Business events industry conference commences in New Plymouth

The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) annual conference will see industry leaders from across New Zealand and Australia gather today in New Plymouth.

Over 170 guests will be welcomed tonight at the New Plymouth Surfriders' Club on Fitzroy Beach.

BEIA's 48th Annual Conference and AGM is being held in Taranaki for the first time. It will open officially tomorrow, 26th November at The Devon Hotel with an pōwhiri welcome. New Zealand's Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Matt Doocey will be first on stage in conversation with BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins. Local New Plymouth MP, David MacLeod will also attend the conference opening.

Lisa Hopkins says business events are recognised internationally as playing a crucial role in the development and growth of business sectors and other critical-thinking areas such as medicine, trade, policy and the environment.

Hopkins advised “New Zealand has never been better poised to shine on the global stage, and it has also never been better equipped to welcome business events visitors from across New Zealand and the world.’

Earlier this year, the industry introduced Pīata Mai, a strategic roadmap designed to align, grow, and strengthen the sector over the next decade. This includes creating opportunities and working in partnership with tourism, hospitality, hotels, and airlines, all aspects of the visitor economy.

Experts on the legacy and impact of business events, workforce training, industry collaboration, diversity, and Māori culture are set to share their knowledge across the next day and a half of interactive workshops and panel discussions.

Hopkins enthused “BEIA is thrilled to be in Taranaki for the first time, and to discover why this dynamic coastal location with its majestic mountain is such a superb destination for conferences.”

Brylee Flutey, General Manager Destination at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki added “Business events play an important role in the Taranaki economy, bringing economic benefits that extend beyond the conference rooms as delegates experience our accommodation, dining, transport, and memorable activities around the Maunga.

“Our unique landscapes, connectivity by road and air, and exceptional conference experiences make Taranaki well-positioned to welcome delegates from across Aotearoa and the world.”

New Plymouth's stage at the Bowl of Brooklands will be the gala dinner venue, where industry members will gather to celebrate on 26th November.

Image. Mount Taranaki. Supplied: BEIA; Credit: Sulthan Auliya