Wellington scores trio of conferences in collaboration with Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. Photo Credit: Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington in New Zealand has secured three conferences weeks after the announcement of a new fund to empower local researchers and academics as global bid leaders.
Announced in early October, the International Conference Leaders Fund – a joint initiative by Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand – provides targeted financial support to Wellington-based researchers to help them engage with international associations, raise their global profiles, and attract major events to the capital.
“The strength of Wellington’s conference offering lies in its world-class research community,” said Irette Ferreira, manager of Business Events Wellington. “This fund invests in our local experts – our future bid champions – who will bring international events, knowledge exchange, and economic benefits home to Wellington.”
The fund has already helped deliver three major conference wins, secured in partnership with Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington (VUW). The events, taking place in 2026 and 2027, span key research areas where Wellington demonstrates global expertise: marine science, technology, and music.
The International Symposium on the Ocean in a High-CO₂ World will be held at Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre in 2026, led by VUW marine biologist Christopher Cornwall. Wellington’s proximity to the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, he said, makes it a fitting venue to discuss the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Also in 2026, Winston Seah of VUW will host the International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications, gathering leading experts in digital networks and AI-driven connectivity.
In 2027, Wellington will welcome the Conference of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music, chaired by Geoff Stahl, showcasing Aotearoa’s diverse musical cultures and coinciding with the graduation of VUW’s first Bachelor of Popular Music cohort.
The bids are also supported by Tourism New Zealand through its Conference Assistance Programme.