Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Expo being held?
When is the Expo being held?

Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September 2024, 9am to 5pm.

When is the speaker programme running?

Friday 27 September, 2.30am to 5pm
Saturday 28 September, 10am to 3.30pm

View the Programme.

Who is the Expo for?

The Expo is for anyone who has an interest in innovation, advanced technology, and future-focused initiatives in Ōtautahi Christchurch. From students to businesspeople and families to working professionals, there’s something for everyone.

Is the event suitable for children?

Yes, the event is an excellent day out for the whole family. Here are some attractions:

  • There are large displays, such as a rally car, an EV tractor, and a pilotless solar-powered plane.
  • AquaBots (underwater robots) by Ministry of Inspiration, which will be a dynamic display in a pool by the entrance to Te Pae.
  • Interactive Robotics with KiwiBots and VEX V5 and IQ Robotics Competitions.
    • Take part in an interactive robotics experience with Kiwibots. You will have a short time to work on building and programming a robot. There will also be some robots that you are able to control and drive.
    • On Saturday, watch as students from across Canterbury compete in the VEX V5 Robotics Competition (High School) and VEX IQ Robotics Competition (Primary ages up to Year 9). This is a step on the way to attending the New Zealand national championships and hopefully qualifying for the World Championships in Dallas, USA.
  • Minecraft Build Ōtautahi Challenge
    • Join us and watch the ingenuity of ākonga from Christchurch as they harness the power of Minecraft to bring their creative visions for the city centre to life. This year's event revolves around the theme of sustainable design, as the "Build Ōtautahi" challenge takes centre stage. Be inspired as these young minds present their imaginative and innovative building concepts, all aimed at shaping a brighter future.
  • Applications and games using Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, and Extended Reality (AR, MR, XR).
  • Exhibitors perfect for families:
    Tree Children
    Young Enterprise
    Climate Action Campus
    Christchurch Rocketeers
    BookBots from Tūranga (download on App Store or Google Play)
    Eat Pant Games
    Fantail Games
    Sharenanigans
    Christchurch Libraries.

Plus, there’s a talk at 1.30pm on Saturday at the Innovation Stage on ‘Fostering Innovation in Children: what does “Kiwi ingenuity” look like for future generations?’ presented by Louise Van Tongeren, Council Play Advocate, Christchurch City Council.

Is the Expo free? Do I need a ticket?

The event is FREE to attend, but tickets are required for entry.
You can register for your free ticket at the Eventbrite website: Register online here.
If you're unable to register, please come along anyway.  There will be people who will assist you at the door.

Why do you need to register?

Like many other free expos, the Innovation Expo requires attendees to register. Your registration helps us to understand who our event is reaching and what your background and interests are, which helps us to tailor the event better to our audience in future years. It also enables us to demonstrate the value of our event to exhibitors, ensuring we attract top brands and innovations for you to explore. Your personal information will never be used or shared.

Will tickets be checked?

Yes. Please have your printed or electronic ticket (or your confirmation email) ready to be checked at the door.

We are accepting confirmation emails due to a change in the booking site, which requires you to create/sign in to your account to view your tickets. We understand this may not be convenient for everyone, and we want to make sure your entry is as smooth as possible.

Will food and drink be available to purchase?

Yes, there will be two food kiosks inside Te Pae.

What’s the best way of travelling to Te Pae?

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is located in central Christchurch at 188 Oxford Terrace. There are lots of different options for getting into the city.

🚌 Consider taking the busthere are 12 bus routes which service the central city, taking you to the Bus Interchange, only a 10 minute walk from Te Pae.

🚲 Bike – several major cycleways lead into the central city, so if you want to avoid the traffic, come in by bike. Check out the Christchurch cycle map to help plan your route. Bike racks are available at Te Pae.

Where is the best place to park?  

If you’re planning to drive to the Expo, check out the car park map for information about where to park in the central city. The map includes information for mobility parking.