The international conferences on Campylobacter, Helicobacter and Related Organisms (CHRO) were established in 1981, predominantly as the public health impact of Campylobacter infections became increasingly recognised. The veterinary significance of bovine and ovine infections with Campylobacter fetus (resulting in either abortion or infertility, depending on the subspecies infecting the host) was already well established (Smith and Taylor, 1919). The conferences have been held biannually ever since. The 18th such conference – CHRO 2015 - was held in New Zealand. It was the first time in the history of CHRO conferences that an inaugural presentation secured the rights to host, making New Zealand an even more special destination.