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Aotearoa’s inaugural Business Events Awards – The Bizzies – launched on Wednesday, November 26, bringing together 280 industry professionals for a landmark celebration at Cordis Auckland.
Supported by Business Events Industry Aotearoa, the awards recognise excellence, innovation and impact across seven categories, acknowledging achievements from venues, suppliers, event organisers, destinations and individuals.
Led by co-chairs Rachel Cook and Alana Bicknell, and supported by a volunteer steering committee, the launch marks a significant milestone for New Zealand’s business events sector.
“There was such a buzz in the room. It was fantastic to see everyone come together to acknowledge the achievements, innovation, and contributions of the people and events helping to shape the future of our industry,” Rachel says.
The black-tie event was hosted by broadcasters Mike McRoberts and Melissa Chan-Green.
Rachel says The Bizzies aim to strengthen the collective identity of the sector.
“The Bizzies are more than an awards night — they are a platform to elevate the industry, strengthen its collective identity, and highlight the vital role business events play in driving economic growth, fostering collaboration, and creating social impact.
“From creative event ideas and sustainability initiatives to the individuals driving impact behind the scenes, the talent and professionalism in our industry really shone through in the 2025 Bizzies awards.
“We want to thank all our sponsors and acknowledge the generous time of our wide collection of judges from all sectors of the industry.”
The Bizzies Award Winners 2025
Emerging Business Event Professional Award
Winner: Camila Andrew, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
Finalists:
- Lucy Mayne, H3 Group
- Hannah Chalmers, Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Exceptional Business Event Professional
Winner: Louise Ryburn, Celebrity Speakers
Finalists:
- Sharon Auld, Business Events Industry Aotearoa
- Rachael Simpson, HQNZ
Business Events Legacy Impact Award
Winner: Electrify Queenstown
Finalists:
- Unleashing the Potential of BE Forum 24
- Hospice Waikato & Montana Food and Events Bucket List Banquet
Best Marketing Award
Winner: ChristchurchNZ – Be Everything. Be Here.
Finalists:
- Unleashing the Potential of BE Forum 24
- The Village at NZCIS
Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award
Winner: Electrify Queenstown
Finalists:
- Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
- Pro-Invest Hotels – Auckland
Innovation Award
Winner: Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Finalists:
- TableHub
- The Sound Sensitivity Station
Outstanding Business Events Partner Award
Winner: Water New Zealand and Avenues Event Management
Finalists:
- Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and Conference Innovators
- Business Events Wellington and the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre
The Bizzies 2025 event partners were Te Pae Christchurch, Business Events Wellington, Celebrity Speakers, Conference Innovators, Cordis Auckland, Encore, Flubatek, MyEventDJ, Smoke: Event Photography, Streamliner and The Event Girl.
