Partner News: NZ Government removes barrier to hosting medical conferences

Published on Thursday, 29 May 2025

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) is applauding the New Zealand Government's move to eliminate a barrier to New Zealand hosting international medical conferences.

Trade show exhibitors will soon be allowed to showcase new products and research to medical practitioners in New Zealand following a government announcement.

Hon David Seymour, Minister for Regulation, Hon Simeon Brown, Minister of Health, and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced New Zealand laws will be reformed so medicines yet to be consented by Medsafe can be advertised at medical conferences in New Zealand.

The Ministers said outdated regulations that hinder trained medical professionals from learning about new medicines through trade show advertising are out of step with other countries' laws and put New Zealanders at a disadvantage.

“New Zealand's prohibition on advertising medicines yet to be consented by Medsafe is a barrier to New Zealand's ability to host medical conferences and trade shows. The opportunity cost of New Zealand missing out on these is huge,” Seymour said.

BEIA has been advocating for a change to Section 20 of the Medicines Act 1981 for many years, with support from Medicines NZ and Business NZ. BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins said the announcement means medical conference organisers from around the world can now plan ahead with confidence.

“The global business events industry is worth $USD 2.1 trillion, and the medical and pharmaceutical sector is the second largest user of conferences to connect, educate, and inform professionals,” she said.

“By finally removing this barrier, New Zealand can now proactively approach those medical associations who in the past have taken New Zealand off their list because of this prohibition.”

Learn more about hosting conferences in New Zealand at businessevents.newzealand.com