BEIA launches Future of Business Events Virtual Summit and appoints new Independent Chair

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) is inviting registrations for its Future of Business Events Virtual Summit on Thursday, 9th December 2021 while also announcing the appointment of Steve Armitage as their new Independent Chair.

Lisa Hopkins, BEIA Chief Executive says the summit theme ‘Rally, Rebuild and Restart’ encapsulates where we are as a sector and addresses the next chapter in our COVID-19 story and notes “as an industry we need to rally and consider future-forward solutions, to rebuild our industry with sustainability in mind, and restart the sector after the crippling impact of the last two years.

“BEIA is committed to supporting our community with preparation for what is to come in 2022. This summit will help kickstart important and meaningful conversations, so we can move forward optimistically into next year and beyond.

“We have already received over 250 registrations in the first days of launch, a sign that the industry is looking for this type of engagement,” Hopkins says.

“I encourage all those with an interest in business events to register and join us for two hours of engaging and informative content.”

This event is supported by Celebrity Speakers NZ, Tourism New Zealand Business Events, Auckland Conventions Venues and Events, and event and media company Uno Loco, fresh from their APEC-producing duties.

Lisa Hopkins and Bjoern Spreitzer, General Manager Domestic and Business Events at Tourism New Zealand (pictured above) will present the most up-to-date, practical information on the current environment, and what they anticipate for business events in 2022.

Streamed live from a media studio at Auckland’s Aotea Centre, they will be joined by the event facilitator and MC, innovator, and author Joe Davis, who will be sharing his in-depth research into what has worked well for resilient businesses through COVID-19, and provide positive and practical take-outs for moving forward.

He will also facilitate a panel of representatives from international, Australian, and domestic markets, who will share their expectations and views on what 2022 will deliver and the role New Zealand plays.

The other keynote speaker is Sir Ian Taylor, out of his own MIQ with some interesting anecdotes and practical advice for the business events sector as New Zealand starts reconnecting with the world.

Hopkins adds “from this pool of experts, we will learn more about the environment and the probable landscape for business events over the next 12 months. We aim to leave the industry inspired, and ready with a tool kit of practical skills and innovative solutions.”

The Future of Business Events Virtual Summit will be held from NZT 2 pm to 4.15 pm on Thursday 9th December. Further details and the registration form are available on the BEIA website. Registrants will receive an email reminder prior to the event with a link to access the virtual summit.

The virtual summit is free for BEIA Members. Registration is also available to Non-Members at a nominal fee of $30.

BEIA have also announced the appointment of Steve Armitage (pictured above) as their new Independent Chair taking on the position held by Tony Gardner, who is stepping down from his six-year tenure as Board Chair after the association’s Annual General Meeting, to be held online next Thursday, 25th November.

Hopkins says the work of BEIA has grown and developed under Tony Gardner’s leadership and adds “The industry will be forever appreciative of Tony’s guidance and support. 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.

“Most recently, Steve held the position of General Manager – Destination at Auckland Unlimited, a high-profile role which encompassed a broad range of sectors including business events.

“Like Tony, Steve understands the nuances of the sector very well and the need to be future-focused.”

Armitage says he is excited to be working alongside the Board, Lisa, and her team, and the wider membership base to help shape the future of the sector.

Armitage adds “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.”

Tony Gardner says it has been an honour to contribute to CINZ / BEIA, and the business events industry as a board member, 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. 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.

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Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), formerly known as Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), is the official membership-based association of New Zealand’s business events sector with more than 460 members across a broad range of sectors. 

BEIA manages New Zealand’s only national annual trade show MEETINGS. Last held in June 2021, MEETINGS generated $74 million of business for the New Zealand industry.

MEETINGS 2022 is scheduled for 15th-16th June at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.