New Zealand’s business events industry has announced two new appointments this week, with Chris Peak joining Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) as events manager, replacing Jeanette (Jen) Henshaw who joins ChristchurchNZ Business Events as business development manager – New Zealand.
Peak has been with The Conference Company in Auckland for the past eight years, managing the successful delivery of in-person, hybrid, and virtual events across New Zealand and Australia. Prior to this he was with AJ Hackett Bungy in Queenstown for six years, responsible for the day-to-day operations of one of New Zealand’s top visitor attractions and event venues.
He will commence his new role on 25 October and will have time for a handover with Henshaw before her final day on 28 October.
During her tenure at BEIA, Henshaw delivered two successful MEETINGS events in 2021 and 2022. Previously she was with Auckland Convention Bureau for six years as marketing and business events services manager.
“It is an absolute coup to have someone of Jen’s calibre on board to help build our sector to be the strongest, and most collaborative in New Zealand. She brings with her an enormous amount of knowledge, networks, destination marketing, project management strategy insights and innovation skills,” ChristchurchNZ head of business events, Megan Crum said.
Henshaw will commence her new role on 31 October, based in Auckland. She will be responsible for securing Christchurch national coverage and ensuring the region’s assets are top of mind for PCOs, associations, corporate, and government considering where to host their next business event.
“Jen’s personal qualities align with ChristchurchNZ’s organisational values of being Open, Purposeful and Together. Many in the industry have experienced her exceptional customer service, collaboration, passion to exceed expectations, and her true commitment to manaakitanga,” Crum said.
