Business Events Industry Aotearoa Appoints Steve Armitage as Independent Chair

(17 Nov 2021)  Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has appointed Steve Armitage as Independent Chair.

Steve takes on the position held by Tony Gardner, who is stepping down from his six-year tenure as Board Chair after the association’s Annual General Meeting, to be held online next Thursday, 25 November 2021.

Steve Armitage

“The industry will be forever appreciative of Tony’s guidance and support,” said Lisa Hopkins, BEIA Chief Executive. “Tony has been instrumental in building an active and engaged Board and I know I speak on behalf of them and the BEIA team when I say how grateful we are for the work he has done. We are delighted to welcome Steve Armitage to this role and I have no doubt that he will add his own quality to the position.”

Steve’s experience in public affairs, diplomacy and the corporate sector supports BEIA’s vision for the future.

Most recently, Steve held the position of General Manager – Destination at Auckland Unlimited, a high-profile role which encompassed a broad range of sectors including business events.

“I am firmly of the view that business events should be at the forefront of New Zealand's economic re-opening to the world given the clear value they bring socially and economically,” said Steve. “I want to acknowledge Tony and the board for the excellent platform that they have established. The BEIA team have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic representing the sector with mana and clear purpose, and I cannot wait to build on the momentum they have generated.”