The New Zealand Business Events Bid Champions Awards 2025
Tourism New Zealand has set its sights on winning 110 international conferences worth NZ$185 million (US$108.7 million) – the country’s highest-ever value target – as it celebrated the academics and industry leaders helping to secure these events.
This was announced following the 2025 Business Events Bid Champions Awards took place at Eden Park, Auckland, on 18 September. The ceremony recognised conference champions who successfully attracted high-profile international events over the past year through the Conference Assistance Programme.
In the last financial year alone, New Zealand secured 64 international conference wins, delivering an estimated economic impact of NZ$78.8 million.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy said hosting such events bolsters not only the visitor economy but also key sectors and communities. “These bid champions have secured conferences in areas from health to the environment, law to information technology. Their dedication means New Zealand will play a leading role in shaping the future of these sectors,” he said.
He added that the new record target reflects the growing importance of business events to New Zealand.
Urging more bid champtions to come forward, he said: “The Conference Assistance Programme offers funding and support for those who want to bid for an international conference. Hosting one can progress a bid champion’s career while showcasing the work of their peers, their organisation, and New Zealand’s knowledge strengths on the world stage.”