Conference industry leaders from across New Zealand and Australia are gathering in New Plymouth, New Zealand for the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) annual conference, 25 November. Over 170 guests will be welcomed at the New Plymouth Surfriders’ Club on Fitzroy Beach.
In its 48th edition, this year marks the first time BEIA’s annual conference has come to Taranaki. The event will open at the Devon Hotel with a pōwhiri welcome.
New Zealand’s minister of tourism and hospitality Matt Doocey is first up for an on-stage conversation with BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins. New Plymouth MP David MacLeod will also attend the opening.
Lisa Hopkins commented that business events play a crucial role in the development of sectors such as medicine, trade, policy and the environment. “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,” she said.
Earlier this year, the industry introduced Pīata Mai, a strategic roadmap to create opportunities and work in partnership with tourism, hospitality, hotels and airlines – all aspects of the visitor economy.
Hopkins continued: “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.”
“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,” Brylee Flutey, general manager at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, added.
New Plymouth’s stage at the Bowl of Brooklands will be the gala dinner venue, where industry members will gather to celebrate on 26 November.
