About us

The New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) is the driving force behind Aotearoa’s vibrant events industry—championing, connecting, and celebrating the people who bring events to life. With a network of 1,000+ members, we provide exclusive access to education, expert advice, networking, and industry-leading resources—all designed to elevate and inspire a world-class events sector.

Our vision

Our vision is to elevate the events sector within New Zealand. By working, learning, innovating and celebrating together, we grow.

You can find our 2022 strategy here.

Our history

The NZEA is a voluntary organisation formed under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 on 12 September 2005. The Association was established as the New Zealand Association of Event Professionals (NZAEP) in response to industry demand for a recognised body to represent the burgeoning events industry in New Zealand.

The Association's principle was to bring professionals together to focus on the industry as a whole and to act as a voice for that industry and its members.

Meet the Board

The current Board is made up of eight influential figures in the event landscape who give their time voluntarily in this governance role. They represent a spread of expertise, sectors and geographical locations.

  • Chief Executive Officer, Gymnastics NZ

    Andrea is the CEO of Gymnastics NZ, having previously been CEO of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, the premier event in women’s cricket hosted in New Zealand in 2022. Andrea brings significant sports and major event experience, having previously been GM New Zealand for the Rugby League World Cup 2017, and Director of Marketing and Communications for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and having held senior Communications roles with London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

  • Director of Food + Drink New Zealand

    Sarah is the former CEO of the Wellington Culinary Events Trust (WCET) and Director of Food + Drink New Zealand. The WCET delivers some of NZ’s largest food and beverage events including Visa Wellington On a Plate, Beervana, the Road to Beervana and Highball. These events were created with the principal objective of "promoting Wellington as the premium NZ food and beverage destination" focused on attracting out-of-town visitors.

  • Chief Operating Officer
    Montana Group

    Lizzi brings over 25 years of expertise in the hospitality and catering industry, notably leading the Urban Gourmet brand as General Manager since 2016.  Appointed as Chief Operating Officer of Montana Group in 2024, she offers hands-on management and commercial support for major events such as the ASB Classic and V8 Supercars. As the 'conductor' of the Montana Group orchestra, Lizzi unites all brands to deliver seamless service across Tāmaki Makaurau and the Waikato regions.

    Focussed on driving strategic growth, enhancing partnerships, and fostering collaboration, Lizzi is a leader dedicated to building cohesive teams, and creates an environment where individuals are encouraged to grow and excel, supporting both personal and company success.

  • Events Manager, Napier City Council

    Kevin has over 20 years' experience in the events industry, currently Event Manager for Napier City he has been involved in various Hawkes Bay events over the years managed HB Blues Brews & BBQ festival for 12 years. Previous roles have included being Commercial Manager for Sport Hawke's Bay and has had a strong relationship with Hawke's Bay Tourism over the years.

    Kevin has a passion for music and he is involved with a trust that has recently established the www.hbmusichub.co.nz to showcase Hawke's Bay artists.

    His current role with Napier City includes overseeing the event fund and developing new opportunities for the city to host as well as supporting / marketing over 30 local events annually.

    Kevin has completed a six year term on the NZEA Board including the role of Deputy Chair and Interim Chair. Kevin is remaining in a co-opted Board member in 2024 so we can make best use of his expertise.

  • Marketing & Strategic Partnerships Lead - Major Events/Business Events, Auckland Unlimited

    Mark started as an event promoter in Australia before working in sponsorship and marketing in the UK on events such as London Fashion Week, F1, the EPL and Glastonbury. In NZ he has owned event-focused agencies working with RNV, Volvo Ocean Race, RWC2011 and Splore. Mark now leads Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Auckland Unlimited’s Major Events team, bringing the world’s biggest events and artists to NZ.

  • Head of Event Operations, Dunedin Venues Management Ltd

    Brenna brings 15 years of extensive experience in the event industry and currently holds the position of Head of Event Operations at Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML).

    In her role, Brenna leads a team of highly skilled and motivated professionals specialising in event, project, facility, and safety management. Her team ensures that DVML's assets are maintained, enabling the delivery of exceptional event experiences across a range of venues, including Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Centre, and the University of Otago Oval.

    Brenna's expertise lies in operations and event management, complemented by her strong leadership skills and extensive industry relationships.

  • CEO at NW Group

Meet the Team

Our small but mighty management team includes our General Manager, Elaine Linnell, and our Association Administrator, Wendy Wilson.

Elaine Linnell - General Manager
Elaine has a background in event management, sponsorship and marketing. Having worked in corporate, not-for-profit and sporting events in both New Zealand and the UK.

Wendy Wilson - Association Administrator
Wendy has a background in events management and facilitation in both the private sector and local government. She enjoys connecting with members and delivering meaningful benefits to events professionals.

Contact us

Do you have a question for our team? We would love to hear from you. Or you can email us at info@nzea.co.