2026 Leadership Conference

Conference 2026 masthead (3)

3 – 4 September 2026 Tākina Convention and Events Centre, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington

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Wellington welcomes the 2026 Leadership conference

The IoD’s Annual Leadership Conference is New Zealand’s leading governance event – bringing together more than 500 directors and business leaders for two days of fresh insights, bold conversations and invaluable connections.

In 2026, we’re excited to host the conference in Wellington for the first time. A standout line-up of local and international speakers will explore the critical governance and leadership issues shaping Aotearoa and the world.

Read our FAQs

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  • group bookings

    Group bookings

    Group pricing available. Contact us directly for more information to support your whole board attending.  

    Contact us
  • 2026 sponsorship cover 2

    Become a Conference sponsor

    Join us as a sponsor of New Zealand’s premier governance event. Sponsorship is a unique opportunity to align your brand with governance leadership, amplify your voice in the director community and connect directly with decision makers from across Aotearoa. Download the prospectus to learn more about the sponsorship opportunities available. 

    Learn more

Speakers

Schedule

Wednesday — 2 September

Tākina Convention and Events Centre

  • Welcome to Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington

    A warm welcome to Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington from the IoD Wellington Branch Committee. Join us at Tākina for registration, networking drinks, and canapés - an opportunity to reconnect and make new connections.  

     

    More Wednesday session details to come.

Thursday — 3 September

Tākina Convention and Events Centre

  • Registration opens

    Join us from 7:30am to register, grab a coffee and visit exhibitor stands; take your seat ahead of the conference opening at 9:00am. 

  • Conference commences

    Formal welcome to the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference. 

  • Round up of day one

    Commentary with the day’s key highlights. 

  • Canapés and networking

    Pre‑dinner canapés and networking opportunity to share key takeaways from day one with peers. 

  • Chartered Member break out session

    • Chartered member event

      Join your fellow chartered members for an exclusive networking event. 

  • Conference dinner

    Relaxed evening conference dinner with food, entertainment and conversation, providing a chance to unwind, connect and reflect on the day’s insights; suggested dress code business to dinner attire.

     

    More Thursday session details to come. 

Friday — 4 September

Tākina Convention and Events Centre

  • Breakfast day two

    Join us from 7:00am for a light breakfast and coffee ahead of the Power Breakfast sessions. 

  • 07:30am | Power Breakfast breakout sessions

    Choice of three Power Breakfast sessions to attend

  • Welcome to day two on the main plenary

  • End of conference

    2026 IoD Leadership Conference concludes.

     

    More Friday session details to come.

Tickets

Tākina Convention and Events Centre, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington 3 – 4 September 2026

Join other directors committed to improving their organisations, communities and New Zealand Become an IoD member

  • Member (in-person) $1,880 incl. GST

  • Non-member (in-person) $2,120 incl. GST

  • Group discounts are available for organisations registering four or more attendees $1,460 incl. GST

    Pricing per person

    For group and whole board bookings, please contact 
    conference@iod.org.nz

Register now

CANCELLATION

If you wish to cancel your registration for the IoD 2026 Annual Leadership Conference, you must contact us via email. The following cancellation conditions apply:

  • More than 30 days prior to conference: a refund will be given, minus a 25% administration fee
  • Within 30 days of conference: no refund will be given
  • Accommodation is booked directly with the hotels and are subject to the hotel's T&C's

TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION

You may transfer your registration to another person if you are unable to attend. Please get in contact with us; conference@iod.org.nz

PAYMENT DETAILS

If paying by invoice payment must be received before attendance at conference (in-person or virtual), or your registration will be cancelled.


Please use your invoice number as your reference. This is now payable directly to the Institute of Directors. All invoices must be paid within 14 days. 

Sponsors

We are delighted to introduce our 2026 sponsors. We value their support in making our conference a truly outstanding experience.

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference, download our sponsorship prospectus here.

  • PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

    Dentons New Zealand

    We’re delighted to have the continued support of our legal National Sponsor Dentons for the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference. The Dentons team will be on the ground at conference ready to engage with attendees, as well as sponsoring a keynote session.
    Dentons (2)

  • PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

    Diligent

    As the IoD National Sponsor in board software, Diligent are our trusted experts and for many New Zealand boards. Diligent will be returning as a Principal Sponsor showcasing how their solutions elevate governance.
    Diligent (2)

  • SESSION SPONSOR

    KPMG

    KPMG is a key National Sponsor, helping to fuel the prosperity of New Zealand, offering deep expertise in audit, tax and advisory services. This year, they are sponsoring a Fast Fact session from outgoing KPMG NZ Chair Matt Prichard.
    KPMG (2)

  • LANYARD & EXHIBITOR SPONSOR

    Marsh

    As the IoD’s National Partner in the insurance broking sector, we’re appreciative of Marsh’s support in 2026 as our lanyard and exhibitor sponsor. Marsh representatives will be onsite throughout conference, connecting with attendees and sharing insights from their risk and insurance expertise.
    Marsh sponsor tile

  • EXHIBITOR SPONSOR

    Extraordinary

    We’re excited to welcome back Extraordinary as an exhibitor sponsor for 2026. Meet with the Extraordinary team at conference to learn more about their mission to simplify the administration around non-payroll payments.
    extraordinary

  • VITALITY SPONSOR

    Chia Sisters

    With a mission to leave a positive impact on the planet and support our health needs, Chia Sisters will be providing delegates with a ‘brain boost’ at the power breakfast sessions on day two of the IoD Leadership Conference.
    chia sisters

Accommodation

3 – 4 September 2026

We have accommodation options at exclusive rates – all within walking distance of Tākina Convention and Events Centre, restaurants and everything Wellington has to offer. Find out more about your accommodation options below.

  • InterContinental Wellington

    Boasting stunning waterfront views, InterContinental Wellington is a five-star retreat in the heart of the capital. With elegant rooms, renowned dining, and the award-winning Club InterContinental, it offers a sophisticated base close to the city’s arts, shopping, and dining. Just a 12-minute walk to Tākina Convention Centre.

     

    Follow this link to access an exclusive 20% discount on InterContinental Wellington accommodation bookings for the IoD Leadership Conference.
    Intercontinental

  • TRYP by Wyndham Wellington

    TRYP offers a stylish and comfortable stay with heritage art-deco character and modern convenience. Located in the vibrant CBD, you’ll find shopping, dining, and culture right on your doorstep. Just a 4-minute walk to Tākina Convention Centre. Conference Rate: Use promo code IODSep26 on the TRYP website to receive 20% off the best available rate. Valid for stays from 2–5 September 2026. 
    TRYP image