CINZ rebrands to Business Events Industry Aotearoa

Starting 1 December, 2020, New Zealand's business events association will go by a new name: Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA).

The chosen date coincides with the destination's only exhibition for this year, BE Reconnected in Auckland. Earlier in October, restrictions had eased in Auckland, ahead of the industry event in December.

“It is the right time to define ourselves and remind government and our clients that this is an influential and cohesive industry. Our new brand signals this," said BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins.

Formerly Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), the industry body represents 460 members across the destination's meetings, incentives, conferences and conventions, and exhibitions sector.

Hopkins says the new name "maintains our connection to Aotearoa New Zealand" and gives its members the mandate to own the industry - both the tourism and business events landscape.

Highlighting how the association is a "significant contributor to tourism," Hopkins said, "This sector will continue to be a proactive and energetic partner with government in the vital work needed for New Zealand’s economic and social recovery."

Apart from the new name, BEIA also re-looked the board structure and constitution, to "reflect [the association's] need to meet future issues at a governance level in an agile way, while still ensuring that our members maintain the power base,” said chair Tony Gardner.

Moving forward, the new board structure will see two seats elected from the platinum member category, and one seat from each of the gold and silver member categories. A non-voting seat will also be allocated for an Air New Zealand representative, and another for someone nominated by Tourism New Zealand.

In a new rule, two seats will be appointed by the chairman and elected board members following the Annual General Meeting, who may or may not be a member of the BEIA.