Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has opened registrations for its annual conference in Marlborough, which kicks off New Zealand’s inaugural Business Events Week on 18 September.

Themed “Experience Extraordinary,” the event will feature three days of speakers, panel discussions and workshops.

Speakers will include international keynotes by Senthill Gopinath (chief executive officer of the International Congress and Convention Association) and Martin Sirk (former chief executive officer of the same organisation), as well as leading New Zealand economist, Cameron Bagrie.

“We are working to shine a light on our industry from a global perspective, looking at the data, and amplifying the legacies created by knowledge sharing and connecting at business events,” BEIA chief executive officer, Lisa Hopkins, said.

“We will be looking at how the industry continues to raise the bar given the pressures and opportunities we have in front of us. Our speakers will be challenging us all to rethink how we view the business events industry.”

One of the highlights of the event will be when Regional Convention Bureaux and BEIA PCOs meet for a welcome function at Wither Hills Winery. Delegates are set to experience the region first-hand with an afternoon of activities including exploring the Marlborough Sounds by boat, wine tasting, nature walks and wildlife.

The conference will finish on September 20 and conclude with a dinner at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.