New Zealand’s new International Convention Centre in Auckland at night – Image: BEIA/Recreational.nz
International business event delegate arrivals to New Zealand have surged in 2026, with arrivals in the first quarter up more than 50% year-on-year, and now close to pre-COVID levels, says the Business Events Industry Aotearoa. This year’s largest business events showcase MEETINGS opens in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this week, where about 600 buyers will meet over 250 exhibitors from 18 regions.
More than 16,500 international delegates arrived for business events from January to March 2026 according to Stats NZ international arrivals data, with sector association Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) estimating a $54.1 million contribution to the New Zealand economy.
Lisa Hopkins, Chief Executive of BEIA, says the surge in international arrivals reinforce the important role that business events play in attracting high-value visitors to New Zealand.
“Business events are one of New Zealand’s most valuable visitor segments. Delegates travelling here bring global expertise, networks and knowledge into New Zealand, and support our venues, hotels, hospitality, transport and regional economies.”
Australia remains New Zealand’s largest source of international business delegates, with 8,204 arrivals, up 37% on 2025 and just 8% below 2019. The United States also recorded strong growth with 2,425 arrivals (up 53% year-on-year and 28% ahead of 2019), while China, Japan, Korea and the United Kingdom also delivered year-on-year growth.
MEETINGS in Auckland
From 16-18 June at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), MEETINGS will connect influential buyers from New Zealand and international markets with regional destinations, venues, accommodation providers, and off-site experiences.
Run by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), over 1,500 attendees are expected and 6,000 pre-scheduled appointments are planned. International buyers are travelling from Australia, Southeast Asia, China, India, Japan and North America to meet with New Zealand’s exhibitors.
Lisa Hopkins, BEIA Chief Executive says MEETINGS 2026 will be a landmark event for the industry at New Zealand’s newest and largest convention centre.
New Zealand: This year’s largest business events showcase MEETINGS opens in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland next week – Image: BEIA/Recreation.nz
“This year the opening, trade show and celebration events are all being held under the one roof at the NZICC, within walking distance of most host hotels, creating a totally connected experience,” she says.
“Over 105 business event organisers and media are crossing the Tasman to meet in Auckland with the support of Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand and Auckland host hotel partners. At least half of our buyers are new to MEETINGS this year, and are yet to experience Auckland and the NZICC,” she says.
With the support of seven regional convention bureaux and Air New Zealand, Australian buyers will explore more of New Zealand, visiting destinations of their choice before and after MEETINGS. Auckland Convention Bureau is hosting two separate tours of the city for buyers and media on Tuesday 16 June before the official opening that evening.
BEIA Conference and AGM in Christchurch
The 2026 BEIA Conference and AGM is scheduled at the Christchurch Town Hall from 28 – 29 October. According to BEIA, an inspiring two-day programme filled with education, industry collaboration, and valuable networking opportunities is planned.
The Christchurch conference is designed to empower delegates with the knowledge, insights, and practical skills needed to drive both organisational and industry-wide success into the future.
The conference kicks off with a Welcome Function at the brand new One NZ Stadium on the evening of Tuesday 27 October, offering the perfect opportunity to transition into an unforgettable couple of days of connection and celebration, say the organizers.
About BEIA
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) is the official membership-based association representing New Zealand’s business events sector which encompasses meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. In 2025, New Zealand’s business events sector made a substantial economic contribution, with multi-day conferences alone generating $925 million in total spend.
BEIA brings together an industry membership from across regional convention bureaus, tourism, hotels, convention centres, event suppliers and event organisers working to grow and benefit the business events industry within New Zealand. Its efforts are aimed at creating positive outcomes for members, stakeholders, and the wider economy, encouraging both domestic and international opportunities.
Beyond advocacy, BEIA plays a central role in developing the sector’s capability, offering professional development, education, and accreditation for individuals working in business events. The association represents more than 460 organisations and maintains an extensive network of buyers and organisers across New Zealand and Australia.
MEETINGS is Aotearoa New Zealand’s only national tradeshow for the business events industry. It is the leading platform for connecting influential domestic, Australian and international buyers with key regions, meeting facilities, accommodation, off-site venues and activities.
NAN/BEIA 09-06-26 – Updated 15-06-26
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