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Day 2 opened with fresh energy (a few tired faces after last nights’ Bizzy Awards) as 280 delegates regrouped at Cordis, Auckland, ready for another day exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping New Zealand’s business events sector.
Economic Outlook for the Business Events Industry — Liam Dann
The day’s opening session was delivered by Liam Dann, Business Editor at the New Zealand Herald. His economic outlook (and media perspective) dived into the broader financial environment influencing business events, tourism, and delegate behaviour. He says “ The outlook is better than it was.” And how “businesses are bouncing back.”
The big topic of discussion was of course the Reserve Bank’s latest projections and how interest rate cut (at 2.2%) may be it through to the rest of 2025.
Panel: Driving Growth: Understanding how domestic & international demand patterns are changing
This panel made up of Tourism New Zealand Bjoern Spreitzer, Tanya Wicks of Site Australia and New Zealand, Greg Norris and Iain Walker of Air New Zealand examined what motivates decision-makers to choose New Zealand as a host destination and how event organisers are adapting to rapidly shifting demand.
There was particular focus on how New Zealand can differentiate itself in a competitive global market.
Tanya says, “New Zealand is considered a bucket list destination, and how “Understanding that is one of the challenges.”
Iain Walker says to help mitigate those challenges, Air New Zealand’s focus is to “remain committed” to regional New Zealand, with a priority for events. Greg says that regions need to know what they do well. “Know it, grow it, and show it.” he says.
Tanya summed it up as, “New Zealand has a lot of magic.”
Other presentations of Day 2 focused on Innovation Ecosystems and how events like Field Days has been a starting point for New Zealand companies like Gallagher and Fonterra, and the 2025 BE Mentored Recognition, followed by The Soft Power of Events panel- a discussion about delivering meaningful impact in events and business.
It was a strong end to another successful BEIA with plenty of ideas and discussion to lead next year, and with the announcement of BEIA being held in Christchurch for 2026, one many will be looking forward to.
