Business Events Wellington, in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, has launched the International Conference Leaders Fund, a bold new initiative aimed at empowering Wellington-based researchers and academics to take centre stage in the global conference arena.
The fund directly addresses a key barrier for many university researchers: limited access to funding to engage with international associations and attend global conferences. By offering targeted financial support, the fund enables researchers to raise their international profiles, strengthen global networks, and attract prestigious international conferences to Wellington.
“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.”
The International Conference Leaders Fund has three key goals: · Support academics in building their standing within international associations. · Align conference bids with Wellington’s key strategic sectors: Science, Climate Action and Environment, Technology, and Screen. · Boost the number of successful international conference bids led by
Wellington researchers.
By investing in future conference leaders, Wellington is cultivating a sustainable pipeline of bid champions who will help position the city as a premier destination for global knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Applications are now open and will close on 21 November 2025. University-based researchers who are active members of international associations and are keen to lead future conference bids are encouraged to apply. Full criteria and application details are available on the Wellington NZ website.
National support for local leadership
Tourism New Zealand is backing the initiative through its long-standing partnership with Business Events Wellington.“Local bid champions play a vital role in attracting international conferences that drive knowledge sharing and economic impact,” says Penelope Ryan, Global Manager Business Events at Tourism New Zealand. “We’re proud to support this fund and help grow New Zealand’s next generation of global conference leaders.”
Margaret Hyland, Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Research, Victoria University of Wellington, also champions the fund, stating: “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.”
