Registrations are open for Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA) annual conference in Marlborough, which kicks off New Zealand’s inaugural “Business Events Week” on September 18. “Experience Extraordinary” is the theme for three days of speakers, panel discussions and workshops at ASB Theatre and Marlborough Convention Centre in Blenheim.
BEIA CEO Lisa Hopkins said “Experience Extraordinary” reflects the caliber of speakers at this year’s conference, the destination, and ways the industry can fulfill visitor expectations. “Leading into ‘Business Events Week,’ our conference is focused on elevating the discussion on the impact of business events—their impact on our economy, our society, our culture, and our environment.
“We are working to shine a light on our industry from a global perspective, looking at the data, and amplifying the legacies created by knowledge sharing and connecting at business events.
“We will be looking at how the industry continues to raise the bar given the pressures and opportunities we have in front of us. Our speakers will be challenging us all to rethink how we view the business events industry,” she said.
International keynote speakers, Senthil Gopinath and Martin Sirk have been invited to New Zealand with support from Tourism New Zealand. Senthil Gopinath is the CEO of International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)—Global Meetings Industry Association headquartered in Netherlands. Martin Sirk is a former CEO of ICCA and an expert on the social and economic impact of meetings, and the future evolution of the meetings industry. New Zealand economist Cameron Bagrie will be sharing his views on the economy, as well. Leaders of New Zealand’s key tourism, hospitality, event and hotel industry associations will also be on hand for panel discussion and the latest sector updates.
On September 18, first-timers will be welcomed, regional convention bureaus and BEIA PCOs will also meet before the conference “Welcome Function” at Wither Hills Winery. The “BEIA Mentorship Programme” for 2023 will wind up with a chance for mentors and mentees to meet in person and celebrate their achievements.
“While this will be a showcase for Marlborough, the conference is primarily about the content and we are very excited about the thought-provoking discussions we believe will be generated,” Hopkins said.
Delegates are set to experience the region first-hand with an afternoon of activities including exploring the Marlborough Sounds by boat, wine tasting, nature walks and wildlife. Before and after the conference, delegates can experience the Coastal Pacific train between Christchurch and Blenheim. They can also add a stopover in Kaikōura with a special accommodation package at the new Sudima Kaikōura.
The conference wraps up on September 20 with a dinner at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
For more information and registrations, visit www.beia.co.nz.
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