6 April, 2020

CINZ to host coronavirus recovery event

Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) is looking to the future with the announcement of a COVID-19 recovery event for 2020.

The event, ‘BE Reconnected’, is set to be delivered in December 2020, with a focus on “re-engaging and reconnecting vital industry relationships” to help kickstart business recovery, CINZ said.

Set to be hosted at Vodafone Events Centre in Auckland on 1 December, it will replace this year’s multi-day MEETINGS exhibition, which was due to be held in April.

The CINZ 2020 Conference and Annual General Meeting will follow on 2 December.

CINZ chief executive Lisa Hopkins said New Zealand’s business events industry, which was valued at around NZ$500 million ($486 million) per year, has suffered immense losses and must be given “every opportunity” to recover.

CINZ boss Lisa Hopkins

“We have been looking at different ways to reconnect our members with customers, channels and each other, as part of the industry’s overall business recovery strategy,” Hopkins said.

“BE Reconnected will be a vital step in helping to secure business leads and super-charging the sector’s recovery.

“We want to engage buyers in multiple face-to-face opportunities over a short time, building new relationships and rekindling old ones.”

Business events are the highest-yielding component of New Zealand’s visitor economy.

At the start of 2020, New Zealand was on the cusp of enormous business tourism growth with the opening of new conference venues, four and five-star hotels, national infrastructure, expanded airlines routes, and new attractions.

Instead, for many, there has been no business or revenue, Hopkins said.

“As a key economic driver for our country, it is our organisation’s responsibility to plan and prepare for the recovery, for the sake of our clients, employees, community, regions, and the industry.

“Our plan is to show both domestic and international clients that we are stronger, more passionate and more committed than ever to reconnect our customers with the incredible destinations, experiences and people of New Zealand, when a handshake, a hongi or a hug is no longer prohibited,” she said.”

BE Reconnected will focus on maximising time with customers. Emphasis will be on conversation and relationship building versus an expansive program and exhibition floor.

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BE Reconnected CINZ Conventions and Incentives New Zealand COVID-19