New Zealand's Business Events Industry Charts Future Course

Over 160 business events professionals from across New Zealand and Australia are set to meet for two days in Taranaki later this month to focus on key issues facing the industry.

The annual Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Conference and Annual General Meeting will be held from 25 to 27 November at The Devon Hotel, New Plymouth.

New Zealand's Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Matt Doocey will open the event on 26 November, participating in a discussion on stage with BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins.

“This month's conference comes at a pivotal time for our sector as a key component of the visitor economy. With a strong focus on delivering exceptional experiences and content for all attendees, domestic and international, New Zealand's reputation as a first-class destination for meeting and doing business is accelerating,” Hopkins says.

The focus for this year's conference will be on the future, driving growth and seeking opportunities for New Zealand to stand out in an increasingly competitive environment.

“We will be looking ahead to the next decade with the Business Events National Strategic Direction 2035 - Pīata Mai - which sets out steps for measuring and growing the sector's positive cultural, social, environmental and economic impact for the next 10 years.”

Leading event organisers, together with industry partners Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand, will be joining the forum to give domestic and international customer perspectives on opportunities for widening industry collaboration and growth.

Discussions are set to cover critical topics including legacy and impact, diversity, and cultural integration. Building recognition for the value of business events will be a key focus, with media experts joining the forum.

Brad Olsen, Principal Economist at Infometrics, Maretha Smit, CEO of Diversity Works, and Professor Carmel Foley, from University of Technology Sydney, an internationally recognised business events' researcher will share their insights. Kari Scrimshaw, CEO of Workforce Development Council division Ringa Hora will share work being done on the vocational development and training for the business events sector.

“It's time to shift the conversation and focus on how, as a sector, we prepare for the next decade of growth and ensure the industry is equipped with the right tools and support to navigate this period,” Hopkins says.

Registrations for the BEIA 2024 Conference in Taranaki can be made online here.