Business Events Wellington, in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, has launched the International Conference Leaders Fund to help local academics secure international conferences for the city.
The fund provides financial support for Wellington-based researchers to engage with global associations and raise their international profiles. It aims to remove a key barrier faced by many academics – the cost of participating in global networks and bidding for major events.
“The strength of Wellington’s conference offering lies in its world-class research community,” said Irette Ferreira, manager of Business Events Wellington. “This fund supports our local experts to lead on the world stage, bringing more international events – and the knowledge, innovation, and economic benefits they deliver – home to Wellington.”
The initiative focuses on three goals: supporting academics to build global influence; aligning bids with Wellington’s priority sectors of science, climate and environment, technology, and screen; and increasing the number of international bids led by local researchers.
Applications close on 21 November 2025. Eligible applicants are university-based researchers who are active in international associations and wish to lead future conference bids. Full details are available on the WellingtonNZ website.
Tourism New Zealand’s global manager business events, Penelope Ryan, said: “Local bid champions play a vital role in attracting international conferences that drive knowledge sharing and economic impact. We’re proud to support this fund and help grow New Zealand’s next generation of global conference leaders.”
Victoria University of Wellington deputy vice-chancellor (research) Margaret Hyland added: “This fund will give our academics the tools and confidence to lead international bids, bringing world-class events and new opportunities to the capital.”
