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New Zealand's dermatologists gather at Claudelands for the 2026 NZDSI Annual Conference

MICE editorial — 09 August 2026 Hamilton Tier A

The New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated holds its 2026 Annual Conference at Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton from 26-29 August 2026, drawing the country's specialist dermatology community for four days of scientific sessions and CPD.

New Zealand's dermatologists gather in Hamilton

The New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated (NZDSI) will hold its 2026 Annual Conference at the Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton from 26 to 29 August 2026, according to the official conference website. The four-day meeting is the society's annual scientific gathering for specialist dermatologists and skin-health professionals from across the country.

The organisers have confirmed two international keynote speakers: Professor April Armstrong, Chief of Dermatology at the University of California, and Dr John Sullivan of Kingsway Dermatology and the University of NSW Clinical School in Sydney.

Who runs it

The NZDSI, established in 1948, is a not-for-profit incorporated society whose members are vocationally registered specialist dermatologists, per the society's own website. Its continuing professional development recertification is delivered through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and the society is a member of the International League of Dermatological Societies. The 2026 conference is convened by Professor Amanda Oakley and Dr Karen Koch, supported by an organising committee, and is managed by professional conference organiser Outshine.

Who it's for and the programme

The conference is aimed at NZDSI members and the wider dermatology community. The organisers state the scientific programme has been built to deliver the RACP's mandatory CPD elements, with certificates of attendance offered for relevant sessions. Alongside plenary sessions, the programme includes a Laser Workshop and industry-sponsored sessions, with abstract submission opening 13 March 2026 and earlybird registration opening 23 March 2026.

Venue and delegate movement

Claudelands Event Centre sits in the heart of Hamilton in the Waikato. As delegate-movement context, the organisers note Hamilton Airport is about a 15-minute drive from the city centre and now carries direct flights from Wellington, Christchurch, Sydney and the Gold Coast. Hamilton is also reachable by InterCity coach, by the Great Journeys NZ rail service from Auckland and Wellington, and by road via State Highway 1 and the Auckland expressway. The conference site carries dedicated accommodation and Hamilton visitor pages for delegates arranging stays.

Why it matters in NZ MICE

As a recurring national medical congress with confirmed international faculty and a structured CPD-linked programme, the NZDSI Annual Conference is a solid regional-city business-events win for Hamilton and Claudelands, reinforcing the Waikato's growing role in New Zealand's association-conference circuit.

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