Pre-conference options - Monday 1 September

  • 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 one option:

    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 in the Arena Lounge.

  • 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.

Day one - 2 September 2025
Big picture thinking

  • Official Welcome and Opening

  • NZEA Chair
    NZEA GM, Elaine Linnell

  • Minister Louise Upston (Minister of Tourism and Hospitality) will provide an update

  • Kylie Hawker-Green

  • Minister Nicola McKee will join us to discuss her work on the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012

  • What does it really take to get top-tier content and international acts to New Zealand? In this keynote, seasoned promoter Mark Kneebone, Live Nation's Managing Director New Zealand, shares the behind-the-scenes realities, challenges, and creative strategies for making world-class events happen on our shores.

  • Don’t miss this powerful panel discussion featuring leaders behind four of the most resilient and successful festivals in Aotearoa. As many festivals fold under mounting costs and complexity, these innovators discuss the evolving landscape of festivals in New Zealand and what lies ahead. 

    Andrew Tuck - Homegrown
    David Higgins - Synthony
    Hamish Pinkham - Rhythm and Vines
    Facilitated by Lizzi Pearson

  • CEO of the UK's Association of Independent Festivals, John will share global perspectives on independent festivals and their impact on the cultural sector.

  • Creating an unforgettable event isn’t just about what happens on stage or the field, it’s about the entire experience.

    Discover strategies to enhance the attendee experience with insights from Scott Couch (GO Media Stadium), Meghan Fleming (Chiefs Rugby) and Glenn Critchley (NZ Cricket). Learn how to create unforgettable moments that resonate with audiences.

  • Be inspired by Dougal Allan's journey from grassroots events to winning the Coast to Coast and contributing to the America's Cup. His story highlights the power of perseverance and innovation in event success.

Day two - 3 September 2025
Practical skills

  • Focusing on Ironman, hear how they worked with a global organisation to deliver a NZ event, size and scale, community engagement, cultural engagement, industry engagement and growth and individual empowerment etc.

    Steve Giles

  • Hear directly from key funding directors as they unpack what makes a strong application, recent changes in the funding landscape, and what’s coming next.

    Martin Cheer, CEO Pub Charity
    Tony Goldfinch, CEO Lion Foundation
    Aaron Lawton, Grassroots Trust

  • We will be joined by someone from SailGP who will chat through the sustainability efforts from the event.

  • Explore how events contribute to a city's vibrancy, tourism and long-term growth with insights from Loren Aberhart (ChristchurchNZ), Annie Dundas (Tātaki Auckland Unlimited), Cam Mitchell (Athletics New Zealand) and David Benge (TEG Live Ltd). Facilitated by Kevin Murphy.

  • The gig economy has reshaped industries reliant on freelance, contract, and temporary work, including the live event sector. While gig workers provide flexibility, businesses often struggle to build a cohesive, high-performing culture.

    Mike McMinn, Vidcom
    Todd Wackrow, Sidekicker
    William McLaren - Red Badge
    Jonna Ferrin - Ferrin Staffing


  • Great events tell a story, from the theme and visuals to the food and the way it's shared online. This panel brings together an event producer, a chef who designs menus to match event themes, and a marketing expert who helps shape the story for audiences. Together, they’ll share practical ways to make your event more engaging and memorable through storytelling.

    Chris Henry - 818
    Justine McKay - Janda Productions
    Cian Elyse White - Aronui Arts Festival
    Facilitated by Sarah Meikle

  • If you're finding getting sponsorship harder than it used to be, feel like brands are saying 'no' more often, or your existing sponsors are pulling out, it's time to evolve your approach. 

    Learn the exact process top sponsorship seekers are using to lock down incredible deals in 2025, despite tough financial conditions. 

    Presented by Mike Wootton - www.getsponsorship.co

  • This panel discussion will hear from industry experts in event sustainability, with international case studies and local New Zealand success.

  • Hear exciting new updates about the brand new international convention centre in Auckland, due to open in February 2026.

    Prue Daly

As always, please note that this agenda may be subject to change.