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The business events industry in New Zealand is preparing for a hiring spree, but there’s a catch—there aren’t enough bright-eyed youngsters lining up to take the mic and pass the name tags.

A newly released industry-wide survey, jointly undertaken by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) and Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council, has revealed an industry that is not only confident about the future but desperately needs fresh talent to run the show.

And make no mistake, it’s a big show.

According to the report, more than 70 per cent of organisations across the motu (nation) expect an uptick in business events over the next three years. Of those, nearly half (44%) say they’re ready to put boots on the ground—recruiting for roles ranging from event coordinators to managerial posts.

Lisa Hopkins, BEIA’s ever-energetic Chief Executive, says the survey confirms what the industry has long felt in its bones.

“Optimism is high. Organisations are not only anticipating growth—they’re prepared to bring new people on board,” Hopkins explains. “But we’ve hit a speed bump: getting young Kiwis excited about a career in events is no easy feat.”

Enter Te Haeata—a brand-new vocational training programme tailor-made for New Zealand’s business events industry. The name, which translates to “the dawn,” is apt. This initiative will be a new beginning for how the industry recruits and grooms future professionals.

Currently under review by NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority), Te Haeata is scheduled for official launch in November 2025 at the annual BEIA Conference in Auckland. The programme will feature four stackable modules combining online study with hands-on, on-the-job training—catering to everyone from high school students to mid-career switchers.

It’s a practical solution with a thoughtful twist: the first module is designed specifically for roll-out into secondary schools. In other words, a nudge to help young people see event coordination not as a side hustle but as a serious career option, on par with tourism and hospitality.

“We’ve got two clear goals,” Hopkins explains. “First, we need to show students that this is a real profession. And second, we need to help those already in hospitality or tourism understand how event management offers a natural next step.”

The Workforce Development Survey gathered insights from more than 130 business events organisations nationwide and identified key skills gaps and recruitment trends likely to shape the sector well beyond 2025.

Unsurprisingly, soft skills are paramount. Both verbal and written communication topped the list, followed closely by attention to detail and problem-solving chops. On the technical front, employers highly valued experience with immersive event design and event management software.

But it’s not just about skills. The report also underscored the need for leadership, mentorship, and resilience. Because let’s face it: if you can wrangle a keynote speaker, a budget and a last-minute venue change before breakfast, you deserve a medal—or at least a structured career pathway.

Mel Harrington, GM of Partnership and Engagement at Ringa Hora, praises the industry-wide effort behind Te Haeata.

“This is a product created by industry, for industry,” she says. “It’s forward-looking, pragmatic, and acknowledges one critical truth—we need a skilled and future-ready workforce.”

And in a sector that’s weathered more curveballs than a dodgy Zoom connection during lockdown, it’s heartening to see the next generation being invited in rather than left to stumble across the industry by accident.

To help close the skills gap, BEIA is also championing storytelling as a recruitment tool. That means spotlighting those who’ve carved out international careers in event management, from conference whizzes in Christchurch to experienced designers in Dubai.

“We want to tell the real stories,” says Hopkins. “Because when young people hear how others have turned this into a lifelong, globe-trotting career, that’s when we’ll see eyes light up.”

There’s also a push to make training more accessible—with flexible scheduling and financial support flagged as key motivators for would-be learners.

It’s not just about plugging roles, Hopkins insists. It’s about building a thriving, sustainable industry that Kiwis can be proud of—one that reflects Aotearoa’s innovation, creativity, and manaakitanga (hospitality) on the world stage.

And so, with growth on the cards, demand on the rise, and a brand-new vocational training pathway in the works, the call is out.

Young New Zealanders—this is your backstage pass.