By Lisa Hopkins Chief executive Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Both David and Hilary left everyone with great messages about focusing on the important things in life and letting go of the unnecessary. Hawke’s Bay also left its impression on everyone. Their food and wine ethos are second to none, and delivered with such warmth. We were so impressed by the Napier War Memorial Centre, the talent and beauty of ToiToi in Hastings and the willingness of the whole town to welcome us with such open arms. Such a brilliant place to host a conference. Talk to Hamish, Heather and the team at Hawke’s Bay NZ about bringing a business event to the region. When announcing Marlborough as the destination for next year’s conference, I’m not sure who is more excited, the BEIA team or Wendy from Destination Marlborough? We know Wendy will ensure Marlborough lays out the carpet when we hit town, which will be from the the 18th to 20th September. Please, note the date. Strategic Direction I shared the Strategic Direction with the membership at Conference and received positive feedback. We are not waiting for the grass to grow and are already moving ahead with the MEETINGS strategy, education and sustainability projects as well as our digital plans to support our pillars: Voice, Connection, Education, Insights and Community. It was also important to share the values of the BEIA team, which underpin our actions when we are representing or interacting with our members, the industry or stakeholders; Auahatanga (Innovation and Creativity), Ngā Remurere (Passion for the sector and its success) and Rangapu (Collaboration and Partnership). They are the values the team felt were important to them and the work they do. After the pain of the last couple of years, it feels good to focus on what will be a very bright future for us all. Industry collaboration If there is one silver lining from COVID, it’s the way all the various tourism, events and hospitality associations have lined up to work together on collective issues. At the BEIA Conference, we were BEing Connected The talent on show was exceptional. We are so fortunate to have David Downs as not only a cheerleader for our sector, but also as a Board Member, with a vested interest in the future of the industry. He generously offered his time to be the Master of Ceremonies and boy oh boy, didn’t he nail the brief. David’s own story, which he openly shared with everyone, is extraordinary. When he said to me, I think we have some extra time, why don’t I share with everyone a light-hearted story about cancer, I was still processing how do you fit “light-hearted” and “cancer” into the same sentence. But apparently, you can, and David’s personal story not only generated many, many laughs, but also a few tears. I had the privilege of introducing another, brilliant speaker - aunty of the nation and my own dear friend, Hilary Barry to the stage. I’ve known Hilary for many years and have often talked to her about the amount of unkind commentary she receives. But as she has said to me, and also shared with the audience, at the end of the day, it’s only a small group of people whose opinions count, Mr B, her two amazing boys, her family and her friends. Everything else is really just noise. Good advice to live by. joined by Tourism Export Council New Zealand, New Zealand Māori Tourism, Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand, New Zealand Cruise Association and Tourism Industry Aotearoa. Each month, I meet with fellow leaders from the Tourism Industry at the Tourism Association Network (TAN) meetings, and we have created another group, the Events Association Collective, featuring New Zealand Events Association, EVANZ, Music Promoters Association and the Entertainment Technology New Zealand Association. These groups are vital as we collaborate on various issues affecting our sectors in the current climate. Visitor and working visas are the current issue. Many are experiencing a delay in getting working visas approved for much-needed service staff in our sector, which affects the experience our visitors receive. However, just as important is the impact these delays are having on visitors who may not be travelling on waiver-free passports, being able to gain access across our borders. I am keen to know more about this issue in our sector and ask that you connect with me directly. We are able to have conversations with Immigration New Zealand, and raising these issues enables us to support the collective groups as we work in a positive way to a resolution. The numbers tell the story The latest numbers for the Business Events Research Project back-up what I am sure you are all feeling, the last quarter was exceptionally busy, up by 47% on the previous quarter. The number of delegates increased as well, by almost 60%. This quarter feels just as busy, but I truly hope a hint of a break is on the cards to recharge soon. This is my last column for the year, and what a year it has been. I hope you get to celebrate by holding those you love the most close. Miri Kirihimete to you, your whanau and friends from the BEIA Board and the BEIA team. [BE I A COLUMN Nga mihi nui, Lisa Hopkins Twice weekly e-magazine for the travel trade. Subscribe for free at www.travelinc.co.nz Subscribe for free at www.travelinc.co.nz Twice weekly e-magazine for the travel trade. [50] meeting newz [nov dec] 2022
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