Unpacking Canterbury’s Edge - Innovation, Collaboration & Export

Join us for an evening that lifts the lid on Canterbury’s momentum, and gives you practical insight to harness it for your own business.

Canterbury is on a roll - outperforming the national average and setting a pace many envy. But what’s the secret sauce driving this growth? How can bold thinking in innovation, collaboration, and export put your business ahead of the pack?

Hear from heavy-hitters:

Ali Adams

CEO, ChristchurchNZ

Ali Adams is ChristchurchNZ’s Chief Executive. She leads the city’s economic development agency with the support of six general managers who lead teams in pillars that each support a vital part of the agency’s work. “Leading ChristchurchNZ is the best role in the world. It is a privilege to have that kaitiakitanga, that responsibility on behalf of all who call Ōtautahi Christchurch home now, and on behalf of my children and the children who will live here in the future. I love that I have responsibility to help grow this amazing place.” Ali has a background in economic development, having led New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s work in Europe and before that, in the South Island. She has also worked in marketing, tourism and sports leadership, spending four years as the domestic manager for New Zealand Cricket. A Cantabrian by choice since 2003, she started her business career as a brand manager for Unilever after graduating from Cambridge University with a first-class honours degree in natural science.

David Downs

CEO, New Zealand Story; Chair, The Icehouse

David has had a successful career in the private and public sector and is now CEO of The New Zealand Story, an ambitious government-funded organisation marketing New Zealand to the world. He also acts as a consultant and is a director on several boards, including as Chair of The Icehouse. David is an ex-comedian, TV and radio actor, semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year, cancer survivor and a published author of the books No.8 Re-wired, No.8 Recharged, A Mild Touch of the Cancer, and Silver Linings. David founded SOS Business, a hugely successful not-for-profit initiative to help cafes and other small businesses during covid-19.

Together, Ali and David will lead an engaging discussion, offering insights from a regional, national, and international lens. Expect a session filled with actionable takeaways, strategic foresight, and inspiration.

Networking & Refreshments:

After the discussion, enjoy drinks, food, and the opportunity to connect with fellow business leaders. It's a chance to exchange ideas, forge new partnerships, and be part of Canterbury's thriving business community.

Agenda
5:30 PM – Arrival: Drinks & Light Bites
6:00 PM – Alumni Session: Exporting, Innovation & Collaboration
7:00 PM – Networking
7:30 PM – Event Concludes

Book Your Tickets by Monday 7th July

• General Admission: $35 + GST per person

• Alumni:

  • $35 + GST per person
    OR

  • Bring a guest who could be a fit for the Owner Manager Programme and you both attend for free

Spaces are limited - lock it in early!

Why Attend?

This is for those who want:

• Sharper insights on what’s really working in business growth right now

• Smarter conversations with experienced operators

• Stronger connections with people who back themselves and the region

We look forward to seeing you there!

Cheers,

Andrea and the Icehouse Team