Welcoming the World: Reflecting on TRENZ 2026 in Auckland

There’s always a special energy in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland when TRENZ comes to town. 

This year felt particularly significant, with TRENZ being hosted for the first time at the recently opened New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC). Seeing the industry come together in a brand-new venue designed to welcome major international events was a proud moment not just for Auckland, but for the wider Aotearoa New Zealand tourism and events sector. 

For us at Auckland Conventions, Venues & Events (ACVE), it was also a reminder of how much Auckland’s venue landscape has evolved, and how important partnerships across the region are in delivering experiences that feel connected, seamless and distinctly Auckland.

Before the trade floor opened and appointments got underway, delegates gathered at Shed 10 for the official welcome pōwhiri. Held on the waterfront at Queens Wharf, Shed 10 provided a fitting setting for that first moment of connection, welcoming international buyers, media and tourism operators to Tāmaki Makaurau and to Aotearoa. 

The pōwhiri brought an important cultural dimension to the start of the week. It grounded the event in a sense of place and reminded us that hosting is about much more than logistics or infrastructure. It’s about how people feel when they arrive, the stories they connect with, and the experiences that stay with them long after the event finishes. 

It also reflected something we continue to hear across the tourism industry – visitors are increasingly looking for experiences that feel authentic and connected to local culture. Opening TRENZ with a pōwhiri created a meaningful sense of arrival and set the tone for the week ahead in a way that only New Zealand can. 

Throughout the week, Auckland itself became part of the TRENZ experience. Delegates moved between venues, precincts, restaurants and hotels, experiencing different parts of the city and the variety Auckland can offer as a destination. 

That continued through to the closing function at Viaduct Events Centre, another waterfront venue with a completely different feel and atmosphere. Having both the opening and closing events hosted across ACVE venues was a great example of the range of spaces available within the city, from heritage character through to contemporary waterfront event spaces, all within close proximity to the NZICC. 

One of the themes that came through consistently during the week was the importance of connected destination experiences. Buyers are increasingly looking for destinations where accommodation, hospitality, venues and attractions work together in a way that feels seamless for visitors. Auckland’s compact waterfront precincts and network of venues give us a strong story to tell, particularly as the city continues to evolve its major events offering. 

What stood out most for me this year was how collaborative the delivery of TRENZ felt. Major events are never about a single venue or organisation. They rely on partnerships across the industry, and this year showcased that particularly well. The combination of NZICC as the host venue alongside the wider network of supporting venues across Auckland demonstrated the depth of capability the city now has when it comes to hosting international events. 

Perhaps the biggest reminder from TRENZ, though, was the enduring value of bringing people together in person. Some of the best conversations happen outside formal appointments – over dinner, walking the waterfront or catching up between events. Those moments of connection are still incredibly important, and events such as TRENZ continue to play a vital role in building long-term relationships across the industry. 

While TRENZ ultimately shines a spotlight on destinations across New Zealand, Auckland plays an important role in shaping those first and last impressions. From the welcome pōwhiri at Shed 10 through to the closing celebrations at Viaduct Events Centre, it was fantastic to see the city come alive through experiences that reflected hospitality, culture and connection. 

After a big week for the industry, there’s certainly a sense of momentum building across Auckland’s events sector, and plenty to look forward to in the months ahead.