A nation-wide event held in 19 regions across Aotearoa, the Manawatū component of TechWeek23 is proudly brought to you by ManawaTech, who will be delivering four regional events, which include Power of LinkedIn (16 May), Women in Tech Panel, and the CodeBreakers Exhibition (17 May), finishing with the Tech Solutions Expo and Mega Meetup event on Friday 19 May.
These four Manawatū events, along with event line-ups from other hosting regions, will bring together cutting-edge tech entrepreneurs, innovators and agencies in what is expected to be an exciting week in the 2023 calendar.
The week-long event is a must attend for any Manawatū businesses or individuals who either consume tech services or are looking to work with a technology company in the region. It will also be an opportunity to learn what and how individuals can study to work in the industry, and for businesses to discover new ways to improve their business operations via the latest services in automation and artificial intelligence.
There are currently 120 technology firms within Manawatū and Executive Officer, Steve Pavarno at ManawaTech, says the week-long lineup of events, including the Friday 19 May Tech Solutions Expo and Mega Meetup events, will offer something for everyone.
“We're bringing together four regional events in Manawatū during Tech Week, and these will largely be about encouraging networking opportunities and understanding of tech offerings, about attracting and motivating our graduates and skilled professionals to train, study and invest here.
“We know that the region really is perfectly positioned to do all of this.
“Whether you’re from an organisation that is investigating how technology solutions can solve a simple business problem or revolutionise your work; someone looking to study or train in the technology sector; or even if you're just curious to see for yourself how Manawatū is fast becoming a technology hub; then these events are for you,” Pavarno says.
Manawatū is home to tech start-up facilitators such as The Factory, FoodHQ, Sprout and Massey, to name a few. This ecosystem represents our key enablers, helping to support start-ups and entrepreneurs who bring to market some of the best ideas, services and products, all spurring on innovation and economic growth; not to mention a healthy supply of skilled tech workers for the future.
Duncan Ashenhurst, principal consultant and director at ifTHEN Limited who is helping to coordinate the Friday 19th May Tech Solutions Expo Manawatū event during TechWeek 23, says they’re hoping to get between 200-300 attendees through the doors on the day, with between 15-20 exhibitors on show.
“We’re encouraging people and organisations to attend, exhibit and network from not only Manawatū, but also from neighbouring regions like Kapiti, Wellington, Whanganui and Hawke’s Bay.
“Getting somewhere between 200-300 attendees on the day would be an exceptional outcome for us, however, this will inevitably be a template for future events, so we’re keen to do it right and deliver something special in the process,” says Ashenhurst.
With the sector keen to make Tech Week and subsequent mini-regional events an annual event in the calendar, this is a week to watch out for in future.
You can view the full Manawatū tech week programme of events here and for more event details and how to get involved, go to techweek.co.nz.