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.
Stay tuned, more to come!
9:00 - 5:00 |
Empowering Communities: Local Government Workshop An invite-only workshop designed for local government officials, where we delve into essential topics such as smart communities, AI, and future generations planning. This session provides a unique platform for councils from New Zealand and Australia to connect and share innovative solutions. Full programme available here. |
9:30 - 1:30 |
Discover Innovation: Schools Experience Inspiring the Future Kicking off with a fun 20-question investigation, students try to guess the jobs of inspiring role models. After the big reveal, where each role model shares their job and a unique prop, students break into smaller discussion groups encouraging the sharing of exciting career pathways. Led by the Tertiary Education Commission. Calling Next Gen Innovators: Design your Expo This workshop invites students to take the lead at this year's Innovation Expo by exploring and challenging the current format. They'll engage with exhibitors, gather insights, and then jump into a rapid design thinking challenge to reimagine what the Innovation Expo could look like next year. Led by Josh Hough and Johnson Keast. Sessions are pre-booked for school groups. |
9:00 - 5:00 |
Interactive Robotics 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. Venue : Exhibition Hall |
9:30 - 4:20 |
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 center stage. Watch as these young minds present their imaginative and innovative building concepts, all aimed at shaping a brighter future. Venue : Exhibition Hall |
10:00 - 4:00 |
VEX V5 and IQ Robotics Competitions Students from across Canterbury have been working on their robots to 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. Venue : Exhibition Hall |
9:30 - 12:50 |
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 center stage. Join us and watch as these young minds present their imaginative and innovative building concepts, all aimed at shaping a brighter future. Venue : Exhibition Hall |
10:00 - 4:30 |
Valorant Innovation Expo Exhibition Tournament Experience the thrill of competitive gaming at the Valorant Esports Tournament, where top teams battle it out for glory and prizes amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the expo. Join us for intense matches and live commentary. Venue : Dobson 4 |
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.