Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) has unveiled a business events recovery plan, which includes the launch of a new industry event, BE Reconnected.

Set to take place in December 2020, the new event replaces this year’s multi-day CINZ Meetings exhibition, which was due to be held this month.

BE Reconnected will focus on re-engaging and reconnecting industry relationships to help kick-start business recovery following COVID-19.

CINZ chief executive Lisa Hopkins said New Zealand’s business events industry, valued at around NZ$500 million per year, has suffered immense losses.

“We have been looking at different ways to reconnect our members with customers, channels and each other, as part of the industry’s overall business recovery strategy,” she said.

“BE Reconnected will be a vital step in helping to secure business leads and super-charging the sector’s recovery.

“We want to engage buyers in multiple face-to-face opportunities over a short time, building new relationships and rekindling old ones.

“The event will focus on maximising time with customers and emphasis will be on conversation and relationship building rather than an expansive program and exhibition floor.

NZ’s bumper year for tourism and events

Hopkins said 2020 was poised to be a strong year for tourism and business events.

“At the start of 2020, New Zealand was on the cusp of enormous business tourism growth with the opening of new conference venues, four and five-star hotels, national infrastructure, expanded airlines routes and new attractions,” she said.

“Instead, for many, there has been no business or revenue.

“As a key economic driver for our country, it is our organisation’s responsibility to plan and prepare for the recovery, for the sake of our clients, employees, community, regions and the industry.

“Our plan is to show both domestic and international clients that we are stronger, more passionate and more committed than ever to reconnect our customers with the incredible destinations, experiences and people of New Zealand, when a handshake, a hongi or a hug is no longer prohibited.”

BE Reconnected will be held at Vodafone Events Centre in Auckland on 1 December 2020. The CINZ 2020 Conference and Annual General Meeting will follow on 2 December.

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