MEA elected a new chair, Vanessa Green from Cliftons Events Solutions, and three new board members at its annual general meeting yesterday. The three new board members are from parts of the industry not previously represented at board level for the association.
This morning, BEIA announced it had found its new chair in Martin Snedden CNZM, a former international cricketer for New Zealand and an experience CEO in the events and tourism sectors.
Snedden is taking the helm of the New Zealand association’s board after Steve Armitage vacated the role to become CEO of Hospitality New Zealand.
Snedden was the CEO of Rugby World Cup 2011 which was held in New Zealand and was CEO of the Tourism Industry Association in 2012 and 2012. He was made Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2012 and was, until recently chair of the board for New Zealand Cricket.
“We are delighted to have Martin join the industry, as we head into a new era for New Zealand’s business events presence on the world stage,” said BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins.
Armitage backed the selection of Snedden, saying his experience would be a major benefit for the industry.
“Martin’s governance background, knowledge of membership associations, and experience leading major events will be an absolute asset to the business events sector going forward.”
Snedden said he was excited to be joining the BEIA board.
“[I] look forward to gaining many new insights, and to sharing my experience with this engaged and passionate industry,” he said.
On the incentive front, Marissa Fernandez of DMS Destination Marketing Services, which is based in Sydney, has become the inaugural Australia and New Zealand chapter representative to join SITE’s international board.
“I am honoured to represent the vibrant incentive travel sectors of Asia Pacific on the SITE Global Board,” said Fernandez.
“This appointment serves as an incredible opportunity to amplify the distinctive qualities of our regions and contribute to the global discourse on incentive travel.”
