Martin Snedden appointed as BEIA Board Chair

November 22, 2023

Former international cricketer and experienced Chief Executive, Martin Snedden CNZM has been appointed as the new Independent Chair of Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA).

BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins says the board is excited to have Snedden agree to head the industry's flagship organisation and added “we are delighted to have Martin join the industry, as we head into a new era for New Zealand's business events presence on the world stage.”

He takes on the position previously held by Steve Armitage, who is now Chief Executive of Hospitality New Zealand.

Hopkins says the work of BEIA has grown and developed under Armitage's leadership over the past two years and shared “the industry will be forever appreciative of Steve's guidance during this crucial crisis and recovery period for our industry sector.”

Martin Snedden is well known as an international cricketer who represented New Zealand. He was CEO of Rugby World Cup 2011 and made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2012. As CEO of the Tourism Industry Association, he led New Zealand's tourism industry, during 2012 and 2013, through the creation of 'Tourism 2025'. He has since held a variety of governance roles including, until recently, Board Chair of New Zealand Cricket.

Outgoing Chair, Steve Armitage welcomed Snedden's appointment and shared “Martin's governance background, knowledge of membership associations, and experience leading major events will be an absolute asset to the business events sector going forward.”

Snedden says he is thrilled to be taking on a new challenge leading an industry sector which encompasses tourism, economic development, social and environmental issues and enthused “I am excited to be working with the BEIA Board, Lisa and her team and look forward to gaining many new insights, and to sharing my experience with this engaged and passionate industry."

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3rd March 2022 - Business Events Industry Aotearoa looks to showcase New Zealand at Te Pae Christchurch

1st March 2022 - Business Events Industry Aotearoa welcomes end to isolation for vaccinated visitors

14th November 2023 - BEIA MEETINGS secures carbon zero certification

21st September 2023 - BEIA presents Hawke’s Bay Tourism Chief Executive with Outstanding Contributor Award

18th September 2023 - BEIA launches inaugural New Zealand Business Events Week

21st August 2023 - BEIA’s post-2023 MEETINGS survey shows record projected value for New Zealand business events

22nd June 2023 - BEIA spearheads inaugural Business Events Week for New Zealand

17th October 2022 - BEIA appoints Chris Peak as new Events Manager

7th October 2022 - BEIA recognise outstanding contributors in the New Zealand events industry

20th September 2022 - BEIA conference will see industry experts share insights on the most challenging subjects

14th July 2022 - BEIA launches 30th Aotearoa New Zealand Event Planners’ Guide

17th November 2021 - BEIA launches Future of Business Events Virtual Summit and appoints new Independent Chair

21st June 2021 - BEIA launches 29th edition of its event planners’ guide

3rd December 2020 - Martin Snedden named as new Chair of New Zealand Cricket

14th February 2014 - TIANZ Chief Executive Martin Snedden to step down

9th August 2012 - New Zealand tourism must ‘think different’: Snedden

10th August 2011 - Snedden: Rugby World Cup organisers ‘very well prepared’

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