S Hotels and Resorts has appointed Bart Callens as the new cluster general manager of SAii Phi Phi Island Village and SAii Laguna Phuket, two five-star resorts in southern Thailand.
Callens has more than 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, with a career spanning four continents – Europe, North America, Africa and Asia – and roles with some of the world’s leading hotel brands. He is also an F&B expert, having led the culinary teams in many major hotels and resorts around the globe, and even a year on a Cunard cruise liner.
He has held leadership roles in South-east Asia for more than a decade.
Singapore’s business events calendar features strong line-up for 2022
Resilient business events community is fully invested in sector’s recovery
Post-lockdown events require remodelling to address attendees’ expectations
A 2018 edition of BuildTech Asia, which returns as a hybrid event this year
More than 20 major physical exhibitions and conferences will be taking place in Singapore between February and October this year, underscoring the city’s importance as a business events hub.
This steadily growing number comprises 13 shows returning after postponement or virtual versions, while three debut events hope to break new ground.
Richard Ireland, president, Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), acknowledged the pandemic’s severe impact on the business events industry and the current critical phase of recovery.
“Despite unprecedented challenges, the success of over 200 pilot events, including the Singapore Airshow, ITAP and Bloomberg New Economy Forum, validates that large-scale events can be run safely in a controlled environment without zoning restrictions,” he said.
“With a strong line-up of events in 2022 such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Shangri-La Dialogue and Singapore International Water Week (SIWW), there is a sense of optimism and excitement among the industry that we are on the right track towards a more normalised environment this year.”
Strength in numbers Singapore’s business events calendar kicked off with the Singapore Airshow 2022, held from February 20-25. The event drew almost 13,000 trade attendees from more than 39 countries/regions, with over 70 per cent of the top 20 global aerospace companies making an appearance.
“We are thrilled that our exhibitors and visitors came together for conversations, and more importantly to collaborate,” said Leck Chet Lam, managing director, Experia, organiser of Singapore Airshow. “We are especially appreciative of returning exhibitors who demonstrated their commitment to the industry.”
Meanwhile, currently ongoing is the 11th edition of BuildTech Asia (BTA) from March 15-17. Held at the Singapore EXPO & MAX Atria, the hybrid event expects to welcome more than 10,000 in-person and online attendees from over 120 physical and virtual exhibitors, and 44 industry associations and partners from 16 participating countries. More than 10 per cent of the physical exhibition features Asian exhibitors, including Malaysia, Thailand, Korea and China.
“BTA can play a pivotal role in helping industry players map out a sustainable business transformation journey, foster new partnerships, and plug into a comprehensive global network of industry experts and peers,” said Chua Wee Phong, chief executive (markets) of Constellar, the organiser.
Also happening this week is the 17th edition of the biennial Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) exhibition and conference being held at Marina Bay Sands from March 16-18. Billed as the first large-scale maritime trade event in South-east Asia, APM will feature six official pavilions with some 7,000 delegates expected to attend in person.
“As a tradeshow serving the maritime industry, where the latest engines and navigational systems often take the spotlight, the opportunity to demonstrate and see the products on display cannot be easily replicated online,” said Yeow Hui Leng, group project director, RX, organiser of APM.
The conference and workshops are free for all attendees. “We hope the learning and networking opportunities offered will help to pivot companies and professionals for a brighter future,” said Yeow.
Moving forward, the Asia Climate Forum will return from April 18-20 under new owner MMI Asia, a subsidiary of Messe München. It will be co-located with CleanEnviro Summit, itself part of SIWW.
Other returnees at press time include Milipol Asia-Pacific (May 18-20); Asia Tech x Singapore (renamed from ConnectTechAsia; May 31 to June 3); Shangri-La Dialogue (June 10-12); Speciality & Fine Food Asia (June 22-24) with new component Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia; World Cities Summit 2022 (July 31 to August 3); OS+H Asia 2022, Seafood Expo 2022 and FHA-Food & Beverage in September; followed by FHA-HoReCa and FLAsia 2022 in October.
New entrants, in the meantime, include Global Health Security Conference 2022 (June 28 to July 1), FIND – Design Fair Asia (September 22-24) and Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (October 26-28).
Ernie Koh, Singapore Furniture Industry Council presidential advisor and chairman of IFFS, believes the business events industry will steadily rebound.
“We will keep the industry informed on the next iteration of IFFS when we are ready to share more on a new format which aligns with industry demand and launched with the right conditions in place,” he elaborated.
Work in progress Although Singapore’s business events industry warmly welcomes the robust roster of slated events, the future of several tradeshows remains uncertain.
For instance, the Tax Free World Association (TFWA) recently announced that it will not proceed with its Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference scheduled from May 8-12, but has indicated it remains “committed to returning to Singapore with a live exhibition in 2023”.
The thrice-postponed IBTM Asia Pacific seems to be another casualty. The event website now states the new show dates will be April 4-5, 2023, although organiser RX has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the postponement.
Despite Singapore’s reopening, observation and inquiries among the trade suggest that foreign participation remains low, as sellers and buyers need certainty when deciding whether to participate. At press time, Singapore hasn’t moved to the endemic stage and measures vacillate to ensure public health safety.
Given slim pickings, it remains to be seen if the Singapore market can sustain similarly-themed tradeshows, even if they position themselves as distinct.
Business events consultant Lloyd Tan commented: “Strategic business models of the pre-Covid era need a rethink and reshape. Covid-19 has opened up many options. Running a physical event post-Covid will be very different in meeting the expectations of exhibitors, conference delegates and trade attendees. These events need remodelling to address attendees’ behavioural pattern changes.
“The trend today is about forging partnerships and alliances to stay on top of the game. If an organiser is not taking this route, then resetting, rethinking and reshaping the business model as the way forward, it will be left behind by competitors.”
SACEOS’ Ireland agrees there is still much work to be done and more clarity needed on the reopening roadmap for the industry.
“That said, the recent announcement of simplified safe management measures (SMM) and plans to reopen our borders inject further confidence that the MICE and events industry can once again be a key contributor and enabler of Singapore’s economy.”
Montgomery Asia’s managing director Christopher McCuin added: “I hope the SMMs can be further relaxed as soon as safely possible to ensure we keep pace with other major global MICE destinations.
“Any rule relaxation should provide all participants with a conducive, fun and engaging environment for doing business, with health and safety remaining a core consideration.”
The city's business events future remains uncertain; Hong Kong's skyline pictured
As Hong Kong grapples with its largest Covid-19 outbreak to date and increasingly stringent travel restrictions, organisers are finding overseas alternatives to hold their global trade fairs this year.
Several large-scale tradeshows that have already made their move out of Hong Kong for 2022 include the Asia Fruit Logistica to Bangkok (November 2-4); APLF-Leather and Materials+ 2022 to Dubai (March 30 to April 1); Cosmoprof Asia to Singapore (November 16-18); and Jewellery & Gem World (September 27-30).
The city’s business events future remains uncertain; Hong Kong’s skyline pictured
Tradeshow organisers have dubbed some of the moves as special editions, but whether the move will be permanent remains to be seen.
Business Strategies Group’s managing director and UFI regional manager Asia Pacific, Mark Cochrane, stated that Hong Kong’s quarantine restrictions and zero-Covid policy are damaging the city’s future as a regional tradeshow hub.
Although some shows are likely to remain, such as the Art Basel Hong Kong, Cochrane opined that “B2B sourcing shows may not return” as “the outlook for business events in Hong Kong is bleak”.
“Until Covid restrictions are removed, Hong Kong has no chance of hosting significant business events,” Cochrane stated.
Informa Group’s executive vice president commercial development, Michael Duck, agreed: “The quarantine restrictions are very harsh for inbound travellers to Hong Kong. Even when Hong Kong didn’t have that many cases, borders remained closed. Now the city has over 50,000 cases a day, similar to Singapore, but Singapore is more relaxed. If the situation doesn’t improve, business will continue to decline.”
Duck indicated that the year ahead seems “tough” to hold tradeshows in Hong Kong, but it is a different story in the rest of Asia. There are positive signs of business events returning in cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta, in countries that have decided to live with the virus.
“The outlook for business events in Asia is largely in the hands of the government. Countries like Thailand and Singapore that are striving to lure business events back will benefit. Overly-cautious, timid governments, will pay a price for their approach,” Cochrane stated.
Hong Kong-based International Conference Consultants’ director, Katerina Tam, shared with TTGmice that the World Sterilization Congress was planned for Hong Kong this year, but organisers have moved the conference to Chile due to the city’s “stringent travelling measures”.
As such, Tam opined that the company does not expect many international travellers heading to Hong Kong this year. As for local events, they have been postponed to 2H2022.
“We are still working on a few international conferences for next year, in the hope that the situation will improve,” she said.
When asked about the tradeshow situation, a spokesperson for Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML), told TTGmice that only a “small number of trade exhibition organisers have decided to hold one-off editions outside of Hong Kong” because of the stringent travel restrictions.
“A majority of recurrent events are staying with Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. For example, the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong, Art Basel Hong Kong 2022 and Art Central have been postponed to later this year. Retail Asia Conference and Expo 2022, Vegetarian Food Asia 2022, Lohas Expo 2022, Natural & Organic Asia 2022 and Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong will also be held in May to September 2022 as scheduled,” she stated.
The spokesperson added that HML remains confident in Hong Kong, and that “international shows and conferences will return when travel restrictions are relaxed”.
From left: PCEB's Ashwin Gunasekeran and Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang state exco for tourism, arts, culture and heritage at the BElong campaign launch in Kuala Lumpur
The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has rolled out a new business events campaign, BElong in Penang, shortly after the announcement of reopening Malaysia’s borders was made.
The campaign’s concept revolves around three key messages – its readiness to receive business events warmly, provide uncompromising hospitality, as well as ensure all safety and hygiene measures are in place for peace of mind.
From left: PCEB’s Ashwin Gunasekeran and Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang state exco for tourism, arts, culture and heritage at the BElong campaign launch in Kuala Lumpur
PCEB’s CEO, Ashwin Gunasekeran, explained that the first two letters BE, which are abbreviations usually associated with business events, also mean ‘belong’, where Penang hopes to provide corporate groups with a sense of belonging.
The goals of the campaign are to maintain destination awareness, and increase destination confidence in Penang being able to hold events safely. This will in turn increase RFPs, as well as bring about more job opportunities to the greater tourism sector, elaborated Ashwin.
PCEB has also expressed that it will continue funding hybrid domestic events in the run-up to international clients and events returning.
The opening of Malaysia’s borders will not jeopardise this support, Ashwin opined, as he indicated that hybrid events will continue to be run in the next few years or so.
Currently, there are 28 domestic conferences confirmed in Penang for this year, with Ashwin adding that the business events calendar was looking “very good” until 2026.
Gold Coast in Australia has unveiled a campaign that brings to life the stories of the destination, while reimagining how the city can attract and host business events.
Entitled The imagination capital of Australia, the campaign is a home-grown initiative to drive post-lockdown recovery of the city’s business events in the areas of health, innovation, education, screen and arts, and sport.
A screenshot from the campaign video
Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the first-of-its-kind campaign showcases the Gold Coast’s business events credentials.
“The business events sector is a vital part of our Monday to Friday visitor economy, which prior to the pandemic generated A$570 million (US$411 million) in economic benefit for the city,” O’Callaghan noted.
The campaign will also highlight purpose-built infrastructure to help planners create memorable and extraordinary business events that cannot be easily replicated.
“Where else in the world can you indulge in breakfast on board an ocean cruise to whale watch and then walk straight into your conference at a state-of-the-art venue before watching the sun set from our kilometres of golden beaches? Only on the Gold Coast,” said O’Callaghan.
Destination Gold Coast’s head of business events Selina Sinclair said the campaign recognises the Gold Coast is undergoing an evolution enabled by ideas and innovation.
“Our stories will talk of the Gold Coast’s creative energy, entrepreneurial mindset and future focused thinking.”
The campaign will be launched officially at AIME next week.
Event organisers will be able to flexibly add both simultaneous interpretation and enhanced closed captions to their meetings
Interprefy, a provider of cloud-based solutions for multi-lingual online and hybrid conferencing, has integrated its platform with Microsoft Teams.
The add-on for Teams meetings enables meeting organisers to add a language selector to any Teams meetings, allowing participants to speak, listen and engage in their own language.
Event organisers will be able to add both simultaneous interpretation and enhanced closed captions to meetings
This means that Interpreters can work from anywhere in the world, using the Interprefy platform to deliver interpretation into the required language to Teams in real-time.
With Interprefy for Microsoft Teams, organisations can tap into Interprefy’s global network of Language Service Providers to source vetted professional interpreters for even the rarest language combinations. Interprefy also provides technical support throughout the meetings.
The native integration with Teams is the latest milestone in Interprefy’s commitment to removing language barriers anywhere, integrating with over 60 meeting and event platforms and a range of audiovisual conferencing hardware.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has cancelled all planned activities and events in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
In addition, Russian members will not be able to attend ICCA events until further notice.
ICCA condemns Russian aggression
The association’s president James Rees said in a statement that the board “categorically and unequivocally condemn Russian aggression in Ukraine”.
ICCA is contributing 10,000 euros (US$10,998) to an agreed humanitarian charity to support them in their efforts to provide aid to those Ukrainians who are suffering as a result of these acts of aggression.
Confidence from a high vaccinated and boosted population has spurred the New Zealand government to lift border restrictions earlier than expected, with visitors from visa-waiver countries welcomed into the country from May 1.
Fully vaccinated Australians will be allowed to enter sooner, from April 12, without needing to isolate upon arrival.
New Zealand’s reopening will facilitate the return of international meetings; the Executive Wing of New Zealand Parliament Buildings, Wellington pictured
All travellers must provide negative pre-departure tests and undertake two antigen rapid tests within the first week of arrival.
Earlier in February, the government’s decision was to progressively reopen to Australians by July and to all other tourists by October.
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern said at a press conference today that the country is “ready to welcome the world back”.
Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins and immigration minister Kris Faafoi stated in a press release that the latest reopening decision was about “gearing up in manageable steps to fully reopen as safely as possible to enable us to live with Covid but not be overwhelmed by it”.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has welcomed this announcement.
“This is the message our international customers needed to hear. We anticipate between 50 to 60 business events with international attendees will now be able to proceed with confidence this year, bringing vital export revenue and cash flow back to the sector,” BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins said.
While this is the most positive step to date in New Zealand’s plan to reconnect with the world, Hopkins warns there is still work to be done.
A couple of critical issues still need to be addressed, Hopkins stated. This includes the need for the government to indicate when the Covid Protection Framework will be shifted from red to green, and the process for attendees and visitors to enter New Zealand to be more refined.
She also called for the elimination of Vaccine Passes, stating that they will become redundant.
“The desire to return to face-to-face events is clear, and already we are hearing conversations with future international business customers have begun. The business events sector can now begin its recovery as we start the journey to rebuild, re-hire and re-energise our industry.”
New Zealand is every event organiser’s dream, with stunning landscapes, inspiring activities, warm hospitality, safety as well as world-leading expertise and research all coming together to allow the delivery of a successful and impactful conference.
And at its heart lies Wellington, the capital city. Well connected to many important centres around the world and within, Wellington makes an ideal location for international gatherings.
Wellington’s proximity to the government, central agencies and many industry associations makes it easier for event organisers to engage political representatives and local industry leaders in their event, ensuring top content, headline speakers, and maximum impact.
New Zealand is connected by direct flights with major cities across Asia-Pacific as well as its own critical hubs
Home to three highly regarded universities – Victoria University of Wellington, branch campuses for the University of Otago and Massey University–seven government research institutions and a fast-growing community of technology and start-up companies, Wellington provides a wealth of research and knowledge to connect with and tap into.
Opening in 2023, Tākina will have Five Star Green Star certification, representing New Zealand’s excellence for environmental sustainability
Supporting Wellington’s business events and conferencing capability is Tākina, a new convention and exhibition centre that is set to open in 2023.
Located within the CBD, the purpose-built venue will offer a multitude of flexible spaces that come with fully integrated AV and ICT systems to facilitate hybrid conferences.
Delegates attending events at Tākina will also enjoy easy access to Wellington’s myriad accommodation, recreation and lifestyle offerings – many of which are within walking distance, thanks to the compactness of the central city.
Delightful experiences around Wellington
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Explore national treasures at Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa
Great views from Wellington Cable Car
Sample the best local fare down Hannah's Laneway
Options to inject memorable destination experiences into any conference programme are plenty, from appreciating the country’s history and culture at the Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa, to savouring local eats down Hannah’s Laneway.
Furthermore, Wellington is the perfect springboard to elsewhere in New Zealand, enabling event organisers to expand their pre/post event offerings or delegates to extend their business trip for a valuable vacation.
Business Events Wellington works with local partners, including Tourism New Zealand, to bid for and deliver successful international conferences.
Captured here is more information on how Wellington is the ideal conference destination.
Get in touch with the Business Events Wellington team to discuss funding and support options to help you bring your conference to the capital.
The recently concluded Singapore Airshow 2022 is representative of many crucial milestones. It heralds the recovery and advancement of the aviation industry, and positions Singapore on a strong footing for a progressive restart of her Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. It also signals the strong recovery of Singapore’s MICE industry.
Despite the pandemic, the four-day event hosted close to 13,000 trade attendees from more than 39 countries or regions and almost 600 participating companies. The figures represent more than 70 per cent of the top 20 global aerospace companies, keen to expand partnerships, networks and business opportunities worldwide.
Exhibitors included prominent industry players like Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce, as well as new entrants such as Avnon Group, Diethelm Keller Aviation and Volocopter.
Strong in-person attendance at Singapore Airshow 2022
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Singapore’s deputy prime minister and coordinating minister for economic policies, Heng Swee Keat delivering the opening address at the Singapore Airshow 2022 Opening Ceremony on February 14
(From left) Singapore's minister for transport and minister-in-charge of trade relations, S Iswaran; Singapore's minister for defence Ng Eng Hen; and chairman of Experia Events Ravinder Singh at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Singapore Airshow 2022 on February 15
The Aviation CEO Forum allows industry leaders to exchange views and explore collaboration opportunities
Strategic partnerships, critical conversations Vital partnerships, critical conversations and fresh ideas that emerged through the event will serve to catalyse the transformation and rebound of the aerospace and defence sector.
For example, the event was a platform for Singapore Airlines (SIA) to firm up an order for seven Airbus A350F freighter aircraft, with options for five more, as well as engines for 22 Boeing 777 aircraft and a long-term agreement with Collins Aerospace for maintenance, repair, and overhaul services to support its fleet of 55 Boeing 787 aircraft.
Other aircraft orders involved Etihad’s seven Airbus A350F freighters, JetBlue’s 30 additional Airbus A220-300, and Western Global Airlines’ two Boeing 777 freighters.
Singapore Airshow 2022 also paved the way for more eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft entering the marketplace, with AirAsia and Australia’s Microflite and HeliSpirit announcing the build up of their fleet with new leases and orders from Eve UAM (an Embraer company).
Announcements in strategic partnerships included ST Engineering’s consortium with Skyports and Sumitomo Corporation in a nine-month trial to provide unmanned aircraft for shore-to-ship parcel delivery; Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s collaboration with Changi Airport Group, Airbus and Linde to study the development of hydrogen supply and infrastructure for aviation; as well as JTC Corporation and the Singapore Economic Development Board’s MOUs with Skyports and Volocopter to transform the Seletar Aerospace Park into a future Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) hub to support the emerging sector.
A nascent area that presents strong growth opportunities for Singapore, AAM is an air transport system concept that integrates new, transformational aircraft designs and flight technologies into existing and modified airspace operations.
Progress in sustainable aviation was made with SIA, Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Safran signing a Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Declaration to promote the acceleration of the development, production, and consumption of green fuel.
A key event highlight of Singapore Airshow 2022 was the inaugural Sustainable Aviation Forum and the Aviation CEO Forum, a platform for thought leaders to exchange views and explore collaboration opportunities to build a better future.
Singapore Airshow 2022 itself upheld sustainability efforts by going largely paperless and drawing power from solar energy generated from 15,000 panels installed on the roof of the event venue.
Leck Chet Lam, managing director, Experia Events, organiser of the event said: “Despite an evolving pandemic, we pushed ahead to stage the 2022 edition of Singapore Airshow to help leaders navigate the industry’s path towards recovery, and band together for a sustainable future.”
Testament to Singapore Airshow 2022’s triumphant showing, almost 80 per cent of its key exhibitors committed to its ninth edition from February 20 – 25 in 2024.
Celebrating the successful delivery of the event, Poh Chi Chuan, executive director of exhibitions and conferences, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Singapore Airshow 2022 is momentous as the first large-scale, in-person international MICE event held in Singapore since the start of the pandemic. This reaffirms our position as a MICE hub and signals our readiness to host more major events from 2022 onwards.”
Safe and calibrated resumption To pave the way for the resumption of larger business events in Singapore this year, the biennial premier exhibition trialled new protocols, including a higher event capacity and daily Covid-19 testing.
With health and safety as top priority, all delegates were pre-registered and fully-vaccinated. They also adhered to prevailing safe management measures so as to establish a Covid-safe environment for all participants to conduct business.
While attendees were treated to spectacular aerial displays on-site, the public caught the dramatic action from the comfort and safety of their homes via livestreams.
Breathtaking aerial displays by the Indonesian Air Force Jupiter Aerobatics Team
Percival Goh, executive vice president/head strategy and defence systems and head international defence business of ST Engineering, the largest exhibitor at the event, said “meticulous planning and execution by both the organisers and exhibitors to comply with the comprehensive health and safety protocols put in place – from daily testing for all exhibitors and visitors, to enforcement of safe distancing measures – led to fruitful outcomes and positive experiences for everyone. The value of face-to-face networking and discussions at such platforms simply cannot be replaced by tele-conferencing”.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
Confidence from a high vaccinated and boosted population has spurred the New Zealand government to lift border restrictions earlier than expected, with visitors from visa-waiver countries welcomed into the country from May 1.
Fully vaccinated Australians will be allowed to enter sooner, from April 12, without needing to isolate upon arrival.
All travellers must provide negative pre-departure tests and undertake two antigen rapid tests within the first week of arrival.
Earlier in February, the government’s decision was to progressively reopen to Australians by July and to all other tourists by October.
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern said at a press conference today that the country is “ready to welcome the world back”.
Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins and immigration minister Kris Faafoi stated in a press release that the latest reopening decision was about “gearing up in manageable steps to fully reopen as safely as possible to enable us to live with Covid but not be overwhelmed by it”.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has welcomed this announcement.
“This is the message our international customers needed to hear. We anticipate between 50 to 60 business events with international attendees will now be able to proceed with confidence this year, bringing vital export revenue and cash flow back to the sector,” BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins said.
While this is the most positive step to date in New Zealand’s plan to reconnect with the world, Hopkins warns there is still work to be done.
A couple of critical issues still need to be addressed, Hopkins stated. This includes the need for the government to indicate when the Covid Protection Framework will be shifted from red to green, and the process for attendees and visitors to enter New Zealand to be more refined.
She also called for the elimination of Vaccine Passes, stating that they will become redundant.
“The desire to return to face-to-face events is clear, and already we are hearing conversations with future international business customers have begun. The business events sector can now begin its recovery as we start the journey to rebuild, re-hire and re-energise our industry.”