Seven groundbreaking venues in Asia-Pacific are setting new standards for space, technology, and sustainability across the region
The global events industry is entering a high-growth phase with the arrival of several new convention centres in Asia-Pacific designed for a new era of connectivity.
From the New Zealand International Convention Centre to the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, these landmarks aim to set new benchmarks in spatial versatility, technological infrastructure, and ESG-led design. We profile seven latest openings poised to reshape the international exhibition market.
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre
Located on Geelong’s revitalised waterfront, Nyaal Banyul Geelong is a new generation convention centre set to open mid-2026, designed to place regional Australia on the international business events map.
Its First Nations name, meaning open your eyes to the hills, reflects the deep co-design process with Traditional Owners that shapes its architecture, interiors and public spaces. Venue access is straightforward, with Geelong just over an hour from Melbourne by road and within easy reach of both Melbourne Airport and Avalon Airport.
The centre offers 3,700m² of flexible event space, anchored by a 1,000-seat theatre and a 2,000m² event space capable of hosting conferences, exhibitions and gala dinners for more than 2,000 delegates. Up to seven adaptable meeting rooms support smaller sessions and breakouts, while an adjoining 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel delivers convenient onsite accommodation.
Gheringhap Plaza serves as the venue’s signature outdoor space, purpose-built for activations, welcome events and community gatherings, and features a 77-metre LED screen overlooking the waterfront.
Technology is embedded throughout, with cinema-scale screens, concert-quality audio, professional theatre lighting, hybrid broadcast capability and more than 75 digital wayfinding and branding screens. An in-house technical team provides full production and broadcast support.
Sustainability is and will be a defining feature. “We are setting a new benchmark in sustainable design,” said its general manager Rick Aylett, pointing to the fully electric venue, solar generation and extensive recycling systems.
Led by head chef Andreas Gober, the venue’s debut menu also celebrates local growers through seasonal, low-waste designs featuring native fruits, coastal honey, and refined gala dishes sourced from carbon-neutral suppliers.
Bookings are already “very strong”, Aylett added, with more than 10,000 delegates confirmed and a further 154 enquiries representing over 70,000 potential delegates. – Adelaine Ng
Nusantara International Convention Exhibition
Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE) is Indonesia’s newest and largest venue for exhibitions, conventions, and large-scale events which started operations in August 2025.
Located in the heart of the Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) Central Business District, NICE stands as a landmark project in one of Jakarta’s most dynamic and rapidly growing areas.
Ryan Adrian, managing director of Industri Pameran Nusantara, NICE management company, said: “Designed to global standards, NICE provides versatile spaces within an integrated ecosystem that merges business, culture, and entertainment.”
An Agung Sedayu and Salim Group partnership, the 40-hectare NICE began phased operations in August 2025. Its 130,000m² first phase features 11 exhibition halls, a hybrid convention hall, 15 meeting rooms, and a mini ballroom.
NICE is equipped with technical specifications designed to support seamless event execution. For example, the venue’s steel ceiling heights range between 16 and 20 metres, and come with heavy-duty rigging points which facilitate the installation of hoists, lighting, and sound systems.
The venue also boasts advanced audiovisual infrastructure, including pre-installed LEDs throughout the venue, such as 360° LED Videotron at Concierge Desks (Atrium Gate A & C), LED Videotrons at every Ticket Box, and LED Videotrons as well as 200 Mbps high-speed network infrastructure, ready to support live streaming, and hybrid events.
In addition, the Floor Loading Capacity is engineered to support heavy loads such as exhibition vehicles, industrial machinery, and large-scale booth constructions.
Since its opening, NICE has secured a high-profile roster of events. The 2026 calendar features the International Indonesia Seafood & Meat and Indonesia Cold Chain Expo in May, alongside the Global Printing & Packaging Expo. This will be followed by the massive Indo Agrotech Expo & Forum in June. – Mimi Hudoyo
New Zealand International Convention Centre
Purpose-built to elevate New Zealand’s position in the global business events market, the New Zealand International Convention Centre delivers scale, flexibility and technology previously unavailable in the country, said Prue Daly, general manager of NZICC.
Located within Auckland’s SkyCity precinct, the venue is surrounded by more than 8,000 hotel rooms, dining and entertainment, with 938 hotel rooms directly connected via airbridge.
The centre spans 32,500m2 and features 33 configurable meeting rooms, and a landmark plenary theatre for up to 2,852 delegates. With the ability to host conferences and events of up to 4,500 attendees, spaces are designed to adapt seamlessly across formats, supported by generous pre-function areas and inclusive features such as dedicated quiet spaces.
A 45-minute drive from the airport, it also boasts Te Waha, an architecturally striking top-level event space with panoramic views across Auckland’s ocean harbour and surrounding ranges, allowing the city to become the backdrop for events.
NZICC has been engineered with advanced infrastructure, including integrated rigging, premium audiovisual systems and the country’s largest single Crestron NVX network, enabling video content to be distributed anywhere in the building. Three VIP video conferencing suites further support hybrid and international meetings.
Food and beverage is led by Michelin-star-trained executive chef Rob Cullen, with menus focused on locally-sourced, sustainable produce. Sustainability underpins the entire operation, with LEED certification and a strong commitment to people, place and legacy.
More than 120 events are already confirmed for its opening year and beyond, including The Pogues’ first New Zealand performance since 1990, and celebrity author Mel Robbins making her New Zealand debut with The Let Them Tour in March 2026. – Adelaine Ng
