Te Pae Christchurch’s Camila Andrew named New Zealand’s Emerging Business Events Professional
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is celebrating a major milestone as Event Operations Manager Camila Andrew has been named New Zealand’s Emerging Business Events Professional at The Bizzies 2025 - Aotearoa Business Events Awards on Wednesday, 26 November.
The Bizzies, New Zealand’s first awards programme for the business events sector, brought together 270 industry leaders to celebrate excellence, innovation, and impact across seven categories. Supported by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), the event recognised outstanding contributions from venues, suppliers, organisers, destinations, and individuals.
“Camila’s work ethic, commitment to delivery for our clients and support of her team have been frequently recognised within Te Pae Christchurch so it is wonderful she has now been recognised on the national stage," says Ross Steele
Camila’s nomination was supported by glowing client feedback, with her team achieving a 95% positive rating during the 2024/25 financial year. She credits her colleagues for the award, reflecting Te Pae Christchurch's strong culture of collaboration.
Te Pae Christchurch was also a finalist in two other categories: Excellence in Environmental Sustainability and Outstanding Business Events Partner.
Camila's Journey at Te Pae Christchurch
Camila Andrew has been an integral part of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre for over three years, bringing her expertise and passion for events to every project she undertakes. With a degree in Small Business Administration, Camila combines strong operational knowledge with a commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences.
Her journey at Te Pae Christchurch began in the Venue Presentation department, where she quickly discovered her love for the events industry. Watching events come to life and witnessing the collaboration between multiple departments sparked her enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences. Inspired by strong leadership and the impact events have on the city and its people, Camila embraced her role in operations and never looked back.
What inspired you to work in events?
I landed at Te Pae Christchurch by chance, starting in the Venue Presentation department. At first, I didn’t know much about the events world, but as I watched events come alive and saw how many different departments worked together to make them happen, I was fascinated. The teamwork and complexity behind the scenes really opened my eyes. Ross’ leadership was incredibly inspiring, and when I realised the difference we were making for the city, clients, and attendees, I knew this was something special. That’s when I fell in love with the events industry and decided this was the career path for me.
What do you like most about your job and working at Te Pae Christchurch?
For me, it’s all about the connections - with clients, colleagues, and partners. Every day I get to work with amazing people who share the same passion for creating memorable experiences. The relationships we build make the job rewarding, and being part of something that brings people together and leaving a lasting impression is what I value most.
How is working at Te Pae Christchurch different from other venues?
I haven’t worked at another venue, so I can’t compare firsthand. But what I can say is that Te Pae Christchurch feels unique because of its culture of collaboration and excellence. There’s a strong sense of teamwork here, and everyone is committed to delivering world-class experiences. That level of dedication makes Te Pae Christchurch stand out.
What project or event are you most proud of?
There are a few, but working with clients I’ve built strong connections with, like Armageddon and South GP, really stands out. These events are so different in nature, yet they share similarities in how they evolve and cater to diverse audiences. Seeing that transformation and being part of the process is amazing. It’s rewarding to know that the work we do helps create experiences that people will remember for years.
What inspires you?
Working at Te Pae Christchurch inspires me every day. Knowing that we make a difference and contribute to something bigger keeps me motivated. It’s not just about the events themselves - it’s about the impact they have on people and the city. That sense of purpose is what drives me.
Any hobbies or interests?
One of my favourite activities has always been nature walks. I left them aside during 2025 because life got busy, but I plan to restart in 2026. Spending time outdoors makes me feel grounded and energised, and it’s something I really enjoy.
Interesting event trends?
AI is a big one. It’s given me tools to develop new ideas and streamline processes, which is exciting. But while technology is important, I believe the heart of events will always be people – delivering excellence in service and creating experiences that last. That’s what we all need to focus on, even as technology evolves.
What’s next for Camila?
Nothing is written in stone – I’m open to new possibilities. I still have things to accomplish at Te Pae Christchurch, and time will tell what’s next. What’s certain is that I want to continue progressing in the industry and keep learning and growing.