Habegger actively supports young talent in the events industry and offers them valuable opportunities to gain hands-on experience at trade fairs such as Pro Light & Sound or LEaT con. During these visits, apprentices not only deepen their technical knowledge but also learn how crucial early networking is for their professional development. As an experienced team leader, Head of Light and Vocational Trainer in Event Technology at Habegger, Susanne Otta shares insights into her work and explains how apprentices benefit from these practical experiences.
I’ve been working in event technology since 2001 and have continuously expanded my expertise – most recently completing an MBA in Event Management in 2023. Teaching is particularly close to my heart: at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, I regularly run workshops on Mental Health and Psychological First Aid, as well as courses in event management. I want to pass on the support and guidance that helped me during my own training.
Since 2025, I’ve been responsible for all apprentices in event technology as Habegger’s Vocational Trainer. My role goes far beyond delivering training content – it’s about supporting young talent on both a technical and personal level.
Habegger apprentices from year 1 to year 4
I coordinate communication with the vocational school, industry courses, and the apprentices themselves. It’s important to me that everyone can be themselves, and that we take the time to understand each individual as they find their way into adulthood. I’m currently guiding eight apprentices, two per training year, helping them develop into confident and capable professionals. Our event technology apprentices are given early opportunities to look behind the scenes of the industry – not only within the company, but also at trade fairs around the world.
We regularly send our apprentices to Pro Light & Sound in Frankfurt and LEaT con in Hamburg. International shows like ISE in Barcelona, the PLASA Show in London or Future of Festivals in Berlin are also highly inspiring.
It’s all about product knowledge, networking and professional development. At trade fairs, apprentices can attend training sessions – for example on Vectorworks or lighting and audio consoles – and explore what topics truly interest them. I let them wander freely at first; it quickly becomes clear what really captures their attention.
At LEaT con, Crew Call offered a fantastic experience: a rally where apprentices met manufacturers and connected with peers from other companies. Pro Light & Sound’s Future Talents Day is tailored specifically to apprentices – an enormous added value for anyone training in event technology.
Team Habegger at the LEaT con, l.t.r.: Milan, Luca, Gioia, Susanne, Timo, Pablo
LEaT con differs from classic product fairs by placing a strong emphasis on networking – a key factor for success in the events industry. A good network means access to global support from suppliers and partners.
The first trade fair visit can be overwhelming for apprentices. To guide them, they receive a research task: they must present a product that particularly impressed them within the team. This helps them learn not only to absorb information, but also to structure and present it.
We both support and challenge young professionals. Our goal is to provide the best possible training, share knowledge and experience, and ideally integrate apprentices into the company long-term. They should learn whom to turn to – because networking is everything.
For me, it’s essential that apprentices recognise early on what trade fairs offer and how to make the most of them. Every workshop, every panel and every exchange with other apprentices is an opportunity to deepen their expertise and gain practical experience.
A trade fair visit is not only educational; it also helps them understand what the industry offers and which path they might want to pursue within event technology.
A special moment was the guided tour of the Elbphilharmonie during LEaT con in Hamburg. The deep dive into acoustics directly linked to the apprentices’ training, making the learning experience tangible and exciting.
Training as an event technician is one of the most exciting career paths out there. The role is diverse, the projects varied, and you meet all sorts of people – from tech-loving nerds to outstanding communicators.
At Habegger, our apprentices also gain insights into other departments such as the carpentry workshop, creation, project management or the warehouse. This diversity is not only educational but also highly enriching.
Gioia, Pablo and Timo joined us at LEaT con. All three began their training at Habegger as event technicians in summer 2025.
Our team will continue to broaden in the future, as we are always on the lookout for exceptional personalities for live communication.
Every two years, Habegger takes a close look at its own working environment together with “Great Place to Work®”, with the aim of identifying optimisation potential in order to remain an attractive employer in the future, too. In 2024, we have once again received the award for an optimal working environment.
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