19 November, 2020

New Zealand’s business events industry body gets a new name

New Zealand’s business events sector has a new name for its peak body, reflecting its own distinct role within tourism and events.

Formerly Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) represents 460 members across New Zealand who work within the MICE sector.

The new brand was announced on Wednesday at the association’s annual general meeting (AGM) and will go live on 1 December to coincide with New Zealand’s only business events industry exhibition for 2020, BE Reconnected, which will take place in Auckland.

BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins said the new name gives its members the mandate to own the industry.

“We are using a globally-acknowledged term, and there is no ambiguity about who we represent and what we do,” she said.

“Our new brand maintains our connection to Aotearoa New Zealand, with the palette reflecting the colours of our ocean, alps and native birds.

“Incorporating a myriad of organisations – international, large and small businesses – right across New Zealand’s tourism and business events landscape, this sector will continue to be a proactive and energetic partner with government in the vital work needed for New Zealand’s economic and social recovery.

“We are a significant contributor to tourism, yet we offer a nuanced societal, cultural, and environmental contribution which encompasses the corporate world, academia and government.

“It is the right time to define ourselves and remind government and our clients that this is an influential and cohesive industry. Our new brand signals this.”

The new Business Events Industry Aotearoa logo

BEIA members also decided on a new board structure that sees two seats elected from the Platinum member category, and one seat from each of the Gold and Silver member categories.

In a new rule, two seats will be appointed by the chairman and elected board members following the AGM who may or may not be a member of the association.

There will also be one non-voting seat for an Air New Zealand representative, and one non-voting seat for someone nominated by Tourism New Zealand.

BEIA chairman Tony Gardner said the board changes reflect the association’s need to meet future issues at a governance level in an agile way, while still ensuring that members maintain the power base.

“This gives us the opportunity to bring in additional skill sets, influence and diversity to respond to the most pressing issues facing our industry, and have the flexibility to look within and outside of the membership,” he said.

BEIA’s 2020-21 Platinum category board members are Georgina Grey from Accor New Zealand and Prue Daly from NZICC/SkyCity Entertainment Group.

The Gold representative is Tracey Thomas from Conference Innovators, and the Silver representative is Jake Downing from Weta Workshop.

The BEIA board also includes co-opted members Lisa Gardiner from Tourism New Zealand and Blair Catton from Air New Zealand, plus CEO Lisa Hopkins.

Hopkins paid tribute to former Platinum board members Alison Smith (Millennium Hotels and Resorts) and Simon Thompson (Te Pae Christchurch), Gold members Megan McSweeney (Auckland War Memorial Museum) and Amanda Graham (formerly of Hamilton & Waikato Tourism), and Silver member Sean Marsh (Te Puia).

“During a year like no other, they have been a constant source of support to the industry and the CINZ team, and I know are only a phone call away,” Hopkins said.

“I can’t thank them enough for their commitment and loyalty to CINZ.”

Featured image source: iStock/Olivier Le Moal

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Alison Smith Amanda Graham BEIA Blair Catton Business Events Industry Aotearoa CINZ Conventions & Incentives New Zealand Georgina Grey Jake Downing Lisa Gardiner Lisa Hopkins Megan McSweeney Prue Daly Sean Marsh Simon Thompson Tony Gardner Tracey Thomas