New Zealand’s Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Conference 2021 will be going ahead three weeks later than planned in Hawke’s Bay from November 1-3.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins says now more than ever, meeting face-to-face is important for the industry after a period of lockdown.
“Our members are telling us they are keen to go ahead, and we have been fortunate to work with our partners in Hawke’s Bay to secure the new dates. It is vital we continue to support the local region. They have invested so much time and effort into helping us host the conference and create an awesome programme.
“With the theme ‘BEing Brave, Bold and Ready’, the programme is highly relevant in this challenging time of change.
“We looked at feedback from past conference delegate surveys and from this year’s programme committee and the message was consistent — our members want to spend time with one another as industry leaders to solve problems, realise potential opportunities and celebrate everything that is great about our sector,” she says.
New Zealand’s Minister of Tourism Hon Stuart Nash will open the conference on Tuesday, November 2.
International event strategist Oscar Cerezales, from MCI Group and sponsored by Tourism New Zealand, will lead discussion on scenario planning for the new normal. Other speakers will include clinical psychologist Jacqui Macguire, and technology and broadcasting guru Sir Ian Taylor both sponsored by Celebrity Speakers.
“We will be focusing on the big issues, with plenty of time for deep discussion and input from experts with the latest industry intelligence and forecasts,” Lisa says.
The Napier War Memorial Centre on the waterfront will be the main conference venue, with ToiToi – Hawke's Bay Arts and Event Centre hosting the gala dinner on November 3. The Old Church Napier is set for the welcome function on November 1.
Delegates who have registered to date will have their registration automatically roll over to the new dates. There is a range of accommodation on offer in Hawke’s Bay and new dates are available.
“We believe this will be the most important and critical conference in the history of our organisation, and we invite all members to be part of the conversation and solutions for the future of our industry,” Lisa says.
Registration is open online at: www.beiaannualconference.co.nz
