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 BE I A CONF E R ENCE] “We continue to leverage BEIA’s position as New Zealand’s peak industry body domestically and internationally, and support members’ business development activities. BEIA’s role is to be a knowledgeable and available partner who can provide introductions, insights, information, advice or guidance,” she said. “Building confidence and skills in the sector reinforces its viability as a sustainable career choice with industry-specific learning and development. BEIA will develop, review and update a three-year education plan in conjunction with education partners. “The accessibility and use of data is critical to providing value, information and insights, and used to support informed industry decision-making. BEIA’s role is to drive, collect and manage the business events data on behalf of the industry and make it available to all,” Hopkins said. “Working together in support of Brand New Zealand, BEIA members operate for the benefit of both our industry and our wider community. “Telling the story of how our sector adds value at every level is how BEIA ensures recognition and reputation. BEIA will continue to bring the industry together as a community while amplifying the sector’s impact on communities in general.” To kick off day two, one of New Zealand’s most well-respected and recognisable names, media presenter Hilary Barry presented her funny behind-the scenes take on the ultimate storytelling. Barry was sponsored by Celebrity Speakers. The Ignite the Future deep-dive on day two was designed by Oscar Cerezales, chief strategy officer at MCI Group, and facilitated by Susan Sawbridge, a New Zealand major events strategist and expert. They facilitated a deep analysis of the changed market and redesigned ecosystem, focusing on new roles, new players and new rules of engagement. As a fitting finale, the new space at Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts and Events Centre was celebrated in style with a Great Gatsbythemed finale dinner – Deco, Diamonds and Decadence – with Outstanding Contributor Awards for 2021 and 2022 presented. WORLD-CLASS GALA DINNER Showcasing the diversity of its spaces and technical and creative expertise, the conference gala dinner – dubbed Deco, Diamonds and Decadence – was hosted by Toitoi - Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre in a magnificent setting. On arrival guests were treated to cocktails in the beautifully restored Opera House where a speakeasy set was then revealed on stage. A moonshine raid followed, taking guests into the dining room. The seated dinner in the Assembly Room accompanied by local wine was created by Dish Catering. The celebration of flapper fashion, art deco design and epic dance moves was world-class. Produced by Toitoi, the event used the creative styling of local suppliers Miss Frou Frou and Flock Events, and was emceed and entertained by the multitalented Greg Ward. Guests dressed in vintage style to celebrate the art deco era for which Hawke’s Bay is famous, creating a glitzy soiree atmosphere. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTORS This was also the final event organised by Jen Henshaw. She was acknowledged and thanked for her huge support and efforts in creating this event, and BEIA’s flagship MEETINGS exhibition. Two industry stalwarts, Maxine Wallis from Cordis Auckland received the BEIA 2021 Outstanding Contributor Award and Heather Shaw, founder of family-owned event management company The Events Group, received the BEIA 2022 Outstanding Contributor Award. “We are acknowledging and celebrating two outstanding women in our field, both of whom have contributed hugely to our Welcome function at Old Church Napier industry over the course of three decades,” Lisa Hopkins said. Maxine Wallis started her career as BEIA’s (CINZ’s) first Australia representative, putting New Zealand on the map as a business tourism destination in the key Australian market. Later she moved back to Auckland and worked with Aotea Centre. Then, moving to the North Island’s east coast as chief executive of Gisborne Tourism, she drove the marketing for the turn-of-the-century celebration for the first place to see the sun in the new millennium, drawing major international media attention. Then she became senior sales manager Australia for SkyCity Entertainment Group, and for the past eight years, she has been director of sales, MICE at Cordis Auckland. Heather Shaw’s career began managing events at North Harbour basketball and the Millennium Institute before going on to buy a team building business 20 years ago, and transforming it into a full service event management company with a top reputation – The Events Group. Shaw’s daughter, Meredith Drucker who is general manager of the family-owned business, accepted the award on her behalf. The BEIA Outstanding Contributor Awards were presented with thanks to long-standing supporters David Hall and Hunter's Wines. Next year’s BEIA conference will be in Marlborough from 18 to 20 September, kicking off Business Events Week, a new initiative supported by Tourism New Zealand. meeting newz [nov dec] 2022 [49]
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