Four people in white lab coats are working in a medical lab.

Wellington’s sectors of strength

Key industries in Wellington

A close-up shot over the left shoulder of a person looking at a petri dish under a microscope.

Science

Wellington’s connected science industry is full of experts making breakthroughs and discovering novel ideas.

The Mākara Wind Farm located near Mākara Beach during golden hour.

Climate action and environment

Wellington is a great hub for climate conversations. Leading researchers, innovators, new businesses, and academic institutions are all focusing on the climate challenge and how Wellington can be a zero-carbon resilient city.

A person sits inside a NOVA, a large plastic sphere with virtual reality capabilities at eight360, a Wellington-based tech company.

Technology

Wellington is changing the tech landscape. It’s a city filled with tech pioneers, research institutes, and startups.

A person sits at a desk in an office using a Virtual Reality headset.

Screen

Wellington is a UNESCO City of Film. The title recognises the city’s reputation and creative capabilities in the screen sector. It’s also the centre of New Zealand’s digital and gaming community.

Wellington is the compact, connected, and creative capital of New Zealand. Home to the New Zealand Government, we’re ranked second out of 102 countries for open government.

Wellington has a reputation for being progressive and impactful. It is full of creative idea-makers at the forefront of challenging solutions for a better tomorrow.

The city is often described as New Zealand’s intellectual capital. Six out of 10 jobs are knowledge-intensive, the highest proportion in the country. While the region has 16.6% of the country’s professional, scientific, and technical services workforce. Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) ranks in the top 2% of universities worldwide.

Wellington’s growing knowledge hub is home to world-class science and research institutes. There’s a thriving tech sector and world-leading climate experts. Not to mention, we have a UNESCO-recognised film industry.

Why Wellington

Wellington is home to New Zealand’s Government. Many central government agencies and industry associations have head offices in the city. So it’s easy to tap into a wealth of forward-thinking ideas and experts to support your event.

There are direct flights to New Zealand and getting to Wellington is easy with its central location. The airport is a short drive to most inner-city venues and hotels.

Wellington is a compact city that’s easy to get around. The brand-new convention centre, Tākina, in the central city, is within walking distance of 4,000 hotel rooms. There is also excellent dining, entertainment, and attractions. Wellington is a fantastic place to inspire new ideas and bring people together.

The members of the Business Events Team at WellingtonNZ.

Contact Business Events Wellington

If you’re planning a conference, Business Events Wellington can help. As the official convention bureau, we work with local partners, including Tourism New Zealand. We can help you deliver a successful international conference. Contact the team to discuss funding and support to bring your conference to the capital.

Get in touch

Case studies

Prof. Helen Danesh-Meyer speaking on stage at the New Zealand Women in Medicine Conference 2024.

Women in medicine build networks

Women medical professionals came together in Wellington to build networks and address challenges.

Four people sit at a table at the Life Sciences Summer 2024 at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Life Sciences Summit achieves breakthrough

Now in its second year, New Zealand’s Life Science Summit aims to create a better government understanding of the biotech sector.

Around 100 people looking up at the camera at the Interntaional Crustacean Congress at Te Papa in May 2023.

Wellington ideal destination for crustacean experts

A group of experts who study hard-shelled aquatic creatures have found Wellington the ideal place to delve a little deeper.

A presentation at the Lie Science Summit at Shed 6 located on Queens Wharf in Wellington Central.

Summit brings like minds together

Aotearoa’s life sciences and biotech communities united for the very first time at Life Sciences Summit in Wellington.

Dr Ayesha Verrall speaks at the New Zealand Women in Medicine Conference 2022 at Te Papa.

Women in medicine converge on capital

Female medical professionals met face-to-face for the first time at their inaugural conference in Wellington.