BEIA Launches 10th BE Mentored Programme

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has launched its 10th BE Mentored Programme with a one day meet-up for 50 participants in Auckland on 27 February.

The six-month programme will see 25 mentee/mentor pairings taking part, the largest group since BEIA (then CINZ) began the programme in 2014.

BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins says as the peak industry body, BEIA recognises investing in the development of talent is key to boosting the sector's growth.

“New Zealand's business events capacity and its people capabilities go hand in hand. With New Zealand in high demand on the world stage, it is more important than ever to be nurturing and developing our business events talent.

“With support from Tourism New Zealand, we are able to offer this highly sought-after programme with real benefits for all participants,” she says.

Mentees come from a broad range of event management, tourism and hospitality backgrounds and are looking to develop their careers, build valuable relationships and broaden their experience within the business events industry. Mentors, who all volunteer their time, are experienced practitioners within their fields and hold senior management positions.

“The response from both mentors and mentees who took part in previous programmes has been outstanding. We give mentees a personal support system, to help both professionally and personally, while mentors have the chance to share and give back to the sector, nurturing and sharing the wisdom of their experience,” she says.

Leadership development expert Sally Doherty of Sallyd & Co is facilitating the training sessions. On launch day, mentees joined a collaborative session with Team Up Events, while mentors took part in a learning session with Dr Angela Lim, CEO and Founder of Clearhead, a specialist in mental health support for workplaces and individuals.

Mentors also took part in a leadership summit, where they had the opportunity to hear first-hand from industry colleagues located in the areas devastated by the recent weather events.

“It was crucial, after a session on mental health, to hear from members of our industry affected by the recent weather, and to talk about the issue of health and safety. This was an important korero (discussion) and it was vital for those affected to feel the support.”

The BE Mentored programme runs from March to August, with mentors and mentees meeting six or more times during that period. BEIA will hold a mid-point online get together for participants to share experiences so far and provide any advice and support to each other, and be available throughout the programme for support and advice.

The programme will conclude with a recognition event held during the BEIA's annual conference from 18 to 21 September 2023 in Marlborough.