Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events are back in full swing across Australia and around the world with more news and updates filtering through every week.
This is the latest news in the MICE industry that we have wrapped up in one easy to read update.
Dunedin takes a trophy with Deer Biology Congress win
Dunedin has won the International Deer Biology Congress in 2026, which will attract up to 500 cervid researchers and professionals to the ‘unofficial wildlife capital of New Zealand’.
Themed ‘Your Deer Here’, the conference will take place in February 2026 at the University of Otago, bringing together biologists, ecologists, veterinarians, geneticists, wildlife managers, conservationists, food, health, and production researchers to discuss the diverse aspects of deer management and biology from various perspectives globally.
It’s the first time the event has been held in New Zealand since Dunedin hosted the inaugural event in 1983. The winning bid was led by scientist Jamie Ward from AgResearch, with support from Deer Industry New Zealand, Enterprise Dunedin, and the Tourism New Zealand Business Events team.
Tourism New Zealand’s dedicated Business Events team provides strategic funding and support to attract conferences and incentives to New Zealand. For more information on holding a business event in New Zealand, visit businessevents.newzealand.com
Sustainable tourism at Africa Travel Week
Investment in sustainable tourism within the African continent will be a major topic of discussion at this year’s African Tourism Investment Summit (ATIS). This event is part of Africa Travel Week which also comprises World Travel Market (WTM) Africa and the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Africa. ATIS will bring together stakeholders, including industry experts, ministers, and investors, to focus on how African tourism can be shaped to address cultural, environmental, social and good governance concerns. A further discussion point will tackle better access to finance and investment to promote the development of a sustainable tourism sector.
MCEC and Startup Victoria partnership
Demonstrating a shared commitment to innovation, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and Startup Victoria have established a new partnership that connects the start up community, experts and entrepreneurs with the events industry, to explore opportunities.
This bespoke partnership is a strategic alignment that will strengthen industry relationships, provide a forum for sharing experiences and expertise, and inform potential products and services to help shape the MCEC customer experience. Natalie O’Brien AM, recently appointed CEO of MCEC, said the partnership can help MCEC progress the innovation journey it has embarked on over recent years.
