Registrations for Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA) annual conference in Marlborough, which kicks off New Zealand’s inaugural Business Events Week on September 18, are open.
Themed Experience Extraordinary, the three-day conference will feature speakers, panel discussions and workshops, held at the ASB Theatre, Marlborough, and Marlborough Convention Centre in Blenheim.
BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins, said: “Leading into Business Events Week, our conference is focused on elevating the discussion on the impact of business events – their impact on our economy, our society, our culture, and our environment.
“We are working to shine a light on our industry from a global perspective, looking at the data, and amplifying the legacies created by knowledge sharing and connecting at business events.
“We will be looking at how the industry continues to raise the bar given the pressures and opportunities we have in front of us. Our speakers will be challenging us all to rethink how we view the business events industry.”
International keynote speakers include Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and Martin Sirk, a former CEO of ICCA and an expert on the social and economic impact of meetings, and the future evolution of the meetings industry.
New Zealand economist Cameron Bagrie will also be sharing his views on the economy, while leaders of New Zealand’s key tourism, hospitality, event and hotel industry associations will also be present for panel discussions and the latest sector updates.
Delegates will also be able to experience the region first-hand with an afternoon of activities including exploring the Marlborough Sounds by boat, wine tasting, nature walks and wildlife. Before and after the conference, delegates can experience the Coastal Pacific train between Christchurch and Blenheim. They can also add a stopover in Kaikōura with a special accommodation package at the new Sudima Kaikōura.
The event will kick off on September 18 with a Welcome Function at Wither Hills Winery, and wrap up on September 20 with a dinner at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
