NZ Events Association

07/10/2026

Shorter queues, higher per-capita spend. Could facial authentication deliver both at your next event?

Biometric tech is quickly becoming a fixture at major events, from gate entry right through to point-of-sale. In NZEA's upcoming webinar, Jeff Boehm from Wicket unpacks what its rapid rise means for event organisers.

Jeff will share real-world case studies from the US and the Australian Open, where Wicket's Express Entry grew from a small pilot to general admission. He'll also cover:
• How facial authentication actually works
• Where adoption is at across the industry
• The trust and privacy questions organisers need to get right as biometric ticketing goes mainstream

A practical look at where the technology is heading, and what it could mean for your events.

📅 Tuesday 20 October
⏰ 9:00am to 9:30am
💻 Online
💲 FREE for NZEA members | $25.00+GST for non-members

Register here: https://nzea.co.nz/events/webinar-using-facial-authentication-at-events

Facial authentication is fast becoming a fixture at major events, streamlining everything from gate entry to point-of-sale. In this session, Jeff Boehm from Wicket will unpack the rapid rise of biometric technology in the events space and what it means for organisers looking to reduce queues and boo

05/10/2026

The October Events Update e-newsletter is out now: https://mailchi.mp/nzea.co/nzea-events-update-17624708
To sign up to receive these in your inbox, click here: https://buff.ly/oQNt1Za

01/10/2026

How do you build a programme that fills seats and keeps a local venue at the heart of its community?

Join NZEA for "Programming for a Local Venue: Insights from the Regent Theatre", a webinar with Dane Oates, Manager of The Regent Theatre Greymouth, sharing how the Regent approaches its programming.

Expect a behind-the-scenes look at:
• Balancing touring shows with local and community events
• Reading your audience and taking smart risks on new content
• Making a regional venue work year-round

Whether you run a venue, promote shows or work in events, you'll come away with practical ideas to apply straight away.

📅 Wednesday 14 October
⏰ 10.30am to 11am
💻 Online | FREE for NZEA members, $25.00+GST for non-members

Register here: https://nzea.co.nz/events/programming-for-a-local-venue-insights-from-the-regent-theatre

Join Dane Oates, Venue and Events Manager at the Regent Theatre, for a candid look at what it really takes to bring the right content to a locally run, West Coast theatre.

30/09/2026

Events are a strategic lever for growth, reputation, and lasting relationships. But the way New Zealand organisations plan and deliver them is changing.

The New Zealand Event Industry Outlook 2026 from Cvent explores the signals behind that shift: stronger measurement, tighter data security, practical AI, more relevant content, and accessibility and sustainability built in from the start.

See what event leaders across New Zealand are prioritising in 2026.

Read the report: https://utm.io/upexd

08/09/2026

Auckland has been confirmed to host the 2027–28 PSA Squash World Championships, bringing the world's best players to the New Zealand International Convention Centre in February 2028 - just months before squash makes its Olympic debut in LA. Backed by $1 million from the Government's Major Events Fund, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston called it "a fantastic win for New Zealand, for Auckland and for the future of squash in this country." Read more: https://www.psasquashtour.com/featured-news/auckland-host-2027-28-psa-squash-world-championships/

07/09/2026

Ready to grow your career and connect with the best in the industry?

The NZEA Mentorship Programme is back – offering one-on-one guidance, fresh perspectives, and the chance to build meaningful industry connections. Whether you're looking to give back or take the next step, this is your opportunity.

👉 Apply now and be part of the next cohort: https://nzea.co.nz/mentorship-programme/
Applications close Sunday 13 September

02/09/2026

The September Events Update e-newsletter is out now: https://mailchi.mp/nzea.co/nzea-events-update-17624046
To sign up to receive these in your inbox, click here: https://buff.ly/oQNt1Za

11/08/2026

The August Events Update e-newsletter is out now, with a wrap up (and photos!) of ETF26 and the NZEA NZ Event Awards: https://mailchi.mp/nzea.co/nzea-events-update-17623530
To sign up to receive these in your inbox, click here: https://buff.ly/oQNt1Za

05/08/2026

Congratulations to all of the winners of the NZEA New Zealand Event Awards 2026!

And thank you to all of our event partners.

Check out the winners here - www.nzea.co.nz/awards

30/07/2026

Meet the judges: Robin McDonnell, CEO, Phantom Billstickers
Robin McDonnell is the CEO of Phantom Billstickers, New Zealand's street poster company. Under his guidance, Phantom Billstickers has become a key partner for events and festivals throughout Aotearoa. We provide valuable visibility for a wide range of cultural events, music concerts, and artistic showcases nationwide. Phantom's vision and commitment to accessible media ensure that these vibrant events, regardless of size, can effectively connect with their intended audiences.