HR Blog

Taking place 30 June - 1 July 2026 at Cordis Auckland, the HR + L&D Innovation & Tech Fest NZ brings together HR and learning leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand to explore the ideas, technologies and strategies shaping the future of work. 

As the world of work continues to evolve, driven by rapid advancements in technology, shifting employee expectations and new models of flexibility, organisations are rethinking how they attract, develop and retain talent. 

This event provides a platform for leaders to connect and exchange practical insights as they respond to these changes. 

Shaped by our unique, research-led methodology and in-depth discussions with HR and L&D professionals, this year’s program reflects the real priorities and challenges facing people and learning leaders today. 

With an incredible line-up of speakers to be announced in the coming weeks - meet the keynote speakers: 

Emily Turnbull, Founder, Chatterbox

With over 25 years in leadership, Emily's seen a lot of change but believes we're in a "once in a generation" transformational moment.  Her focus is clear: bridging the worlds of technology and humanity is key.  Today, as a senior leader at Trade Me, that means two things at once:  guiding her teams through an AI reinvention, while fiercely celebrating the human-centric principles that foster true community and belonging.  She believes that holding both is what will set business's up for success. 

Emily is also the founder of Chatterbox, a grassroots mental wellbeing charity helping Kiwi open up through chat and connection - one chat, one seat, one connection at a time.  A charity Emily wishes didn't have to exist as it was born from the loss of her husband to suicide.   

Combining both her commercial business expertise with her personal lived experiences, Emily offers a refreshing and honest human take on why our ability to connect, to listen and to really chat is so powerful.  Emily is sought after as a speaker, having delivered keynotes to large audiences, as well as smaller workshops to teams all around the world. 

James Laughlin, Leadership Strategist & Executive Coach 

James Laughlin isn’t just another leadership speaker — he’s the #1 best-selling author of Habits of High Performers, a seven-time world champion, and a trusted advisor to leaders and teams at the highest level. From corporate boardrooms to Antarctica, James has equipped and inspired people in some of the most challenging environments on earth. As a sought-after keynote speaker, James has transformed not only elite athletes and billion-dollar CEOs but entire teams — empowering every team member to embrace personal mastery, adaptability, and high performance habits. 

His proprietary frameworks are designed to cut through complexity and give people the clarity and tools to achieve extraordinary results. What sets James apart is his lived experience of winning against the odds. From leading an underdog team of Kiwi musicians to a history-making world championship, to serving as the mental skills coach for Canterbury Rugby, he brings a pragmatic, proven approach that resonates across industries and cultures. Beyond the stage, James hosts the #1-ranked Lead on Purpose podcast, where he draws insights from global icons — from Fortune 500 CEOs to world leaders. His message is clear: high performance isn’t reserved for a few — with the right mindset and tools, every person can elevate their game and contribute to sublime results. 

Melissa Clark-Reynolds, Futurist & Strategist 

Melissa Clark-Reynolds is a street-smart futurist and tech entrepreneur who helps leaders cut through noise, tackle change head-on, and build clear pathways to tomorrow. 

Trained by the Institute for the Future and appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the technology industry, she’s worked with everyone from Spark and IAG to NASA and Australian Pork, tackling everything from company strategy to digital disruption. Melissa brings principled insight and practical tools that help teams turn uncertainty into direction. 

People often leave her sessions with their minds blown and their thinking reset — about risk, responsibility, and what to act on now. Whether she’s guiding a CEO through a tough transition or challenging a conference audience on the future of AI, Melissa is known for her grounded foresight and ability to call it like it is, with clarity and warmth. 

Simon Kuestenmacher, Director and Co-founder, The Demographics Group 

Simon Kuestenmacher is a Director and Co-founder of The Demographics Group. He presents on demographic and global trends that are shaping ANZ today and into the future and his observations are enjoyed by corporate, government and industry audiences alike. Simon is a columnist for The New Daily newspaper and a regular contributor to The Australian newspaper; and he is a media commentator on demographic and data matters. 

 In his spare time Simon has authored three books on maps and runs what is by now the world’s largest Twitter account dedicated to maps and data. His social media posts reach over 35 million people every month. Simon ranks as one of the world’s top 10 influencers in data. 

With valuable networking opportunities and a focus on practical, research-driven content, the HR + L&D Innovation & Tech Fest NZ 2026 is a must-attend event for HR and learning professionals navigating the evolving world of work. 

Discover new ideas, gain practical takeaways and connect with your peers. 2FOR1 tickets are available - secure yours today.