In 2025 the event will be held at Auckland Showgrounds – formerly known as ASB Showgrounds, where MEETINGS has been held previously – before the currently under construction New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) gets its first chance to host the event in 2026.
The 2025 show will take place on June 11 and 12 while the 2026 show is scheduled for June 17 and 18. The event continues to be owned and organised by association Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA).
The return to Auckland follows three years of the event moving around New Zealand – taking place in Christchurch’s new convention centre, Te Pae, in 2022 and Wellington’s new centre, Tākina, in 2023 before Rotorua took on hosting duties for the first time in more than a decade in 2024.
“It’s been four years since MEETINGS was held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and much has changed in the city,” said BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins.
“We can’t wait to introduce buyers to the exciting transformation the city is experiencing with new major infrastructure projects such as the NZICC, City Rail Link (due to open end of 2025) and several new hotels, including five-star product at the Horizon Hotel and Intercontinental Auckland, as well as the expansion of the Cordis Pinnacle Tower.
“Hosted buyers, by invitation, will have the opportunity to tour the NZICC in 2025, as a prelude to 2026.
“We are already looking ahead for MEETINGS’ 30th anniversary in 2026 and NZICC will be an exciting venue to celebrate this milestone,” she said.
The long-awaited NZICC is expected to open in 2025, but an opening date has not yet been announced.
The return of the show to Auckland is also a win for the city’s convention bureau, which sits within Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
“This announcement reflects Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s strong partnership with BEIA and our commitment to attract more high-value business events to our region,” said Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s chief executive, Nick Hill.
“The sector plays an important role in increasing our visitation and tourism numbers and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to connect, collaborate and to experience all that Auckland has to offer.”
