International medical conferences boost Christchurch economy

International medical conferences fill Christchurch hotel rooms and drive innovation in spring

Christchurch's visitor economy received a significant boost in October as two major international medical conferences secured for the city attracted almost 1900 delegates and generated an estimated $4.2 million in visitor spending.

The conferences helped drive Christchurch's October hotel occupancy to 84.6%, well ahead of the national average of 78.5%, while reinforcing the city's position as a centre for health innovation, research and collaboration.

In late October, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre welcomed 1100 delegates for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting. Just days later, the Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine International Society Asia-Pacific Conference (TERMIS-AP2026) brought a further 750 delegates to the city.

The conferences are among a growing pipeline of international business events secured for Christchurch through the work of ChristchurchNZ's Convention Bureau, in partnership with Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, local academics, clinicians and industry leaders who help champion the city as a host destination.

Medical conferences bring global expertise and collaboration to Christchurch

While the economic benefits of hosting major conferences are significant, their impact extends well beyond visitor spending. Medical conferences bring together leading clinicians, researchers and innovators, creating opportunities to share expertise, foster collaboration and strengthen Christchurch's connections with global health and research networks. Conference delegates are high-value visitors, not only because they stay longer and spend more, but because they bring world-leading expertise to Christchurch. The knowledge sharing, collaboration and industry connections created through these events can leave a legacy long after delegates return home.

International conference delegates spend an average of $645 per day, almost twice as much as a holiday visitor and on average, stay twice as long as domestic conference delegates. Nationally, 83 per cent of international delegate arrivals occur during the off-peak period between March and November.

Looking ahead, the city will host 11 international conferences during the fourth quarter, including five medical conferences. Together, these events are expected to attract more than 6,290 delegates and generate over $14 million in visitor spending.

Christchurch's health and innovation ecosystem gains global exposure

ChristchurchNZ Business Events Manager Bree Jones says, "International conferences such as RANZCR and TERMIS are powerful platforms for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Christchurch is home to a growing number of health technology businesses with global reach, including MARS Bioimaging, BioOra and Comrad Medical Systems, as well as world-class research and clinical expertise. 

Ross Steele, General Manager of Te Pae Christchurch, says, “Welcoming almost 1900 international delegates across these two conferences demonstrates the strength of Christchurch’s collaborative business events sector. Beyond the immediate economic benefit, conventions like these bring global expertise into our city, create valuable connections and reinforce Christchurch’s growing reputation as a destination for international conferences.” 

Key takeaways

• Two international medical conferences brought 1,900 delegates and $4.2 million in visitor spending to Christchurch.
• The events strengthened Christchurch's global reputation for health innovation, research and collaboration.
• A strong pipeline of international conferences is set to deliver more than $14 million in visitor spending in the coming months.
• Find out more about hosting in Christchurch.