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Business Events Industry Aotearoa has announced leadership and resilience expert Dr Alia Bojilova as keynote speaker for the BEIA Conference 2025, to be held at Cordis Auckland from Wednesday, November 26, to Thursday, November 27.
Sponsored by B2B Speakers, Dr Bojilova’s background as a former SAS psychologist, United Nations Commendation recipient, and inaugural Meritorious Service Medal awardee for her work negotiating critical incidents in the Middle East positions her keynote as a highlight of the conference programme.
“Dr Bojilova brings a rare combination of psychological insight and lived global experience,” says BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins.
“Her address will speak directly to the realities of leading in uncertain times and will inspire delegates to think deeply about resilience, leadership and opportunity as we move into what promises to be a strong year in 2026.”
Tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston will officially open the conference on the Wednesday morning, unveiling Te Haeata — a new vocational learning programme developed by the industry for the industry.
“This initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening New Zealand’s business events workforce pipeline and professional development pathways,” Lisa says.
The conference will explore future-facing themes, including experience design, the soft power of events and emerging technologies.
Futurist Dave Wild, author of Futurework – A Guidebook for The Future of Work, will discuss how AI is reshaping the business events landscape. Sessions on workplace culture and wellbeing will cover menopause, imposter syndrome and the evolving Gen Z workforce, alongside practical workshops on storytelling and experience design.
The Conference Welcome on Tuesday, November 25, will coincide with the Business Events Expo at Viaduct Events Centre, while the inaugural Business Events Awards, The Bizzies, will celebrate innovation and excellence on the evening of Wednesday, November 26.
Following the announcement of finalists for The Bizzies, earlybird registrations have been extended until Thursday, October 24, with a 10 per cent discount for organisations registering two or more delegates on the conference website. Tickets for The Bizzies dinner are sold separately via the awards website.
The conference is open to anyone with an interest in the business events sector, not just BEIA members.
“The vibe of the conference is for lively, interactive and even controversial conversations about change and the future. Delegates will leave equipped with fresh perspectives in readiness for 2026,” Lisa says.
