Business Events Wellington, in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, has launched the International Conference Leaders Fund, a new initiative designed to empower local researchers and academics to secure global conferences for the city.
The fund directly tackles a key barrier for many university researchers: limited access to funding needed to engage with international associations and attend major global meetings.
By offering targeted financial support, the initiative enables local experts to raise their international profiles and strengthen the global networks essential for attracting top-tier events to Wellington.
The fund has three strategic goals supporting academics in building their standing within international associations; aligning conference bids with Wellington’s key sectors ( Science, Climate Action and Environment, Technology, and Screen); and boosting the number of successful international conference bids led by Wellington researchers.
Margaret Hyland, deputy vice-chancellor – research, Victoria University of Wellington, stated: “Wellington’s research community has a global mindset and a strong track record of collaboration. This fund will give our academics the tools and confidence to lead international bids, bringing world-class events, and new opportunities to the capital.”
By investing in these future conference leaders, Wellington is cultivating a sustainable pipeline of bid champions, positioning the city as a premier destination for global knowledge exchange and collaboration.
“The strength of Wellington’s conference offering lies in its world-class research community,” says Irette Ferreira, manager of Business Events Wellington. “This fund supports our local experts to lead on the world stage, bringing more international events – and the knowledge, innovation, and economic benefits they deliver – home to Wellington.”
Applications for the fund are now open and will close on November 21, 2025. University-based researchers who are active members of international associations and keen to lead future conference bids are encouraged to apply.
