A well known industry figure, Ashford has been with Tourism New Zealand since 2012 and was previously the bureau manager in Christchurch. She also spent almost seven years working for airlines.
“This year we are acknowledging and thanking Leonie, who has been a driving force in our industry over the past 12 years in her role as business events manager at Tourism New Zealand,” said BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins.
“Leonie’s experience, energy and commitment to the business events industry have been instrumental in putting New Zealand on the map for large international conference business.
“To cap her achievements, Leonie has recently been appointed as the Asia Pacific board member for ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) representing New Zealand on the world stage.”
BEIA also held its annual general meeting today, electing two new board members – Jacques Meyer from Cordis, Auckland will replace Ross Steele from Te Pae Christchurch while Vanessa Wallace from RotoruaNZ replaces Tracey Thomas from Conference Innovators.
As BEIA’s 48th conference wraps up its first day, Auckland has been announced as the destination for next year’s meeting and the first biennial national Business Events Industry Awards for New Zealand, the ceremony for which will be held on the first night of the conference. The venue for the conference and the awards has not yet been made public.
The association’s flagship business events trade show MEETINGS will also take place in Auckland in June next year.
“We are excited to be conferencing in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland next year, at a pivotal time for New Zealand’s business events industry as we complete our trio of world-class conference venues with the opening of NZICC,” said Hopkins.
“As an industry, we are moving ahead to raise the profile of the sector, strengthen our voice, highlight contribution and value, and reinforce the diversity of the sector and its contributors. Anyone who works in the sector is invited to be part of the awards, they do not need to be affiliated with any association membership to be nominated.”
