Why Waikato

Hear what others are saying

Hear what conference organisers have to say about business events they have organised in the Waikato region.

"For our upcoming conference in Hamilton we received outstanding service from the Hamilton & Waikato Tourism Convention Bureau in scoping out options for our annual industry conference. It was a very personal service, and our precise needs were scoped and assessed and options and visits were organised. In addition a variety of locations for our partners programme were identified and visited. The local knowledge of our host was extensive, and will result in an outstanding conference for all participants. In twenty years of organising events around NZ I have never experienced as good a service as this"
Johnathan Bhana-Thomson | Chief Executive | NZ Heavy Haulage Association


“Hamilton & Waikato is an easily accessible destination from Auckland that has a wealth of experiential assets for a business event and incentive programme. The wealth of expertise in the region covers a spectrum of industries, which all add potential for enhancing corporate and conference event programmes. With high tech contemporary facilities, the region offers a broad focus on agriculture, medicine, science and technology, the arts, sporting excellence, cultural experience, glow worms, a tea plantation, motor racing and movie making. Worth your consideration.”
David Addison | Director of Strategic Development | Sane Event Group | Sydney


"The Waikato has something for everybody! Amanda and Emma from the Bureau were fabulous hosts for their region and shared many a wonderful thing with us. We feasted like hobbits, dined like royalty with high tea, were mesmerised by glowworms, wowed by Good George and had a spectacular cultural welcome at the Stadium. Great place to bring your next conference - you can't want for much more".

Danette Wilson | Event Manager & Membership Coordinator IHC New Zealand Incorporated
Famil participant April 2016


The Hamilton & Waikato Business Events team provides a wealth of knowledge when it comes to venues, suppliers and services within the Waikato area. Their passion and dedication for the region stands out in the seamless service they provide. Easy and efficient to deal with, I have complete confidence in their service and would highly recommend using them.

Catherine Davenport | Event Manager | Lime & Soda


“I would just like to thank you both for the wonderful famil last weekend. You gave a great snapshot of the area and provided us access to properties which would have real appear to conferences. I feel confident that I could include the Waikato as a region to consider for North Island based events.”

Sally Boult | Director | Events 4 You


"Since 2011 the New Zealand Veterinary Association has been working with the Hamilton business community to bring its national conference to the city. The Claudelands venue was perfect for our requirements of a multi stream conference with a large exhibition presence"

Leanne | New Zealand Veterinary Association


"Hamilton is conveniently located 90 minutes from Auckland and handy to a number of other North Island cities. The city is easy to get in and out of for conference attendees. It is also a beautiful city, built on the banks of the mighty Waikato River.

There is so much for delegates to do in their down time and everything is a stone’s throw away! There is such a great range of high quality options in the hospitality precinct and everything is so close – restaurants, bars, entertainment and accommodation.

Claudelands Conference & Exhibition Centre is a purpose built facility, perfect for our association clients and only a short walk from the CBD and hotels. This venue has such versatile space and we love the way there is great trade space metres from the conference area and all under one roof!

Nothing is too much trouble for the friendly, helpful staff at the Convention Bureau. They have a passion for the area and what they do and it really shows."

Rebecca Wright | Event Manager | Avenues


On November 16-17, the Business Events team hosted Nick Porter from ENJO. Nick is organising the two-day annual ENJO incentive event in the Waikato region in September 2018.

Here’s what Nick had to say:
“It struck a chord of how welcoming every operator was and how in sync everyone was of new tourism developments in the region. The region is proud of what they can host and the Hamilton & Waikato Convention Bureau were there to back it up by spending a full two days showing the regions highlights and iconic places.

From High teas, Black Tie nights, partner activities, seminars and party nights, it was all able to be catered for. The choice is there, the standard is there, now you just have to get there, all with the dynamic Hamilton & Waikato Convention Bureau at your side assisting you all the way".

Nick | ENJO