The start of a new year has brought changes to leadership

Lisa HopkinsBy Lisa Hopkins,   
Cheif Executive   
Business Events Industry Aotearoa

 

 

 

Column published on meeting-newz

 

The start of a new year has brought changes to leadership, signalling a fresh approach to how we work with Government. While Minister Doocey’s unexpected departure from the tourism and hospitality portfolio marks a shift, I am optimistic about Minister Upston stepping into this role. Her early experience in corporate event planning is particularly promising for our sector.

Additionally, I am encouraged by the Prime Minister’s appointment of Nicola Willis as Minister for Economic Growth – a portfolio where our sector truly thrives, making a significant contribution and serving as a catalyst for broader development. I look forward to engaging with both ministers in the near future.

So, what can we expect out of 2025? Recently, the landscape has been shaped by economic pressures and reductions in government spending. Despite these headwinds, the sector's resilience has been undeniable, and conversations are becoming more upbeat. Optimism is the prevailing sentiment – a necessary driver for turning resilience into meaningful progress.

For the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) team, we are looking at 2025 as a year of progression, guided by the principles of Pīata Mai, New Zealand’s Business Events Strategic Direction, which also drives BEIA’s own strategy. Launched nearly a year ago, Pīata Mai remains the blueprint for the business events sector to deliver on its full potential over the next 10 years.

Restoring domestic confidence

Restoring confidence in the domestic market is not only critical for maintaining year-round activity, it plays a pivotal role in supporting regional New Zealand. While this is often tied to business sentiment of the day, domestic business has never been more imperative as regions continue to see investment into this sector through infrastructure and people. We are so lucky in New Zealand to be spoilt for choice when it comes to destinations, it makes rotating a business event very easy to do. This results in delivering consistent economic benefits which not only supports the community and people of that region, but the country as a whole.

Competing internationally

On the global stage, New Zealand’s business events sector faces intense competition. Securing international conferences, trade shows, and incentives is a strategic process – one that requires robust support and deliberate positioning. Hosting an event in New Zealand is never a casual decision; it is a purposeful choice that reflects our ability to deliver world-class experiences with meaningful outcomes.

Therefore, it is imperative that we take bold steps to level the playing field, and we congratulate Tourism New Zealand for the work they have done with the Conference Assistance Programme (CAP). This lays the foundation for subvention support, but scaling this programme is essential. Expanding CAP will not only help New Zealand remain competitive but also address a practical point... being the most beautiful country in the world will only take us so far. Having the right subvention leverage, in addition to a plethora of extremely well-regarded Kiwis, leaders in their field, an inclusive approach across the board and, of course, the right infrastructure, will help take us the rest of the way in securing the all-important international business. 

Strengthening data and education

BEIA’s 2025 strategy prioritises the development of foundational industry pillars – data and education. These elements are vital for ensuring the sector’s long-term growth and sustainability. The Government’s recent investment in a data programme to measure the industry’s economic value is a crucial step forward. In partnership with Regional Tourism New Zealand, BEIA has already initiated the work to provide robust insights that will shape decision-making and tell the story of the sector’s true impact.

Education is equally pivotal. BEIA’s collaboration with Ringa Hora to establish a vocational education programme will equip the industry with the skills and talent needed to meet future demands. Together, these initiatives lay the groundwork for an informed, adaptable, and future-ready sector.

Celebrating industry achievements

MEETINGS 2025 will be a standout event, returning to Auckland after four years. This flagship gathering will showcase why New Zealand’s business events sector is so exceptional, bringing together buyers and industry professionals from across New Zealand and around the globe.

At the BEIA annual conference, which will also be held in Auckland in November, strategically aligning dates with the Business Events Expo, the business events industry 
will celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations at the inaugural New Zealand Business Events Industry Awards.

The opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in 2025 will add to the excitement. This world-class venue marks a new chapter in the story of New Zealand’s business events journey, and we can’t wait to celebrate this milestone.

So welcome 2025, also the Year of the Snake, and what will be considered a pivotal year for business events. Enjoy the ride!

Posted by Tomahawk Support on February 04, 2025