Pre-conference options - Monday 1 September

  • These new Practical Skills Sessions offer delegates the opportunity to learn from experts.
    These sessions are 1 hour in duration.

    Topics to choose from:
    How to apply for a special licence - Jamie Hughes
    New Events Traffic Management Guide - Elise Freeman
    Crowd Safety and Management - New Zealand Police
    Regional Event Promotion Fund - Tim Farmer

  • 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.

Day one - 2 September 2025
Big picture thinking

  • Official Welcome and Opening

  • NZEA Chair
    NZEA GM, Elaine Linnell

  • Kylie Hawker-Green

  • TBC

  • 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
    Kieran Spillane - Rhythm and Vines
    Callam Mitchell - Electric Avenue

  • 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

  • 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), and other city leaders. 

  • 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
    TBC

  • 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.

  • 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.