Otago Polytechnic chief executive Phil Ker and Dunedin Venues chief executive Terry Davies made those comments yesterday after signing a memorandum of understanding over the planned links, at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Under the agreement, Otago Polytechnic students will take up a range of paid internships and casual, voluntary placements.
These include on-the-ground experience in sports turf management, events management and hospitality.
''Our business is growing,'' Mr Davies said.
Several high-quality graduates from the polytechnic's bachelor of applied management programme had already gained full-time jobs in DVML's events management team.
DVML was ''always crying out'' for more polytechnic graduates and saw positive ''future opportunities'' for such people.
Mr Ker said the polytechnic was pleased to work closely with DVML in running sporting, entertainment and conference operations, including successfully tackling the ''unique'' challenge of growing grass under a roof.
Students in the polytechnic's New Zealand certificate in horticulture services (sports turf) programme will each year be offered up to four fixed-term paid internships with DVML.
DVML will provide tutoring for students and a range of paid and voluntary placements, including in marketing, events management, and hospitality and catering.
