Auckland 2026

New Zealand's leading accommodation industry conference returns on March 4, 2026

The must-attend industry event for hoteliers and accommodation providers in New Zealand

Maximum Occupancy is APAC’s leading hotel conference created by industry leaders, for industry leaders. Open to every accommodation provider, from boutique independents to large groups, it brings together 100+ world-class experts from across the globe. Walk away with proven strategies to grow revenue, strengthen direct bookings, and achieve maximum occupancy month after month.

Network

Network in the ideal executive environment with like minded people from a very wide cross section of the accommodation industry.

Hear

Hear from the thought leaders and experts in the accommodation industry about the latest trends, strategies and know-how on every aspect that affects your business.

Gain

Learn actionable insights to boost direct bookings, revenue, and customer loyalty. Unpack strategies in hotel digital marketing, revenue management, food and beverage, HR, technology, and more.

Paul Hammond

STR
Business Development Manager, Pacific
Hon. Louise Upston

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality (New Zealand)
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality (New Zealand)
David Thompson

Myma
Co-Founder & CEO
Adrian Caruso

Fastrack Digital
Group Managing Director
Duncan Waterman

Room Stay
Director of Sales
Will Howes

Trust You
VP Sales APAC

View all speakers

Who Attends Maximum Occupancy?

Hotel Owners, Independent Hotel Operators, Directors of Sales & Marketing (DOSMs), Hotel Teams, Industry Vendors & Partners

Hear from accommodation industry experts and trailblazers as they share proven, real-world strategies. Discover the latest trends and technologies to stay current and competitive so you can grow your hotel or accommodation business and achieve maximum occupancy.

Secure your ticket

Final release

Early Bird Sale

For hoteliers & accommodation businesses*

$499

+ $74.85 GST

Inclusive of all conference sessions, morning and afternoon tea, lunch, and networking drinks.

*Valid for Hoteliers & Accommodation Businesses only

Suppliers & Other

For industry suppliers and non-accommodation businesses

$796

+ $119.49 GST

Inclusive of all conference sessions, morning and afternoon tea, lunch, and networking drinks.

Conference Registration

For hoteliers & accommodation businesses

$699

+ $104.85 GST

Inclusive of all conference sessions, morning and afternoon tea, lunch, and networking drinks.

*Valid for Hoteliers & Accommodation Businesses only

Agenda

Tuesday, 3 March - Pre-conference Event

03:00pm — 05:00pm

Exclusive look inside the brand-new New Zealand International Conference Centre (NZICC). A big thank you to the NZICC team for hosting us and giving delegates a chance to experience one of New Zealand’s most impressive new venues firsthand.

Limited numbers available.

Wednesday, 4 March - Conference Day

Welcome to Maximum Occupancy New Zealand Accommodation Industry Conference Day

Conference Registation

07:30am — 09:00am

Welcome to Maximum Occupancy New Zealand 2026. Pick up your lanyard and name tag at the registration desk and enjoy a coffee while networking with other conference delegates.

Conference Welcome

09:00am — 09:05am

A welcome introduction to Maximum Occupancy New Zealand 2025 by the conference MC and organiser, Adrian Caruso.

State of the Nation - What to Expect in 2026

09:05 — 09:25

This presentation is a must-attend for it sets the basis for the entire day. Learn what the state of the New Zealand accommodation market is currently and predictions for the future.

A Hotel Owner's Perspective on 2026 and Beyond

09:25 — 09:50

Listen to a panel of leading small to large sized hotel owners, operators, investors, white-label providers and hotel brands on the current state of the market and challenges facing them in 2026 and beyond.

Facilitators

Stephen Hamilton

Horwath HTL

Managing Director

Keynote

09:50am — 10:10am

David Thompson CEO and Co Founder Book Me Bob

The secret sauce of AI and the next big thing coming from AI & Myma.ai

10:10am — 10:25pm

Presented by our Gold Sponsor Myma

Power-up Trend Talks

10:25 — 10:30

Listen to short sharp presentations from the leading industry suppliers and how you can boost revenue and occupancy using their products.

Morning Tea

10:30 — 11:00

Break time! Enjoy a delicious morning tea.

What Keeps NZ Hotel Managers Up Late at Night

11:00 — 11:25

Listen to some of New Zealand's top hotel and accommodation managers and operators, and what keeps them up late at night.

Facilitators

Ronnie Ronalde

Hotel Council Aotearoa

The New Marketing Mix

11:25 — 11:50

This panel brings together experts across creative, PR, social, paid media, and AI-driven discoverability to discuss what’s changing, what still works, and how to turn brand investment into measurable demand and direct bookings.

The Future of Hospitality Talent in New Zealand

11:50 — 12:15

Staffing remains a major challenge across the industry. This panel explores practical solutions to attract, train, and retain skilled workers, from international recruitment to new employment models and tech-driven efficiencies.

How Travel Will Be Discovered, Decided & Booked in an AI-First World

12:15pm — 12:30pm

Learn how to prepare your hotel’s digital presence for the AI-powered future of travel search. This session explores practical steps to boost direct bookings through AI-readiness.

From Clicks to Cash: How Smarter Booking Journeys Lift EBITDA

12:30 — 12:45

Tapping into the Chinese Travel Boom

12:45 — 01:00

Power-Up Trends Talks

12:55pm — 01:00pm

Listen to short sharp presentations from the leading industry suppliers and how you can boost revenue and occupancy using their products

Lunch

01:00pm — 02:00pm

Network with other attendees over a delicious buffet lunch.

The Demand Mix: Where Tomorrow’s Room Nights Come From

2:00pm — 2:25pm

Demand now comes from many directions - cruise, events, sports, corporate travel and high-value leisure. This panel explores how these segments behave, how they impact occupancy and rates, and how hotels can better align pricing, inventory and marketing to capture the right mix of demand year-round.

Facilitators

Lisa Hopkins

Business Events Industry Aotearoa

Chief Executive

How to Win More Corporate Business in 2026

02:25pm — 02:50pm

Corporate travel is back - but not as we knew it. This expert panel of TMCs, corporate buyers, and hotel sales leaders will share what’s driving today’s business travel decisions and what hotels can do now to stay front of mind - and on every preferred supplier list

Elevating the Plateful: Future-Forward F&B Trends in Hospitality

2:50pm — 3:15pm

Listen to some of New Zealand's leading food and beverage experts as we delve deep into the art of bringing F&B experiences to life, exploring the intersection of technology, hospitality, community, and CSR.

Afternoon Tea

03:15pm — 03.45pm

At the Top Table: What Industry Leaders See Coming Next

03:45pm — 04:05pm

Industry CEOs and senior leaders share a candid outlook on what’s ahead for the accommodation sector and how they’re preparing for the year ahead.

Facilitators

James Doolan

Hotel Council Aotearoa

Strategic Director

What Guests Are Telling Us: Experience & Sentiment Insights Across Auckland and Oceania

04:05pm — 04:20pm

Drawing on millions of guest reviews, this session reveals key experience and sentiment trends across key cities in New Zealand benchmarked against leading Oceania destinations. Learn how hotels can turn guest insight into action using data and AI to improve reputation, drive direct bookings, and build long-term brand value.

Smarter Revenue Management & Distribution in Uncertain Markets

04:25pm — 04:50pm

As demand patterns shift, revenue performance depends on more than pricing alone. This session explores how operators can combine data, technology, human judgment, and smarter distribution - including GDS - to optimise revenue, expand reach, and protect profitability in changing market conditions.

The Intelligent Hotel: How AI Is Reshaping IT & Operations

04:50pm — 05:15pm

AI is transforming hotel IT and operations. This panel cuts through the hype to explore where AI is delivering real results today from automation and forecasting to guest services, what’s not working, and what operators should prioritise over the next 12–24 months.

Facilitators

Jackie Leat

Fr@nk

Director of Information Technology

Networking Drinks

05:15pm — 7:00pm

Join us for a drink and canapes after the conference and network with your fellow delagates.

View full agenda

Auckland 2026

Network

Hear

Gain

Paul Hammond

Hon. Louise Upston

David Thompson

Adrian Caruso

Duncan Waterman

Will Howes

Who Attends Maximum Occupancy?

Hotel Owners, Independent Hotel Operators, Directors of Sales & Marketing (DOSMs), Hotel Teams, Industry Vendors & Partners

Secure your ticket

Early Bird Sale

Suppliers & Other

Conference Registration

Agenda

Tuesday, 3 March - Pre-conference Event

Wednesday, 4 March - Conference Day

Conference Registation

Conference Welcome

State of the Nation - What to Expect in 2026

A Hotel Owner's Perspective on 2026 and Beyond

Facilitators

Keynote

The secret sauce of AI and the next big thing coming from AI & Myma.ai

Power-up Trend Talks

Morning Tea

What Keeps NZ Hotel Managers Up Late at Night

Facilitators

The New Marketing Mix

The Future of Hospitality Talent in New Zealand

How Travel Will Be Discovered, Decided & Booked in an AI-First World

From Clicks to Cash: How Smarter Booking Journeys Lift EBITDA

Tapping into the Chinese Travel Boom

Power-Up Trends Talks

Lunch

The Demand Mix: Where Tomorrow’s Room Nights Come From

Facilitators

How to Win More Corporate Business in 2026

Elevating the Plateful: Future-Forward F&B Trends in Hospitality

Afternoon Tea

At the Top Table: What Industry Leaders See Coming Next

Facilitators

What Guests Are Telling Us: Experience & Sentiment Insights Across Auckland and Oceania

Smarter Revenue Management & Distribution in Uncertain Markets

The Intelligent Hotel: How AI Is Reshaping IT & Operations

Facilitators

Networking Drinks

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsor

Exhibitors

2025 Highlights