BEIA Welcomes Business Events Funding Boost Announced at MEETINGS

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced the funding at MEETINGS 2026, which is being held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland.

The funding will be used to support Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme and help maintain a strong pipeline of international conferences.

BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins says this funding is “a welcome boost for our sector.”

“It’s fitting that the Government’s investment into business events has been announced at MEETINGS, the country’s largest business events trade show, where destinations, venues, suppliers and buyers are creating the next wave of business for New Zealand,” Hopkins says.

“MEETINGS is where relationships are strengthened, opportunities are developed and significant future business is secured. This funding will help strengthen that pipeline and support New Zealand to compete for more high-value international conferences.”

A report released by BEIA earlier this year found that multi-day conferences supported $925 million in economic activity in 2025 and generated more than 735,000 international visitor nights.

Lisa Hopkins says the value of business events extends well beyond direct visitor spending.

“The immediate benefits of business events for New Zealand’s visitor economy are substantial, but the greater value can be found in what happens because an event has taken place.”

“International conferences bring decision-makers, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to New Zealand. They create opportunities for knowledge to be exchanged, and for investment, innovation, and impactful international connections.”

Lisa Hopkins says the announcement is a further show of confidence by Government in the business events sector at a time when New Zealand has a strong network of business events infrastructure in place.

“This investment will help bring more of the world’s expertise, ideas and influence to New Zealand. 

“It’s an opportunity not only to attract more events, but to attract the right events – events that build our capability, strengthen our industries and connect New Zealand more closely to international networks and opportunities.”

Posted by Jasmine Deacon on June 18, 2026