Conference industry leaders from across New Zealand and Australia gathered in New Plymouth this week for the 48th Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) annual conference. Over 170 guests were welcomed at the New Plymouth Surfriders’ Club on Fitzroy Beach on Monday – the first time Taranaki has hosted the event and BEIA’s AGM.
It was officially opened at The Devon Hotel with a pōwhiri welcome on November 26. New Zealand’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Matt Doocey was first on stage, in conversation with BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins.
BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins says each year one worthy recipient is chosen to be celebrated by the industry.
“This year we are acknowledging and thanking Leonie, who has been a driving force in our industry over the past 12 years.
“To cap her achievements, Leonie has recently been appointed as the Asia Pacific Board Member for ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) representing New Zealand on the world stage.”
Lisa Hopkins says business events are recognised internationally as playing a crucial role in the development and growth of business sectors and other critical-thinking areas such as medicine, trade, policy and the environment.
“New Zealand has never been better poised to shine on the global stage, and it has also never been better equipped to welcome business events visitors from across New Zealand and the world,” she says.
Strategic Roadmap
Earlier this year, the industry introduced Pīata Mai, a strategic roadmap designed to align, grow, and strengthen the sector over the next decade. This includes creating opportunities and working in partnership with tourism, hospitality, hotels, and airlines, all aspects of the visitor economy.
Experts on the legacy and impact of business events, workforce training, industry collaboration, diversity, and Māori culture are set to share their knowledge across the next day and a half of interactive workshops and panel discussions.
Dynamic Coastal Location
“BEIA is thrilled to be in Taranaki for the first time, and to discover why this dynamic coastal location with its majestic mountain is such a superb destination for conferences,” Hopkins says.
Brylee Flutey, General Manager Destination at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki says, “Business events play an important role in the Taranaki economy, bringing economic benefits that extend beyond the conference rooms as delegates experience our accommodation, dining, transport, and memorable activities around the Maunga.
“Our unique landscapes, connectivity by road and air, and exceptional conference experiences make Taranaki well-positioned to welcome delegates from across Aotearoa and the world,” Flutey says.
New Plymouth’s iconic stage at the Bowl of Brooklands will be the gala dinner venue, where industry members will gather to celebrate on 26 November.
Auckland to host 2025 BEIA Conference
Next year New Zealand will celebrate its first national Business Events Industry Awards, with a biennial event to be held in conjunction with BEIA’s 49th conference in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. BEIA Conference and AGM will take place on 26 and 27 November, with the Awards to be presented at a gala dinner on 26 November 2025.