72 International Thought Leaders Gathering to Talk ‘Business with a Purpose’ in Auckland

Global Speakers Summit - From Leader to Legacy: A Global Journey

This summer Auckland will experience the rare opportunity of hosting more than 72 international thought leaders who are presenting at the Global Speakers Summit in February, as part of what is believed to be the biggest gathering of high profile influencers outside the United States in 2018.

The National Speakers Association of New Zealand's (NSANZ) efforts in securing the prestigious international event – which will also be attended by up to 15 Global Speaking Fellows (there are only 29 in the world) – has been recognised with an award for their achievement by Tourism New Zealand at a recent event.

NSANZ's Elias Kanaris, who is also the President-Elect of the Global Speakers Federation, accepted the award for the four-day event which will be hosted at Sky City from 23 to 26 February.

Mr Kanaris said, “The Global Speakers Summit, From Leader to Legacy: A Global Journey, is not only a coup for New Zealand in securing an event of this magnitude, but also for the opportunity it offers New Zealand business.

“Kiwis attending the four-day event will be able to learn from, and rub shoulders with, 72 of the world’s top thought leaders, and those are just the speakers – most of whom are comfortable in the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies. The event features top speakers from more than 20 countries, including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, South Africa, Russia, Belgium, France, Romania, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, Pakistan and Brazil.”

Mr Kanaris said ‘legacy’ business is a global mega trend as more and more corporate companies embrace the concept that business goes hand in hand with making a difference for the planet and its people.

“In Auckland, the world’s foremost thinkers will discuss ideas on how global business can leave a legacy for generations to come. There is growing acceptance in boardrooms across the world that we have to leave behind a positive footprint by respecting the resources we have, both in our people and our environment.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity for New Zealand companies to learn and influence international policy on conscientious business practises. Think of the doors you could open when you spend four days in a room with the largest gathering of international thought leaders in the world.”

The Global Speakers Summit will also see the first New Zealander, Mike Handcock, admitted as a Global Speaking Fellow.

“Mike Handcock is the Chairman of GSS 2018, which gives you some indication of the calibre of people who will participate. We congratulate him on his elevation to that of Global Speaking Fellow, which he has earned after having presented in more than 46 countries to more than 300,000 delegates at approximately 2000 events in his career.

“Other speakers include the inspiring female Black Hawk pilot and combat veteran, and bestselling author Elizabeth McCormick, comedic speaker Paul Huschilt, the voice behind Apple's Australian arm Siri Karen Jacobsen and international business bestselling author Dustin Mathews,” Mr Kanaris said.

Bringing the Global Speakers Summit to Auckland, only the 5th to be held since 2000, is expected to earn the city more than $2m in revenue and is a considerable achievement because Auckland had to be beat out Monaco, the USA, Germany, the UK, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia for the rights.

“We’re off the beaten track for global thought leaders who not only have to set aside more time to travel here, but many of them have flourishing businesses to attend to, which means there is an opportunity cost for them as well.

“However, our commitment to developing a blueprint for hosting and managing future Global Speakers Summits (held every three years) – which can be replicated by other countries in the future – was a big point of difference for us.”

Part of New Zealand’s business case was the opportunity for corporate companies to purchase a table at first day of GSS 2018, where those attending will be treated to stories about triumph over adversity, meet high profile thought leaders and learn how to tell their own compelling stories, write a book or succeed in online marketing, or unravel the mysteries of science, spirituality and entrepreneurship.

For more information visit https://LeadershipConference.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media