Steve Armitage has been appointed as the new independent chair of Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA).
Armitage takes on the position held by Tony Gardner, who is stepping down from his six-year tenure as BEIA’s chair after the association’s annual general meeting, to be held online on Thursday 25 November.
Most recently, Armitage was the general manager of destination at Auckland Unlimited, a high-profile role that encompassed a broad range of sectors including business events.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins said the work of the organisation has grown and developed under Gardner’s leadership.
“The industry will be forever appreciative of Tony’s guidance and support,” she said.
“Tony has been instrumental in building an active and engaged board, and I know I speak on behalf of them and the BEIA team when I say how grateful we are for the work he has done.
“We are delighted to welcome Steve Armitage to this role, and I have no doubt that he will add his own quality to the position.
“A seasoned and well-respected leader with extensive experience working across all levels of the political landscape, Steve’s experience in public affairs, diplomacy and the corporate sector supports BEIA’s own intentions for the future.
“Like Tony, Steve understands the nuances of the sector very well and the need to be future-focused.”
Commenting on his appointment, Armitage said: “I am firmly of the view that business events should be at the forefront of New Zealand’s economic re-opening to the world given the clear value they bring socially and economically.
“I want to acknowledge Tony and the board for the excellent platform that they have established.
“The BEIA team have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic representing the sector with mana and clear purpose, and I cannot wait to build on the momentum they have generated.”
Gardner said it had been an honour to contribute to BEIA (formerly known as Conventions & Incentives New Zealand) and the business events industry as a board member, and then chair, for the past eight years.
“The key areas of progress for BEIA since 2013 have been leadership, partnerships with Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand, and maintaining a strong focus on member interests,” he said.
“Getting the right leadership in place has been the key to the association’s success.
“Building on the financial strength that John Duncan, the previous chair, really built has seen BEIA able to survive COVID. Thanks to Sharon Auld, BEIA’s connections and influence in Australia remain strong and will prove to be vital as New Zealand reopens.
“Lisa Hopkins has shown amazing strength and resilience to lead BEIA through COVID, with every prospect of being a better association than ever.”
Featured image source: Business Events Industry Aetearoa/Michael Bradley/Getty Images for ATEED
