The Bizzies launches celebration of business events industry's best

   The Bizzies opening at Cordis Auckland

The Bizzies – Aotearoa's inaugural Business Events Awards and New Zealand's first awards programme for the business events sector – launched with a landmark celebration on Wednesday 26 November 2025 at Cordis Auckland.

Supported by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), the awards celebrated excellence, innovation, and impact across seven categories covering the full spectrum of New Zealand's business events industry, from venues and suppliers to event organisers, destinations and individuals.

Led by Co-Chairs Rachel Cook and Alana Bicknell, and supported by a volunteer steering committee of industry professionals, the event marked a major milestone for the business events sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“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,” Cook said.

The black tie event welcomed 280 guests from across New Zealand. It was emceed by two of New Zealand's leading broadcasters and journalists – Mike McRoberts and Melissa Chan-Green.

“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.

With an incredible response from across New Zealand, the calibre of entries impressed judges and organisers, capturing the industry's innovation, collaboration, and passion.

“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,” Cook said.

“We want to thanks all our sponsors and acknowledge the generous time of our wide collection of judges from all sectors of the industry.”

THE BIZZIES WINNERS 2025:

Emerging Business Event Professional Award

Sponsored by New Zealand International Convention Centre
Winner: Camila Andrew, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
Finalists:

• Lucy Mayne, H3 Group
• Hannah Chalmers, Crowne Plaza Queenstown

Exceptional Business Event Professional

Sponsored by New Zealand Society of Association Executives
Winner: Louise Ryburn, Celebrity Speakers
Finalists:

• Sharon Auld, Business Events Industry Aotearoa
• Rachael Simpson, HQNZ

Business Events Legacy Impact Award

Sponsored by Venues Wellington
Winner: Electrify Queenstown
Finalists:

• Unleashing the Potential of BE Forum 24
• Hospice Waikato & Montana Food and Events Bucket List Banquet

Best Marketing Award

Sponsored by Marquee Limousines
Winner: ChristchurchNZ - Be Everything. Be Here.
Finalists:

• Unleashing the Potential of BE Forum 24
• The Village at NZCIS

Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award

Sponsored by Christchurch Airport
Winner: Electrify Queenstown
Finalists:

• Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. Leading the way in sustainable operations
• Pro-Invest Hotels - Auckland. Redefining sustainable hospitality in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Innovation Award

Sponsored by Auckland Convention Bureau
Winner: Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Finalists:

• TableHub
• The Sound Sensitivity Station

Outstanding Business Events Partner Award

Sponsored by Coast Group
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
• The Event Girl

For more on The Bizzies 2025 please check the website.

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