Media Release
Monday 5 September, 2016
Spark Lab takes to the road, with plans to visit major centres across New Zealand
For the first time since launching in Auckland two years ago, Spark’s free innovation and ideas workshop, Spark Lab, is
going national.
Throughout September and October, the Lab will travel to Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Dunedin and Christchurch,
following a short series of events in Auckland to kick off the tour.
Spark’s Head of Business Customer and Marketing, Richard Sandford, says the company is thrilled to be taking 25 events
and 17 speakers on the road right around New Zealand:
“Since launching two years ago, we’ve heard what an awesome source of support, inspiration, mentorship and practical
advice Spark Lab has been for those who’ve attended. And since adopting a business focus at the start of this year, and
livestreaming the events, we’ve seen that impact shared across New Zealand in truly inspirational ways.
“Taking the Lab to towns that are hubs for regional business across New Zealand is just another step toward our goal of
helping as many business people as possible to benefit from these sessions and move closer toward their potential.”
The nation-wide tour has been designed to give both well-established business people and those just starting out, the
opportunity to learn from leading New Zealand and international entrepreneurs, innovators and creative thinkers.
The speaker line-up will feature Sir Ray Avery, Google’s Reuben Halper, technologist Rab Heath and Kaila Colbin of
Singularity U. Others include innovation mentor Colart Miles, serial start-up founder Will Palmer and Spark Ventures’
newly minted CEO Ed Hyde.
The speaker line-up will vary from place to place, with sessions covering a range of topics that directly impact on
business operations and results. There will be both breakfast and after-work events to suit busy schedules. Many of the
events will be livestreamed and all will be free and open for anyone to attend, although spaces will be limited.
Those interested will be able to register at sparklabseries.co.nz in the lead up to the events.
ENDS
Notes to the editor:
• Spark Lab is the result of a collaboration between Spark and Shine Limited.
• Key dates and locations:
Auckland, 14 – 22 September, Spark Lab, Britomart
Hamilton, 4 October, Wintec
Tauranga, 6 October, Trinity Wharf
Wellington, 10 – 12 October, The Queens Wharf Ballroom (Foxglove)
Dunedin, 20 October, The Dunedin Art Gallery
Christchurch, 26 & 27 October, The Atrium