The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has applauded the NZ Government for recognising the benefits of and eliminating the barrier for hosting international medical conferences.
In a joint statement, Hon David Seymour, Minister for Regulation, Hon Simeon Brown, Minister of Health, and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced New Zealand law reforms so medicines yet to be consented by Medsafe can be advertised at medical conferences in New Zealand.
Outdated regulations that hinder trained medical professionals from learning about new medicines through trade show advertising are out of step with other countries’ laws and put New Zealanders at a disadvantage, Regulation Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown said.
“New Zealand’s prohibition on advertising medicines yet to be consented by Medsafe is a barrier to New Zealand’s ability to host medical conferences and trade shows,” Seymour said. “The opportunity cost of New Zealand missing out on these is huge.”
BEIA has been advocating for a change to Section 20 of the Medicines Act 1981 for many years and BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins says today’s announcement means medical conference organisers from around the world can now plan ahead with confidence.
The global business events industry is worth USD 2.1 trillion, and the medical and pharmaceutical sector is the second largest user of conferences to connect, educate, and inform professionals,” Hopkins said. “By finally removing this barrier, New Zealand can now proactively approach those medical associations who in the past have taken New Zealand off their list because of this prohibition.”
“BEIA has not been alone in fighting for this change. We are grateful for the tremendous support from Medicines NZ, who worked closely with BEIA on this issue and have also been ardent campaigners, as well as for the support of Business NZ. This helped convince the government to recognise the value of medical conferences and is a great example of multiple associations working together for a mutually beneficial outcome.”
BEIA has also collaborated with Tourism New Zealand and MBIE on the Business Events Boost and with Immigration NZ on the visa process for delegates attending conferences in New Zealand.
“Conferences provide access to knowledge and innovation, offering insights that can be directly applied to benefit society,” Hopkins added. “This is just one of the many ways the business events sector delivers value beyond economic and tourism contributions. Today’s announcement represents another big step forward for our industry.”
