BEIA announces its 2024 conference

BEIA announces its 2024 conference
Edited by Travel Weekly


The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has announced the dates for its 2024 conference and annual general meeting for 25 to 27 November at the Devon Hotel, New Plymouth.

Over 160 business events professionals from across Australia and New Zealand are set to meet at the event to focus on the key issues facing the industry. New Zealand’s Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Hon. Matt Doocey, will open the event and participate in a discussion on state 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,” Hopkins said. “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.”

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 – Piata Mai – which sets out steps for measuring and growing the sector’s positive cultural, social, environmental, and economic impact for the next 10 years,” Lisa Hopkins added.

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.

Principal Economist at Infometrics, Brad Olsen, CEO of Diversity Works, Maretha Smit, and Professor Carmel Foley from the University of Technology Syndey will share their insights. CEO of Workforce Development Council division Ringa Hora will also 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 concluded.

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