Major healthcare conference chooses Hamilton for next phase of growth

One of New Zealand's largest primary healthcare conferences will call Hamilton home from 2027, bringing hundreds of health professionals, exhibitors and visitors to the city and creating new opportunities for the wider Waikato.

The General Practice Conference and Medical Exhibition (GPCME), held in Rotorua for the past two decades, has chosen Claudelands and Hamilton as its new venue as the conference continues to grow and evolve.

Conference Matters Director Leon Olsen says increasing attendance and programme complexity meant it was time to find a venue that could support the event's future growth.

"Rotorua has played an important part in the development and success of the conference," says Olsen.

 "Over time, however, the conference has grown considerably. We now run a large number of concurrent educational sessions, workshops and exhibition activities, and increasingly we need purpose-built, acoustically separated meeting rooms and a venue that allows the programme, exhibition and delegate catering to operate cohesively under one roof.

"Claudelands gives us that infrastructure and, importantly, room to continue growing," he explains.

H3 National Business Growth and Development Lead, Melissa Williams, says securing GPCME reflects Hamilton's growing reputation as a destination for major conferences and events. They believe it’s another strong example showing that business and large-scale impact events don't have to be held in New Zealand's largest cities to succeed.

 "Hamilton offers organisers and delegates a compelling combination of modern facilities, excellent accessibility, quality accommodation and hospitality options, and easy access to the experiences that make the Waikato unique,” says Williams.

 "More organisations are recognising the advantages of hosting events in regional centres, and we're seeing increasing confidence in Hamilton as a place where major events can thrive."

 Hamilton's central North Island location was an important factor in the decision to shift GPCME, along with the city’s ability to accommodate and move large numbers of delegates efficiently.

 "A conference of GPCME's size creates significant accommodation demand, so hotel capacity and transport links are important considerations," says Olsen.

 "Hamilton is accessible by road from a very large population catchment, while Hamilton Airport provides another option for delegates travelling from further afield."

 Beyond the conference venue, organisers see significant potential for delegates and accompanying family members to experience the wider region.

 "GPCME has always been more than people sitting in lecture rooms for three days," says Olsen.

 "Many delegates travel with partners or family, and the social interaction outside the formal programme is an important part of the meeting.

 "Hamilton gives delegates access not only to the city itself but the opportunity to explore the wider Waikato, and we see considerable potential to introduce people to those experiences."

 The conference has evolved significantly over the years and now attracts a multidisciplinary audience, including GPs, registrars, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, paramedics, practice managers and other health professionals.

 Olsen says moving to Hamilton also creates opportunities to develop stronger relationships with GPs, practices, pharmacists, nurses and other health professionals throughout the region. 

 The move coincides with growing investment in the region's health sector, including the University of Waikato's new Graduate School of Medicine, which is expected to open in 2028. The four-year programme will focus on training doctors for regional and rural New Zealand, with an emphasis on primary care, immersive clinical placements and digitally enabled learning.

 "We would like GPCME to become something the local health community feels some ownership of rather than simply being a conference that arrives in Hamilton once a year."

 For H3, the appointment demonstrates the growing role business events play in supporting economic activity, attracting visitors and showcasing the region.

 "Events like GPCME bring benefits that extend well beyond the venue itself," says Williams.

 "Delegates stay in local accommodation, dine in our cafés and restaurants, use local services and often spend additional time exploring Hamilton and the wider Waikato.

 "That's good for local businesses, good for our visitor economy and good for the ongoing vibrancy of our region.

 "These industry events bring together leaders, practitioners, educators and innovators from across the country to share ideas, explore challenges and shape the future of their profession.

"Many of the conversations, connections and collaborations that begin during conference sessions and networking events continue long after delegates return home. New priorities, partnerships and initiatives often emerge from these gatherings, and that creates lasting benefits for both the sector and the communities it serves."

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