Bidding for an international conference
What you need to know about bidding and hosting an international conference in Wellington, New Zealand and how the Business Events Wellington team can help.
University researchers play a pivotal role in bringing international conferences to the capital. Our research indicates that researchers are eager to deepen their engagement with international associations and their conferences. However, building a global network can be challenging without regular attendance at these conferences, and funding is often a significant barrier. Through the ICLF, researchers can participate more often in international association activities, build their international profile, and strengthen Wellington's ability to attract future international conferences.
Long-serving academics are often actively involved in international associations, hold board roles, or are renowned within their sector. Support to help these academics bid for a conference is already available. Read more about bidding for an international conference.
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Fund objectives
- To support researchers to build their profile within the international association they are a member of.
- Align conference attraction efforts with Wellington’s strategic sectors.
- Increase the number of international conference bids led by Wellington-based researchers.
- Create a sustainable pipeline of future international conference leaders who can support future conference opportunities.
Ready to take the next step?
Applications for the Leaders’ fund are open now. Once EOIs have been received, we will assess each conference’s eligibility. For eligible conferences, we will then undertake a financial feasibility assessment to determine if hosting the event in Wellington is financially viable.
Applicants with eligible conferences will subsequently be invited to submit a full application to the fund.
If you’d like to find out more detailed information about criteria and the application process, download the following documents:
Fund application form [DOCX 141 MB]
Key dates
- Expressions of interest are due by midnight on Sunday 15 November 2026
- Conference eligibility assessments will be completed by Sunday 6 December 2026
- Applicants with eligible conferences will be invited to apply to the fund by Friday 12 December
- Applications close at midnight on Friday 29 January 2027
- Notification of outcomes by Friday 19 February 2027
88%
Of applicants have received funding
$50,000 NZD
Of funding awarded
Find out more
Find out how Business Events Wellington can help you bid to host an international conference.
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Why conference in Wellington
Compact, connected and creative, New Zealand’s capital offers everything you need to make your next conference impactful.
Support for your event
Business Events Wellington offers free advice when planning your business event or conference around suppliers, delegate experiences, or bidding for events.
Meet the team
The Business Events Wellington team are approachable and highly skilled professionals, with years of industry and event planning experience.
Sustainable events
Wellington is ambitious when it comes to addressing climate change. Here are some suggestions for hosting a more sustainable event.
Sectors of strength
Wellington has a a reputation for being progressive and impactful, and is full of talented people. Making it the ideal place to host your next conference.
Wellington Advocate Network
Be part of Business Events Wellington's community of industry leaders helping to attract conferences to New Zealand’s capital city.