Zoe is an award-winning engineer, data scientist, and Churchill Fellow. With global experience, she simplifies the technology conversation by sharing surprising and engaging stories. Zoe's unique background allows her to critically analyze experiences and draw practical conclusions for the future with wit and grace. Through her consultancy, My Smart Community, Zoe offers strategic advice on dealing with disruption, leveraging infrastructure spend, and facilitating genuine collaboration.
Dr. Jonathan Reichental is a multiple-award-winning technology and business leader whose career has spanned both the private and public sectors. He’s been a senior software engineering manager, a director of technology innovation, and has served as chief information officer at both O’Reilly Media and the City of Palo Alto, California. Reichental is currently the founder of advisory, investment, and education firm, Human Future, and also creates online education for LinkedIn Learning. He has written three books on the future of cities: Smart Cities for Dummies, Exploring Smart Cities Activity Book for Kids, and Exploring Cities Bedtime Rhymes. His latest books include Data Governance for Dummies and a Cryptocurrency QuickStart Guide.
Christchurch-born Sam “explosiv_fury” Johnson. A veteran of the Oceania Dota 2 scene, having started playing Dota at the age of 9 and beginning his competitive career in the Australian scene six years later. Since then, Sam has won multiple seasons of both ESL and LPL's ANZ Championships, qualifying in various international tournaments.While continuing to compete, Sam “explosive_fury” Johnson has embarked on a new venture in the esports industry. He will be opening a new esports bar called One Shot in Christchurch.
Chief Executive, ALGIM New ZealandMike Manson has a passion for bringing people and technology together. Mike is the Chief Executive of ALGIM (Association of Local Government Information Management), a founding member and current international secretary for eight countries of local authorities known as LOLA (Linked organisations of Local Authorities). Mike has represented NZ Local Government in China at a gathering of 55 countries. He has had an expansive career across many roles in Local Government.
Michele Wong is the Head of IoT (Internet of Things) at Spark. She has held a number of senior roles across Spark in the last 12 years, including leading strategy, commercial and product innovation teams. Prior to joining Spark, Michele spent five years at TelstraClear and has a wealth of knowledge about the telecommunications industry. Michele holds a Bachelor of Science and Technology from Victoria University and lives in Auckland with her family.
Smart Christchurch Innovation Expo 2024 is produced by Council’s Smart Christchurch programme, promoting Ōtautahi Christchurch as an exemplar city, showcasing solutions that make life better and that are replicable by others.