Christchurch to host business events industry this October

Ōtautahi Christchurch is set to host this year's business events industry awards, The Bizzies and the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) annual conference in late October.

 

Registrations are now open for the BEIA Conference 2026 from 28 to 29 October. The Bizzies 2026, New Zealand's 2nd annual business events awards night on 28 October will celebrate excellence, innovation, and impact across individuals and events.

 

The conference programme kicks off at the new OneNZ Stadium with a welcome function on Tuesday 27 October. Venues Ōtautahi's other star venue, Christchurch Town Hall will be base for the two-day conference, with Te Pae Christchurch taking centre stage for The Bizzies gala dinner.

 

BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins says New Zealand's conference, incentives and business events industry is in for an exceptional week, with a programme of professional development, opportunities to shape the industry, collaboration, and networking opportunities.

 

“We are inviting organisations across the business events sector, BEIA Members, event organisers, clients, or those exploring this industry as part of their future business mix to consider attending Conference 2026 as a team, not only to share the experience, but also to cover more sessions and absorb a broader range of insights,” she says.

 

“The programme has been designed around the key issues shaping our sector, supported by an impressive line-up of speakers. Economist Brad Olsen will share his perspective on the economic outlook, which is particularly timely with the General Election taking place the following week.

 

“We are also incredibly grateful for the support of Christchurch Airport, Venues Ōtautahi, Te Pae Christchurch, Celebrity Speakers and ChristchurchNZ whose contribution is helping make this year's conference experience even stronger.”

 

BEIA members can save on conference registration fees by registering two or more delegates from one organisation to receive a 10% discount per registration on top of Earlybird rates, which end on 20 September.

 

After the conference, delegates are encouraged to stay on in the host city and spend Thursday afternoon, 29 October sampling some of the activities available in Ōtautahi Christchurch with exclusive discounts for BEIA Conference delegates.

 

Registrations for the BEIA 2026 Conference can be made on the conference website. Tickets for The Bizzies awards dinner can also be purchased separately on The Bizzies website.