About Business Events Wellington

Tap into experience and knowledge

Business Events Wellington is the official convention bureau for the Wellington region and a business unit of WellingtonNZ.

Whether you’re planning an exclusive retreat or an international convention, the Business Events Wellington team has the local knowledge, expertise and connections to find and deliver what you’re looking for.

From the initial planning process or bidding for an international event, through to selecting venues, finding accommodation, and recommending delegate experiences, the team can provide free and impartial advice.

Their passion for Wellington will help you to create that unforgettable experience for your delegates in New Zealand’s vibrant capital.

Meet the team

Portrait of David Perks.

David Perks

Tākina Commercial Development General Manager

David has been involved with all sorts of economic and tourism projects in Wellington over the last 15 years and today leads the council’s activation of the city’s commercial activity in and around Tākina, Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.

He’s just as likely to be found enjoying a new Wellington craft beer and running trails on the hills surrounding the city and harbour.

Portrait shot of Irette Ferreria.

Irette Ferreira

Business Events Wellington Manager

Having led sales teams in convention centres in South Africa and the Middle East, Irette brings many years of international experience in bidding for and hosting conferences. She is charged with managing Business Event Wellington’s activities and strategy.

Irette has quickly fallen in love with our vibrant capital — so much so that she moved halfway around the world to call Wellington home.

A head and shoulders shot of Madelaine Narvaez, the Business Events Wellington administrator. She has curly, shoulder-length brown hair and wears a black long-sleeve top.

Madelaine Narvaez

Business Event Wellington Administrator

Maddie has a background in customer service and tourism for the likes of Wellington site Visitor Information Centre, Rydges Wellington, and the James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel.

As administrator, Maddie looks after business events under 250 delegates and supports both clients and stakeholders.

Always keen to lend a hand, service is the core of what she does — she loves to execute everything with passion and enjoys the smiles on clients’ faces when they’ve successfully run an event.

Portrait of Rebecca Briscoe.

Rebecca Briscoe

Bids Manager

With a background in hospitality and hotel management, Rebecca brings a load of business event operational experience to the BEW team. Rebecca’s focus is to work with the international market and help those bidding to host an international conference in our amazing city.

Rebecca is a coffee and local wine enthusiast and can often be found in one of Wellington’s cafés. If you would like to join her for a coffee and chat about an upcoming conference opportunity, please get in touch.

Portrait of Tania Barnes.

Tania Barnes

Business Development Manager — Australia

Based in Sydney, Australia, Tania has spent much of her career representing various New Zealand products in the Australian business events market. With a passion for connecting people with unique experiences, Wellington is the perfect destination to continue Tania’s focus.

Ready with a smile and extensive New Zealand knowledge, reach out to Tania to discover all the best that Wellington has to offer for your next event.

Headshot of  Katie Neely.

Katie Neeley

Business Development Manager

If you’re looking to host your next association conference in Wellington, Katie is here to help. With a background in events and marketing, and experience working in business event teams in New Zealand, Katie is passionate about connecting with clients to ensure you have the tools to create a memorable and impactful event.

Always up for a coffee — feel free to reach out to chat all things Wellington for your next event.

Head and shoulders shot of Louise Woodburn. Her blonde-brown hair is out and sits to her shoulders. She wears a pink sweater.

Louise Woodburn

Advocacy Programme Manager

Louise began her business events career in the UK, and since moving to New Zealand, she’s worked in convention bureau roles in the South Island. Louise is responsible for identifying potential international conference opportunities, placing them with a Wellington host, and managing the Advocate Network.

If you’re a leader in your field who’s passionate about Wellington, chat with Louise to find out what support is available for bidding and hosting conferences in our city.

Portrait of Stacey Pilcher.

Stacey Pilcher

Convention Services Advisor

Stacey is here to support conferences to maximise their potential. She makes conferencing in Wellington an easy experience for both conference organisers and delegates alike.

Stacey has many years of event experience here in Wellington and overseas. When she is not helping conference organisers, she loves getting out and exploring our beautiful city.

We’re here to support your event

Let the Business Events Wellington team take the stress out of planning your next event.

Let’s talk