Christchurch wins right to host ‘International Association of Geomorphologists Conference’

Christchurch has won the right to host the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG) Conference in 2026, only the second time this event has come to the Southern Hemisphere. The 11th IAG conference will run for five days at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, and is expected to attract 800 to 1000 delegates from around the world, with 63 countries affiliated to the association.

ChristchurchNZ Head of Business Events, Megan Crum says this prestigious academic event puts Christchurch on the world stage as an international business events destination. The 2026 conference is being hosted by the Australia and New Zealand Geomorphology Group, the Australasian affiliate of the International Association of Geomorphologists, with support from the University of Canterbury, Tourism New Zealand, and ChristchurchNZ Business Events.

World-leading New Zealand academics championed the bid, led by Dr. Sam McColl from GNS Science, Professor Ian Fuller of Massey University, and Professor James Shulmeister, Head of School of Earth and Environment at the University of Canterbury.

Tourism New Zealand General Manager NZ and Business Events Bjoern Spreitzer says Tourism New Zealand has been working with the Geoscience Society of New Zealand to encourage more bids for international conferences in the earth sciences sector and it’s great to achieve this win.