THE PEOPLE FACTOR 2026
About this Event
Conference Overview - Resilience Today. Readiness for Tomorrow.
Economic conditions remain challenging. Customer expectations are changing. Technology is evolving rapidly, and workforce expectations continue to shift.
The organisations that thrive over the next decade won't simply survive today's pressure, they'll build the capability, culture, leadership and commercial resilience needed to seize tomorrow's opportunities.
The People Factor 2026 brings together business leaders, workplace specialists, employment experts and industry innovators to explore the people, performance and possibility factors that drive future success.
Attendees will gain practical insights into employment law, health and safety, AI, workforce trends, customer experience, organisational performance and future opportunities, all through the lens of preparing organisations for growth when confidence returns.
What to Expect
This action-packed day features expert keynotes, dynamic panel discussions and practical insights across three key themes:
Understanding Change - Understanding the trends shaping tomorrow's workplaces.
Building Performance - Creating organisations where people and businesses thrive. Leading Forward - Turning today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities
Meet Some of Our Incredible Confirmed Speakers:
- Gareth Abdinor | Employment Lawyer, Abdinor Employment Law Limited
- Garth Gallaway | Barrister, Health & Safety Specialist
- Caroline Harvie-Teare | Chief Executive, Venues Ōtautahi
- Sarah Munro | General Manager, Matatū Rugby
- Ben Reed | Managing Director, Hamilton Jet
More exciting speakers to be announced soon. Don't miss out!
This is a free event.
Spaces are limited. Reserve your seat today and join us for a day of expert insights, real conversations and genuine connections with fellow professionals.
Register Now
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration & Arrival Coffee
Info: Welcome networking and registration check-in.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:10 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Info: An introduction to the day and the opportunities and challenges shaping New Zealand organisations in 2026 and beyond.
▶ UNDERSTANDING CHANGE ───────────────────────────
Info: Understanding the trends shaping tomorrow's workplaces
🕑: 09:10 AM - 09:50 AM
Opening Keynote - The Future of Work: Trends, Opportunities & Possibilities
🕑: 09:55 AM - 10:25 AM
Employment Law Update - What Every Employer Needs to Know in 2026
🕑: 10:25 AM - 10:55 AM
Morning Tea & Networking
🕑: 10:55 AM - 11:45 AM
Panel Discussion - The Workplace of Tomorrow
Info: What We're Learning About Our Work, People and Performance
🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:20 PM
AI & The Modern Workplace - From Curiosity to Capability
🕑: 12:20 PM - 01:20 AM
Lunch & Networking
▶ BUILDING PERFORMANCE ──────────────────────────────
Info: Creating organisations where people and businesses thrive
🕑: 01:20 AM - 01:50 AM
Possibility in Practice
Info: What High-Performing Organisations Are Doing Differently
🕑: 01:55 AM - 02:20 AM
Health & Safety
Info: Beyond Compliance -Building Workplaces Where People Thrive
🕑: 02:25 AM - 02:55 AM
Growth Through People
Info: Why Great Customer Experiences Start with Great Employee Experiences
▶ LEADING FORWARD ──────────────────────────────
Info: Turning today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities
🕑: 03:00 AM - 03:45 AM
Panel Discussion - The Power of Possibility
🕑: 03:45 AM - 04:00 AM
Conference Wrap-Up & Close
Info: Reflections, Key Takeaways, and Next Steps.
🕑: 04:00 AM
Networking Drinks
Info: Continue the conversation with speakers, clients and industry peers while building valuable connections in a relaxed environment.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
NZD 0.00
