August 16, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier
New Zealand’s industry association Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has opened registrations for its first national conference since the pandemic began, with Hawke’s Bay set to host the event on its third attempt, following COVID-induced cancellations of the meeting in 2020 and 2021.
The event will divide its purpose between discussing industry issues and destination experience, with an interactive industry workshop on the first day of the conference to look at the challenges the business events sector is facing, followed by an afternoon spent out and about experience sampling business events product in Hawke’s Bay.
On day two of the event, Oscar Cerezales, chief strategy officer at MCI Group, will spend most of the day working with industry on “the art and science of planning for the future”.
The event will also feature a plenary from a New Zealand household name, the exact identity of whom the association is keeping under wraps.
“The conference gives our members the opportunity to reconnect in an energising environment, and work on the challenging and stimulating conversations needed for future success,” said BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins.
“This is the ideal time to connect with others in the industry and, as we know, shared experiences create stronger bonds. Hawke’s Bay region will be the perfect place to do this – with stunning views to the horizon across the Pacific Ocean from the waterfront conference centre in Napier, and time off to explore the region, network, and soak up ideas.”
Taking place October 4 to 6, the conference will be held at the Napier War Memorial Centre, with the welcome function at The Old Church in Napier and the closing gala dinner at ToiToi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre.
BEIA have also secured conference rates at several hotels in Hawke’s Bay. The conference is open to both members and non-members of BEIA.