genuine wow moment, with many pausing to take in the scene before making their way onto the stage. 

A huge part of the magic came from the ACVE technical team, whose lighting design bathed the space in warm tones that evoked an Auckland sunrise. Combined with live music from Nathan Fry, the atmosphere felt welcoming, energetic and distinctly Auckland. 

Guests enjoyed barista-made coffee from MacGregor Brothers alongside a delicious breakfast spread curated by our catering partner, Collective Hospitality. As conversations flowed and new connections were made, the room quickly filled with energy and excitement for the day ahead. The combination of great food, live entertainment and thoughtful event design created a relaxed environment where buyers could connect before heading out to experience Auckland firsthand. 

Connecting on the Tradeshow Floor 

The energy continued throughout Wednesday and Thursday at the MEETINGS tradeshow, where members of the ACVE sales team were based on the Auckland regional stand conducting appointments with buyers from across New Zealand, Australia, Asia and further abroad. 

The conversations reflected a sector that is increasingly optimistic about future growth. The recent announcement of additional government funding to support business events has provided a welcome boost to the industry and reinforces the significant economic value that business events deliver to New Zealand. It is encouraging to see greater recognition of the role the sector plays in attracting high-value visitors, driving regional dispersal and supporting year-round tourism activity. 

Alongside our presence on the stand, we were proud to sponsor the refreshment station on the exhibition floor. Throughout the two-day event, the area became a natural hub for delegates between appointments, creating additional opportunities for networking, conversations and visibility for Auckland.

Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter 

This year's event also marked an important milestone as MEETINGS begins its three-year tenure in Auckland, hosted at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC). For Auckland and the wider industry, this represents a significant opportunity to showcase the city at its very best and demonstrate the capability of New Zealand's newest purpose-built convention centre. 

As a destination, we recognise that the success of NZICC is intrinsically linked to the success of Auckland's business events sector. A thriving convention centre strengthens our ability to attract major conferences, compete internationally, and deliver meaningful economic benefits for the region and the country. We are committed to supporting NZICC as it establishes itself as a leading venue in the Asia-Pacific region and helping position Auckland as a mature and credible competitor on the global business events stage. 

Thank You 

A sincere thank you to the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) team for delivering another successful MEETINGS event. Bringing together buyers, exhibitors and industry leaders from across New Zealand, Australia and Asia is no small feat, and the event continues to play a critical role in driving connections, collaboration and business growth for our sector. Thank you also to Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and Auckland Convention Bureau as key partners whose support helps bring MEETINGS to life. 

We leave MEETINGS 2026 energised by the conversations, encouraged by the momentum within the industry, and excited about the opportunities ahead for Auckland, and New Zealand.