New Zealand’s business events tradeshow Meetings 2026 has set new historical records, generating a projected NZ$170 million (US$99.9 million) in deals – a 55 per cent surge over 2025 figures.
Held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), the event welcomed 1,600 total attendees. Attendance was anchored by over 260 exhibitors representing 19 regions and a record 700-plus qualified buyers, marking a 20 per cent increase in buyer participation year-over-year.
Independently verified survey data from hosted and day buyers revealed that while overall conversion rates remained steady with last year, the average monetary value per booking grew significantly.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) chief executive Lisa Hopkins attributed the results to accelerating domestic and international demand for local host venues.
“This reinforces the positive momentum across the sector,” Hopkins said. “It underscores the importance of Meetings as the industry’s flagship trade event, connecting the industry with key decision-makers and creating opportunities that translate into future business.”
BEIA now preparing for the show’s 30th anniversary. The milestone 30th edition of Meetings will return to Auckland’s NZICC on June 29 to 30, 2027.
