By Lisa Hopkins,
Cheif Executive
Business Events Industry Aotearoa
Column published on 
Indian poet and philosopher Hazrat Inayat Khan once said, “Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful.” Reflecting on the phenomenon that was Coldplay, I couldn’t help but think how perfectly his words apply. Here’s a relatively unassuming four-piece band from the UK, transforming a space typically known for rugby battles into an amphitheatre for 150,000 enthusiastic fans.
What unfolded was more than just a concert—it was the creation of something beautiful. A vibrant crowd, eager for an unforgettable experience, came together under the leadership of the brilliant showman himself, Chris Martin. The result? A magical evening in a spectacular venue, infused with a spirit of warmth, welcome, and unity.
But this isn’t a concert review; it’s an event review. The staging, innovative use of technology, energy-generating dance floors and bikes, and synchronised wristbands were revolutionary. Yet, the impact extended beyond the spectacle. The city itself came alive—hotels brimmed with visitors, restaurants and bars buzzed with activity, and retail saw a boost. Auckland Airport and Air
New Zealand felt the surge.
This ripple effect wasn’t just economic. Corporates used Coldplay as a springboard for team-building and strategic planning. Families made it a reason to explore Auckland’s taonga, from the zoo to Waiheke Island. Events like these define cities and countries—not only in economic terms, but socially as well.
Elaine Linnell from the New Zealand Events Association would absolutely agree: these major events are transformative. They demand investment, support from local and central governments, and the strategic utilisation of live performance venues.
Combine these elements with New Zealand’s natural charm and its people, and you have something truly extraordinary—a beautiful place, made even more so.
As a country, we deserve this. We have the facilities, we have the skills and clearly, we have the audience. Let’s make this happen!
2024: A year of challenges and resilience
As I pen my final column for 2024, it’s a moment to reflect on a year that’s been, at best, a mixed bag. The phrase “survive to 25” has echoed throughout our sector, a testament to the resilience honed during the pandemic. Back then, government support softened the blows, but many have shared that 2024 feels even harder. The data supports this sentiment: a 19% year-on-year drop in the number of events held across New Zealand during the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023, a stark reminder of the challenges we face.
This decline reverberated across the visitor economy, impacting airlines, hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators—sectors intrinsically tied to ours. We could tell when there had been a major conference or live event in town by the RevPar reports, supporting the argument, again, for the importance of business and major events.
Yet, amidst these hurdles, there’s cause for cautious optimism. The tailwinds of a government transition and evolving fiscal policies hint at better days ahead in 2025.
Despite the challenges, our sector has remained united, striving to showcase New Zealand in the best possible light. Some standout achievements from the BEIA team include:
Pīata Mai: The launch of the country’s first 10-year strategic plan for the business events sector. This forward-looking strategy, designed to culminate in 2035, provides the industry with the time and guidance needed to integrate its objectives into individual business strategies and move forward, in alignment.
MEETINGS 2024 in Rotorua: A landmark event that offered manuhiri (visitors) a profound, culturally rich experience. The manaaki (hospitality) displayed was transformational for many attendees. The Waka Putanga carving, gifted to BEIA by the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, now stands proudly in our office, its wairua (spirit), a reminder of the event and its significance.
Streamlined visitor visas: A partnership with Immigration New Zealand has simplified visa processes for business event attendees from non-visa-waiver countries, a pivotal step in removing impediments to hosting a business event in New Zealand.
Te Haeata – Business events education programme: Developed with Ringa Hora, this initiative encourages new employees into the sector, gives an opportunity to earn educational credentials and promotes career pathways in business events. This milestone project will continue evolving in the coming year.
Digital innovation: The launch of an interactive, online planner has been a game-changer, replacing the traditional print edition, which arrived in the mail for over 20 years, with a dynamic, user-centric resource. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from the customers who were the target audience.
As we close out the year, on behalf of everyone at Business Events Industry Aotearoa—our chair, Martin Snedden, the board, and our team—I extend warmest wishes to you and your whānau for a joyful and safe holiday season. Whether you’re working through the festive period or taking a well-deserved break, may the vibes be positive, and the moments restorative.
Here’s to 2025—a year of new opportunities and renewed optimism. See you there!
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