The industry survey from Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) and Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council shows workforce growth is expected in New Zealand’s business events sector.

The Workforce Development Survey Report analysed workforce development needs, skills gaps and recruitment trends in New Zealand’s business events sector for 2025 and beyond.

Results came from more than 130 organisations in the business events space.

More than 70 per cent of organisations expect a rise in the number of business events in the next three years, and 44 per cent plan to recruit more staff, particularly for roles such as event coordinators and managers.

BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins says the survey report reflects industry optimism.

“The report highlights that attracting young talent remains a significant challenge,” she says.

“BEIA and Ringa Hora are working together to boost the next generation of business events professionals by creating a sector-specific training program.”

Findings from the survey are being used in the development of Te Haeata, a vocational training program for the business events sector, which will be launched in November 2025 at the BEIA conference in Auckland.

The first of four modules has been designed to roll out to high schools as a stepping stone into the world of business events.

“Raising awareness of the business events industry as a viable career path is seen as the most effective way to address the skills gap,” says Hopkins.

“This will be an opportunity to tell the stories of those who have forged careers in this sector here and overseas to inspire the next gen of industry professionals.”

Mel Harrington, Ringa Hora’s general manager, partnership and engagement, says the workforce development council greatly values its partnership with BEIA and strong leadership from the industry working group.

“It is exciting to introduce a new fit-for-purpose product developed by and for industry as we look to the future with optimism and acknowledge the importance of having a skilled and talented workforce,” she says.

Photo at top: iStock/andresr.