Conference during a 144 Hour Visa Free Transit?

My husband is a New Zealand citizen and passport holder and will be attending a 3 day medical conference in Beijing. Our children and I will be applying for a 144 hour free transit on arrival in Beijing as we will be tourists. I would like to double check if my husband is eligable to apply for the 144 hour free transit as well if he attends a conference? Or does he need to apply for a visa?