New Zealand Business Events Take the Spotlight at BEIA Conference in Christchurch

BEIA Conference venue, Christchurch Town Hall

Business events professionals from across New Zealand will gather in Christchurch in October for the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Conference 2026 and The Bizzies awards, bringing the country's meetings, incentives, conferences and events sector together just days before the New Zealand General Election.

The BEIA Conference runs from 27 to 29 October 2026, with the main two-day conference taking place at Christchurch Town Hall on 28 and 29 October. 

Business Events in Focus Before the Election

BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins says the conference comes at an important time as New Zealand considers its priorities and the business events sector continues to demonstrate its economic and intellectual contribution.

The programme will examine the role business events can play in building a productive, innovative and internationally connected economy, as well as opportunities to attract events that align with New Zealand's national priorities. 

With New Zealand's General Election scheduled for 7 November, the conference will provide business events professionals with an opportunity to discuss the economic environment and issues affecting the industry.

Economic Outlook and Future Industry Talent

One of the key sessions will feature economist Brad Olsen discussing the economic outlook in an election year. Delegates will explore how economic conditions may affect their own organisations and the wider business events sector.

Talent development will also be a major theme, with industry leaders, educators and employers examining how the sector can attract new talent, develop future leaders, support workforce re-entry and retain valuable industry knowledge.

International market experts will also consider emerging global trends, market opportunities and the capabilities required for New Zealand to grow its share of the international business events market.

Regional Growth and the Christchurch Experience

Regional dispersal will be another important conference topic, focusing on how destinations and industry partners can create more opportunities for business events throughout New Zealand.

Delegates will also experience The Christchurch Experience, exploring the transformation of Ōtautahi Christchurch since 2011 and the decisions, partnerships and long-term planning that have helped reshape the city.

Christchurch has developed into an important New Zealand business events destination, with facilities including Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch Town Hall and the new One New Zealand Stadium. 

The conference will conclude with a keynote from Sir Ian Taylor.

The Bizzies Bring the Industry Together

The Bizzies Aotearoa Business Events Awards will form another highlight of the Christchurch programme, with the gala dinner taking place at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on Wednesday 28 October. The awards recognise achievement across New Zealand's business events industry. 

The conference begins with a welcome function at the new One New Zealand Stadium on Tuesday 27 October before moving to Christchurch Town Hall for the main conference sessions.

For business events professionals, the BEIA Conference 2026 provides an opportunity to connect, learn and explore the future of New Zealand's meetings and events industry in one of the country's leading business events destinations.

Business Events Industry Aotearoa

Website: https://www.beia.co.nz/
Email: info@beia.co.nz
Phone: +64 9 486 4128
Address: Auckland, New Zealand
Conference: Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch, New Zealand
The Bizzies: Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand

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