Learn from the best.
Become the best.
Mā te kimi ka kite, mā te kite ka mōhio,
mā te mōhio ka mārama.
Seek and discover. Discover and know. Know and become enlightened.
Cohort 11 is underway
Next cohort opens March/April 2027
Free for NZEA members only. Register your interest above and we'll let you know when Cohort 12 applications open. Not a member yet? Join here →
Are you a mentor or a mentee?
Give back. Grow too.
If you're an experienced events professional with the time, energy, and insights to support up-and-coming peers — this is your chance to shape the industry's next generation.
- Enhance your own development while supporting others
- Gain fresh perspective from your mentee's point of view
- Strengthen your coaching and leadership abilities
- Play a vital role in shaping the future of events in NZ
- Receive recognition for your contribution
- Included as part of your NZEA membership
"Connecting with someone who wanted to challenge themselves has created a broader vision for me — to slow down and take more notice of those around me."
— NZEA Mentor
Accelerate your career.
New to the industry, or in the early to mid-stages of your career? Get one-on-one guidance from someone who's been exactly where you are — and knows the way forward.
- Develop your skills with personalised, expert guidance
- Gain fresh perspectives and expand your network
- Identify and address gaps in your experience
- Get a trusted, impartial sounding board for career decisions
- Build confidence with real encouragement and support
- Included as part of your NZEA membership
"Meeting the right people, who are doing what you want to do, and knowing that you can get there too — just a fantastic opportunity to connect."
— NZEA Mentee
Simple, structured, supported.
Apply
Tell us whether you're looking to mentor or be mentored. Applications are open to NZEA members during the recruitment window each cohort.
Get matched
NZEA does the legwork — matching mentors and mentees based on goals, experience, and sector. You'll receive a briefing pack and an intro Zoom call.
Connect & grow
Commit to a minimum of 6 × 1-hour sessions over the 5-month programme. You set the agenda, NZEA provides the framework and support throughout.
The role of the mentor
- Minimum 6 × 1hr sessions across the programme
- Proactively maintain contact and open communication
- Coach, problem-solve, and share experience as learning
- Offer constructive, honest feedback
- Build confidence and encourage professionalism
- Maintain confidentiality throughout
- Provide debrief feedback to help improve the programme
The role of the mentee
- Minimum 6 × 1hr sessions across the programme
- Take ownership of scheduling at mutually convenient times
- Be clear and open about your goals from the start
- Actively contribute to every discussion
- Seek and accept constructive feedback graciously
- Maintain confidentiality throughout
- Provide debrief feedback to help improve the programme
Key dates for 2026–27
Ready to take the next step?
Applications for Cohort 11 have now closed. Register your interest and we'll be in touch when applications open for our next cohort in March/April 2027.
Free for NZEA members · 5-month programme · 9 cohorts · 250+ participants