Event organiser profile page on Websta in New Zealand

What sections your profile needs

Your Websta profile acts like a small website for your event organising business. It should tell potential clients what you do, show them your work, and make it easy to get in touch or book your time.

Start with a clear description of your services. Say what kinds of events you organise - corporate events, weddings, conferences, community gatherings, product launches or other categories that fit your work. Keep the description straightforward and specific to what you actually do.

Add a photo section. Include photos of events you have organised, venue setups, decorations, guest areas or other visual proof of your work. New Zealand event clients want to see what you have done before they contact you. Photos should be recent and show real events, not stock images.

List your services with descriptions. For each service - whether it is full event planning, day-of coordination, venue sourcing, catering liaison, or guest management - write a short paragraph explaining what you deliver. Clients will use these descriptions to match their needs to your offer.

Include a booking or quote request form. Websta lets you set up either online booking for fixed services or a quote request form. Most event organisers use quote requests because each event is different and needs a custom proposal.

Languages to publish in

Publish your profile in English. This is the main business language in New Zealand and what most potential clients will use to search for event organisers. If you work with specific communities who speak other languages, you can mention that in your service descriptions, but your main profile should be in English.

How clients in New Zealand find event organisers

On Websta, people search for event organisers by location and service type. The marketplace at websta.ai/marketplace/events shows listings by region. Clients in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or smaller towns can search for event organisers near them, see your profile photo and description, look at your past work, and send you a quote request.

Clients also post event tasks on the marketplace and ask for offers. If you match their location and service type, they may contact you directly. Having a complete profile with clear services and photos makes it more likely that clients will choose you over incomplete profiles.

Beyond Websta, clients find event organisers through Google search, local business directories, word of mouth and referrals. Your Websta profile is one place they will find you, but it is not the only one. Make sure your profile name and descriptions include words that people actually search for - your town name, the types of events you do, and key services.

Working as an independent event organiser in New Zealand

If you work as a sole trader or self-employed event organiser, you need to register with Inland Revenue and get an IRD number. This is the New Zealand tax authority. Check their website for current rules on sole trader registration and tax obligations.

You must collect Goods and Services Tax (GST) if your income meets the registration threshold. Check with Inland Revenue about whether you need to register for GST based on your income level and business type.

When you receive payments through Websta, the money is paid to your own bank account via Stripe. You handle the payment processing yourself - no Websta middleman taking a cut. Make sure your bank account is set up for business use.

Keep records of all income and expenses. Event organisers typically have costs for venue bookings, catering coordination, transport, insurance and other services. Keep invoices and receipts so you can account for these in your tax return.

Consider public liability insurance. Many venues and clients ask event organisers to carry insurance that covers if something goes wrong during an event. Check with insurance providers in your area about what cover is standard for event organisers.

Check whether you need any licences or permits for the types of events you organise. Some events - particularly those involving alcohol, late hours or large crowds - may need local council approval. Contact your local council to confirm what applies to your work.

What to write in your first hour

Start by filling in your profile name and main description. Use your name or business name, and write a two or three sentence summary of what you do. For example: 'I organise corporate events, conferences and team building days across Auckland and the North Island. I handle venue selection, catering, guest coordination and on-the-day management.' Be specific about the regions you cover and the event types you handle.

List three to five core services. Write a short description of each one - what it includes and what the client gets. Do not worry about prices yet; Websta lets you add those once you see what clients ask for, or you can set standard prices for fixed services.

Add at least three photos. If you have event photos from past work, upload those. If you are just starting out, ask clients or colleagues if you can use photos from events you helped with. Make sure you have permission to use any photos you upload.

Set up your quote request form or booking form. Choose the option that fits your work - most event organisers use quote requests so clients can describe their event and you can propose a custom offer. Write clear instructions for what information you need from clients.

Add your contact details. Include your email, phone number and location - the town or region where you work. Websta will display these on your profile and in quote requests.

Growing your profile over time

After you start getting clients, add photos from new events you organise. Update your services list based on what clients actually ask for. If you keep getting requests for specific event types - say, destination weddings or large conferences - highlight those services more prominently.

Keep your location and service descriptions current. If you start working in new regions, update your profile. If your services change, say so. Clients will see profiles that have not been updated in months as less reliable.

Respond to quote requests quickly. On Websta, clients see how long it takes you to reply. Fast responses improve your chances of winning work.