Event Leaders to Know: Janette Lewis, Altus NZ

We caught up with Janette Lewis, Event Manager at Altus NZ, whose journey into the world of events started almost by accident and turned into a lifelong passion.

What inspired you to start working in the events industry?

“I started out as a PA with a background in hospitality and hotels, and my first “big task” was organising the company meetings and conference. Turns out, I was pretty good at it, so good that it quickly became a core part of my role. As the company grew, so did my responsibilities, and now I’m a full-time in-house corporate event manager, overseeing anything that even remotely resembles an event: conferences, seminars, training sessions, corporate dinners, staff celebrations, trade shows, award nights… you name it.

The events industry is addictive, especially when you’re surrounded by like-minded colleagues who thrive on challenges, love to celebrate hard, and live and breathe events."

What makes a great event experience stand out?

"A great event experience stands out when it’s seamless, memorable, and makes people feel something, whether that’s excitement, inspiration, or just pure joy. It’s in the little details that people often don’t notice… until they do, like a perfectly timed moment, smooth logistics, or a surprise that makes them smile.

Ultimately, it’s about creating an experience where attendees feel valued, engaged, and entertained, and maybe leave thinking, “Wow, how did they pull that off?”

What’s your favourite part of working at Altus NZ?

“Being an in-house event manager at Altus NZ is pretty unique, I get to do everything a PCO does, but with a lot more insider perks! I love getting to know our customers personally, watching their kids grow from toddlers into young adults, and collaborating with the Altus team to shape the conference programme and content.

Working closely with our sponsors is another highlight. They’re essential to every event, and it’s always a rewarding challenge to strike the perfect balance between delivering an amazing experience for delegates while ensuring our sponsors see the value of their time and investment."

What advice would you give to someone new to the events industry?

“The events industry can be incredibly rewarding , but let’s be honest, it’s not all champagne and red carpets. Expect long hours, high-pressure moments, and plenty of hands-on work. To succeed, you’ll need to be organised, sharp, and ready to execute flawless run-sheets and budgets.

Communication is everything, and so is anticipating the unexpected, because something always comes up. Always have a backup plan… and a backup for your backup. Don’t hesitate to lean on your industry colleagues; they’re not the competition, they’re your secret weapon. With the right preparation (and maybe a strong coffee or two), you can turn even the trickiest event into a triumph.

👏 Huge thanks to Janette for sharing her journey and insights, and for bringing so much heart and precision to every Altus NZ event.

Janette Lewis, Event Manager at Altus NZ