New Zealand Symposium 2025 Wrap Up

Setting the Tone: Opening Keynote by Vic Crockford

Vic Crockford’s opening keynote really set the tone for the event. Her insights into the challenges of community engagement in today’s information-overloaded world were eye-opening. She spoke about the power of storytelling and emotional connection, emphasising the importance of building trust and managing engagement through meaningful conversations in today’s fast-paced environment. Her presentation left us walking away with new ideas and feeling inspired. A great way to kick-start the conference!

Wrapping Up Day One with Amy’s Engaging Session

Amy’s session was the perfect way to wrap up Day 1. She introduced the DOTs theory, offering fresh perspectives on community engagement and emphasising the importance of understanding diverse engagement styles. Amy’s interactive approach was an ideal way to end the day, leaving everyone reflecting on their own practices and feeling energised.

Exploring the Future: AI and Engagement with Julian Moore

Julian’s session was truly eye-opening, exploring AI’s future and its potential impact on society. Complete with real-time demonstrations, he captivated the audience and provided practical insights into how AI tools can be applied in our work. The session offered valuable perspectives on how AI could shape engagement practices moving forward. It provided attendees with a clearer understanding of how AI could be leveraged to streamline operations and create more efficient, targeted engagement strategies.

Breakout Sessions Spark Conversation and Reflection

The breakout sessions were a clear highlight of the event, providing attendees with practical insights and real-world examples on key topics in community engagement. The discussions around youth engagement and mana whenua were particularly valuable, offering fresh perspectives and sparking meaningful conversations. The case studies shared gave everyone a chance to dive deep into the challenges and successes experienced in the field, and the interactive nature of these sessions ensured that participants felt involved and inspired.

Sharing Knowledge and Building Connections

What stood out most was the genuine collaboration and sharing of ideas. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and to explore new approaches. These sessions left everyone with actionable takeaways and a renewed sense of purpose for tackling complex engagement challenges.

Networking, Site Tours and Social Connection

The site tours, Welcome Reception, and opportunity to network were a hit, with many attendees enjoying the chance to learn something new, have great conversations, and connect with others in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It was a fantastic chance to build connections and share valuable insights.

Thank You

A huge thank you to our fantastic MC, Gemma Greenshields, for her energy and enthusiasm. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our remarkable speakers for generously sharing their expertise and insights, and to our sponsors for their invaluable support in bringing this event to life. And, of course, to everyone who attended, contributed, and helped make this event truly memorable – thank you. We look forward to welcoming you all back next time!

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