New Zealand’s biggest trade show for the business events industry is already gearing up for its 2026 edition on the back of a record exhibitor presence in 2025, when 250 stands represented 18 regions of New Zealand in June.
Organisers Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) reported 1,200 people attended the 28th MEETINGS across the two days at Auckland Showgrounds. Over 540 buyers and media also attended, a 69% increase on the 2024 number, including a record 126 buyers and media from Australia.
Organisers said MEETINGS social gatherings attracted 700 people to the welcome function at Auckland’s Eden Park, and 650 to celebrate the finale at Viaduct Events Centre.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins said she was looking forward to next year’s milestone event at Auckland’s New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).
“We anticipate the biggest MEETINGS ever next year at NZICC. The BEIA team is working closely with the teams at NZICC and Auckland Convention Bureau to open up registration and hosted buyer applications for 2026 as early as possible.”
Independent post-MEETINGS 2025 research and analysis projects NZ$110m (US$65.5m) in business transactions between exhibitors and buyers will happen within the next three years, likely a reflection of event organisers tending to consider shorter lead times in booking at the moment, Hopkins believes.
“What it also tells us is that MEETINGS is vital for establishing a pipeline of business, as well as for building those connections that will come to fruition in the future. Doing the mahi (work) now helps future-proof the sector.”
Recognising the importance of the business events sector for its growth agenda, the New Zealand government chose MEETINGS 2025 to announce a new round of funding for business events, part of the wider Tourism Growth Roadmap launched by New Zealand tourism and hospitality minister, Louise Upston at Eden Park.
“We were honoured to have minister Upston join us and make these announcements at MEETINGS. BEIA is ready to support the Tourism Growth Roadmap and as an industry, thrilled to be able to speak directly with organisers about the new round of funding to drive more business into the country,” said Hopkins.
Social impact was a meaningful focus again this year, with buyers invited to support one of three Auckland charities selected by BEIA – Pet Refuge, Auckland City Mission and Big Buddy. A donation was made on each person’s behalf to their chosen organisation.
MEETINGS 2026 will be held 17-18 June 2026 at the NZICC in Auckland.
