Join us pre-conference on Monday 1 September for a series of punchy, practical sessions designed to tackle real-world challenges faced by event professionals across Aotearoa.

Choose from four focused, 30 minute sessions covering everything from traffic management and licensing to marketing funding and crowd protection. 

1:00PM Session one options:

Understanding the NZ Crowded Places Strategy - Senior Sergeant Gareth Brown, New Zealand Police
In this essential session for anyone working in the New Zealand events industry, Senior Sergeant Gareth Brown from NZ Police will unpack the NZ Crowded Places Strategy, a national approach to protecting people in locations that attract large gatherings.

Gareth will outline the strategy’s key principles, explain why it matters to event professionals, and share practical steps organisers can take to help mitigate risk in today’s changing threat environment.

With real-world insights and clear guidance, this session will help you understand your role in keeping crowded places safe, while working in partnership with police and other agencies.

OR

Planned Public Events on the Road Network - Elise Freeman
Join Elise Freeman from Parallax for an insightful 30-minute session introducing the newly released Practice Note for Planned Public Events that Impact the Road Network.

As the lead author, Elise will guide you through the key changes and what they mean for event organisers, road controlling authorities, and traffic management professionals. Learn how the new risk-based approach to Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) offers more flexibility, clarity, and proportionality for events of all shapes and sizes.

Featuring real-world case studies, this session is a must for anyone working at the intersection of events and road safety

1:30PM Session two options:

Navigating Special Licences in Aotearoa - Jamie Hughes
Join us for a focused 30-minute session that unpacks the latest updates on applying for special licences in New Zealand.

We will share insights from recent advocacy efforts aimed at improving clarity across the system. You’ll also walk away with practical, real-world tips to help you successfully navigate the application process, whether you're organising a concert, festival, or community event.

A must-attend for anyone working with alcohol licensing in the events space.

OR

Maximising Event Reach with the Regional Event Promotion Fund - Tim Farmer, Nduro Events
Discover how the Regional Events Promotion Fund helped to amplify an event’s impact. In this 30-minute session, Tim Farmer from NDuro Events shares how he successfully leveraged the fund to boost marketing efforts, drive up participant numbers, and attract more visitors to the region.

From application tips to real-world outcomes, Tim offers practical advice on how this fund elevated his event’s visibility and value. The insights and strategies will be valuable for event professionals looking to make the most of future funding opportunities and or simply maximise event reach.

This meeting is for everyone who works in a council events team. It will be for 1 hour.

This brand new, exciting event is an opportunity for decision-makers, buyers, and service providers in the event industry to come together in an engaging, structured environment to meet, connect, and form collaborative relationships. The aim is to connect venues, promoters, tourism operators, National Sporting Organisations, international events, and other stakeholders in the events ecosystem. Find out more.

Join us for a welcome function ahead of conference. Drinks and nibbles included.