Against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical attention in the Middle East, Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has announced internationally renowned leadership and resilience expert Dr Alia Bojilova as the keynote speaker for the BEIA Conference 2025 at Cordis Auckland, 26–27 November.

Sponsored by B2B Speakers, Dr Bojilova’s extraordinary background as a former SAS psychologist, United Nations Commendation recipient, and Inaugural Meritorious Service Medal awardee for her work negotiating critical incidents in the Middle East, positions her keynote as one of the most anticipated sessions of the conference.

“Dr Bojilova brings a rare combination of psychological insight and lived global experience,” says Lisa Hopkins, BEIA Chief Executive.

“Her address will speak directly to the realities of leading in uncertain times, and will inspiring delegates to think deeply about resilience, leadership and opportunity as we move into what promises to be a strong year in 2026.”

Hon Louise Upston, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality will officially open the conference on the Wednesday morning, unveiling a major milestone for the industry — the launch of Te Haeata, a new vocational learning programme, developed by the industry, for the industry.

“This initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening New Zealand’s business events workforce pipeline and professional development pathways,” Hopkins says.

Beyond the keynote and policy sessions, BEIA Conference 2025 will tackle future-facing themes, including experience design, the soft power of events and emerging technologies.

Futurist Dave Wild, author of ‘Futurework – A Guidebook for The Future of Work’, will examine how AI is reshaping the business events landscape. Sessions on workplace culture and wellbeing will cover menopause, imposter syndrome, and the evolving Gen Z workforce, alongside practical workshops on storytelling and experience design.

The Conference Welcome on Tuesday 25 November will coincide with the Business Events Expo at Viaduct Events Centre, while the inaugural Business Events Awards, The Bizzies will celebrate innovation and excellence on the evening of Wednesday 26 November.

Following the announcement of finalists for The Bizzies, Earlybird registrations have been extended until 24 October, with a 10% discount available for organisations registering two or more delegates on the Conference website. Tickets for The Bizzies Awards dinner are sold separately via The Bizzies website.

The conference is open to anyone with an interest in the business events sector, not just BEIA members.

“The vibe of the conference is for lively, interactive and even controversial conversations about change and the future. Delegates will leave equipped with fresh perspectives in readiness for 2026,” Hopkins says.

Photo supplied – Dr Alia Bojilova