ExileCon 2026 Schedule and Information for Attendees
Natalia_GGGGrinding Gear Games
October 29, 2026 at 11:26 PM
The schedule for ExileCon 2026, starting in just a week, is now available! Check out the convention website to find out more about the full programme for next weekend. For our online viewers, we will be broadcasting the keynote, gameplay demonstrations, and developer panels throughout the entire weekend. We’ll also post all the talks and panels sometime afterwards, so don’t worry if you can’t catch everything live.
Below is some useful information that our attendees might need.
Apply for an NZeTA before travelling!
The first and most important reminder is that New Zealand has a system where you must apply for an "NZeTA" online before arriving in the country. As far as we can see, almost all ExileCon visitors from overseas must apply for one. We recommend doing this as soon as possible. Thankfully, the process does not look difficult. Full details and the application form are on this page.
VIP Dinner
For attendees with a VIP or Ultra VIP pass, the ExileCon weekend kicks off with a VIP dinner on Friday evening at Saint Alice Eatery alongside Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing. The 215 player VIPs will be joined by 100 Grinding Gear Games staff members, intermingled at the same tables. The dinner starts at 6pm on Friday 6th November NZT, and the venue is located at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.
Registration
We have a registration area inside Aotea Centre (where the event is taking place), with signage in Aotea Square to direct you.
To pick up your badge you'll need to show the QR code that is visible on your Path of Exile account page on the website. We'll also email you a copy of this code for convenience.
The registration tent is open during these hours (NZT):
You must show a photo ID that matches the name on your ticket, and because we need to check your age (the event is a Restricted 16 event). You'll also need to carry your ID for the whole event because we will be spot checking that people's badges match their name when they enter the venue. Please contact support@grindinggear.com by Sunday 1st of November if you need to update your ticket details.
When to Arrive on Saturday
The keynote presentation (with the big announcements) starts at 10am, but there's an hour of seating time with a pre-show starting at 9:30am (streamed both to the internet and the main theatre) beforehand. We recommend picking up your badge on Friday and then arriving around 9am to get seated and comfortable before the big show. Your badge will indicate where you are seated for the keynote presentation, including which door you should enter the theatre through.
Cosplay Weapon Policy
All cosplay weapons brought to the venue will be checked to make sure that they are not capable of harming anyone. The policy is available here.
ExileCon After Party
The ExileCon After Party runs from 8pm to 11pm on Sunday 8th November. It's a Restricted 18 event, so you need to bring ID to get in. Your ExileCon badge has a voucher on the back for one free drink, which you can redeem at the Terrace Café. We recommend having dinner before the party, but some light food will be provided during the party.
Accessibility
Aotea Centre is wheelchair accessible, and a guided tour is available here. The main theatre has a hearing aid loop available, which venue staff can help you access.
First Aid
A first aid room is located on the bottom floor of Aotea Centre, and venue staff are trained in first aid. If you require first aid during ExileCon, please let venue staff know.
We can’t wait to meet you all at ExileCon! See you in a week!
View on pathofexile.comBelow is some useful information that our attendees might need.
Apply for an NZeTA before travelling!
The first and most important reminder is that New Zealand has a system where you must apply for an "NZeTA" online before arriving in the country. As far as we can see, almost all ExileCon visitors from overseas must apply for one. We recommend doing this as soon as possible. Thankfully, the process does not look difficult. Full details and the application form are on this page.
VIP Dinner
For attendees with a VIP or Ultra VIP pass, the ExileCon weekend kicks off with a VIP dinner on Friday evening at Saint Alice Eatery alongside Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing. The 215 player VIPs will be joined by 100 Grinding Gear Games staff members, intermingled at the same tables. The dinner starts at 6pm on Friday 6th November NZT, and the venue is located at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.
Registration
We have a registration area inside Aotea Centre (where the event is taking place), with signage in Aotea Square to direct you.
To pick up your badge you'll need to show the QR code that is visible on your Path of Exile account page on the website. We'll also email you a copy of this code for convenience.
The registration tent is open during these hours (NZT):
- Friday 6th November: 2pm - 7pm
- Saturday 7th November: 7am - 5pm
- Sunday 8th November: 9am - 5pm
You must show a photo ID that matches the name on your ticket, and because we need to check your age (the event is a Restricted 16 event). You'll also need to carry your ID for the whole event because we will be spot checking that people's badges match their name when they enter the venue. Please contact support@grindinggear.com by Sunday 1st of November if you need to update your ticket details.
When to Arrive on Saturday
The keynote presentation (with the big announcements) starts at 10am, but there's an hour of seating time with a pre-show starting at 9:30am (streamed both to the internet and the main theatre) beforehand. We recommend picking up your badge on Friday and then arriving around 9am to get seated and comfortable before the big show. Your badge will indicate where you are seated for the keynote presentation, including which door you should enter the theatre through.
Cosplay Weapon Policy
All cosplay weapons brought to the venue will be checked to make sure that they are not capable of harming anyone. The policy is available here.
ExileCon After Party
The ExileCon After Party runs from 8pm to 11pm on Sunday 8th November. It's a Restricted 18 event, so you need to bring ID to get in. Your ExileCon badge has a voucher on the back for one free drink, which you can redeem at the Terrace Café. We recommend having dinner before the party, but some light food will be provided during the party.
Accessibility
Aotea Centre is wheelchair accessible, and a guided tour is available here. The main theatre has a hearing aid loop available, which venue staff can help you access.
First Aid
A first aid room is located on the bottom floor of Aotea Centre, and venue staff are trained in first aid. If you require first aid during ExileCon, please let venue staff know.
We can’t wait to meet you all at ExileCon! See you in a week!