B E I A A N N U A L A G M a n d C O N F E R E N C E Themed ‘Ignite the Future’, BEIA’s first conference for the New Zealand industry in three years was timed to fire up discussion on the challenges, opportunities and business models needed ahead. BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins said after a tough two and half years for the business events sector, now was the time to move forward at pace and with optimism. Hawke’s Bay was the perfect place to connect with others in the industry and create stronger bonds. Delegates enjoyed 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. The conference programme was informative and interactive with workshops designed to develop debate and ideas and to deliver solutions on industry challenges. It also introduced a chance to experience the Hawke’s Bay region’s wine and food culture, art deco heritage, stunning natural landscape and outdoor activities. This new feature of the conference gave delegates an afternoon out in the Hawke’s Bay – and everyone made the most of the chance to experience first-hand what makes this region so famous, including its winemaking prowess, art deco architecture and stunning natural landscapes. A First Timers Welcome event on Monday afternoon, with the support of Team Up Events, gave new members a fun afternoon getting to know industry colleagues before the BEIA Welcome Function at the Old Church Napier. Delegates were warmly welcomed by the two city mayors – Kirsten Wise, Mayor of Napier and Sandra Hazlehurst, Mayor of Hastings – both of whom were re-elected to their positions in local body elections the following week. FOCUSING ON THE BIG ISSUES The conference kicked off with an interactive workshop on the big issues facing the sector and BEIA’s strategy for the way forward. “As we face limited staffing resources, added pressure on venues, and shorter lead times, Covid has made us think differently. The three most challenging subjects for our sector right now are people training and professional development, sustainability initiatives, and customer expectations,” Lisa Hopkins said. Supported by Tourism New Zealand Business Events, delegates were briefed on an international skills initiative from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) by Waikin Wong, regional director for Asia Pacific based in Malaysia, visiting New Zealand for the conference. Ringa Hora Workforce Development Council presented on vocational training opportunities for the business events industry and shared plans to develop future qualifications for the sector. Megan Williams, sustainability advocate from Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), presented on creating and delivering a sustainability accreditation for the business events sector. Predicting and meeting customer expectations was covered from the point of view of clients. Professional conference organisers, Rachel Cook from Conference Innovators, Lee Picken from Lime and Soda and The Events Group’s Meredith Drucker joined a panel for an in-depth knowledge session. STRATEGIC PLAN Lisa Hopkins presented BEIA’s Strategic Plan to 2025. “Our vision is to support our diverse membership through five strategic pillars – voice, connection, education, insights and community,” she said. “We want to amplify the influence of BEIA on issues that impact our sector by being bold, brave and focused. BEIA is responsible for the ongoing management of relationships with Government, officials and departments. [BE I A CONF E R ENCE First Timers welcome event Conference opening welcome in the Hawke’s Bay IGNITE THE FUTURE BEIA’S 46TH ANNUAL AGM AND CONFERENCE AT THE NAPIER CONFERENCE CENTRE WAS OPENED ON WEDNESDAY 5 OCTOBER BY MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, HON STUART NASH WHO IS ALSO MP FOR NAPIER. [48] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
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