The country’s largest hospitality and accommodation conference, HNZ26, opened its doors today at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua, bringing together the people, ideas, and technologies shaping the future of the industry.
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Kristy Phillips opened the two-day event by acknowledging the current pressures facing the hospitality and accommodation sectors but emphasised the importance of the industry to the economy and to communities across the motu.
“Trading conditions remain challenging for a lot of operators - the cost pressures are real, margins are tight, and I don't want to pretend otherwise. But there are also good people in good businesses doing really good things, and this week is about both of these scenarios: acknowledging the difficulty and looking at what's possible,” Phillips said.
Orange County-based entrepreneur and hospitality expert Preston Lee delivered a keynote presentation on how guest retention drives profit. From developing The 30% Rule to help independent restaurants scale by focusing on culture, systems, training and leadership development, Preston shared his insights on how hospitality can thrive in a world of
constant disruption, inspiring operators to elevate both hospitality standards and operational efficiency.
Chief Executive of Student Job Search, Louise Saviker spoke about early-career trends and gave practical insights to help operators position hospitality as a compelling, long-term career pathway, while nutritionist and wellbeing advocate Claire Turnbull gave simple and actionable tools to help those in the industry feel at the top of their game.
The rise in customer demand for low and zero alcoholic drinks became a focus with entrepreneur Lisa King speaking about her own journey in this space with the launch of AF Drinks.
Internationally renowned flavour researcher Atilla Bús beamed in from Europe to echo the trend. He also spoke about emerging trends in flavour-driven no- and low-alcohol beverages, sustainability-led design, and shifting consumer expectations.
With a spotlight currently on soon-to-be-awarded Michelin-starred restaurants, Tourism NZ General Manager Bjoern Spreitzer spoke about the opportunity in leveraging the international visitor interest by elevating local, authentic experiences.
Throughout the day, attendees experienced the HNZ26 trade show, which showcased a wide range of suppliers and service providers, from technology platforms and equipment specialists to beverage distributors and sustainability innovators.
Kristy Phillips says, “Conference is a fantastic opportunity for those in the industry to reconnect and learn from one another. The breadth of the programme offers plenty of practical tips and tools for those running small independent businesses or who are part of a larger operation to take home and implement.
“This event is covering everything from guest experience, brand and changing consumer behaviour, health and culture, technology and AI, to sustainability, digital ID, and the future of our sector.”
Tomorrow’s conference programme includes a continued focus on the importance of leveraging new technology to boost performance, building authenticity and culture to retain staff and guests, and exploring how you can turn waste into value for your business.
HNZ26 is held in conjunction with the 2026 LION Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, celebrated over two evenings, with the People’s Awards for Excellence, sponsored by DB, held tonight, and the black-tie Business Awards for Excellence, sponsored by LION, held tomorrow evening.