Hear from international guest speaker Dave Gougé about lessons from the growth and successful exit of visual effects giant Wētā FX! 🎬

Our regular Pitch & Pints event is having a shake-up in September. We're retaining the welcoming tone that you love, as well as the rapid-fire pitch component, but in place of our featured pitch partners, this month we'll have the chance to hear from an international guest speaker, who has led marketing and publicity teams at the highest level of the entertainment industry.

Welcome to Production + Pints, featuring a fireside chat with Dave Gougé!

Grab a drink, meet members from the local startup and arts communities, share your elevator pitch, and hear from an inspirational entertainment industry professional @ the ultimate casual networking event for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. Whether you want to showcase your big idea, or to build connections with other innovators and creatives, this is the place to connect, share, and grow.

About Dave Gougé

Dave Gougé is a skilled business and marketing strategist working at the intersection of emerging technology, entertainment, and global growth. He leads a global consulting practice advising companies looking to pivot, scale, or innovate, and works closely with organisations in visual effects, AI, and digital storytelling. Dave serves on the Board of the Visual Effects Society and is a Beachhead Advisor for the New Zealand government’s Trade & Enterprise agency, helping tech-forward businesses expand globally.

As former Head of Marketing & Publicity at Wētā FX for thirteen years, he shaped the global reputation of one of the most awarded VFX studios, helping to drive over 60 artistic and technical wins including Oscars, BAFTAs, Emmys, and 12 Academy SciTech Awards. He also led brand and positioning strategies that contributed to Wētā's $USD1.6B acquisition by Unity Technologies.

Dave is a trusted speaker and moderator known for navigating complex industry conversations - from AI's role in creativity to leadership in tech culture.

What to Expect:
🤝 Networking: Connect with like-minded innovators, future collaborators, and industry experts over a pint.

🔥 Pitch Fire: Got 45 seconds? Take the mic, pitch your idea, and ask for the connections or support you need to level up. This is optional, but can be a great way to share what you're working on with people who could help to magnify your results.

🌟 Fireside Chat: Learn from an esteemed entertainment industry professional, whose work at Autodesk, Wētā FX, and beyond, has seen him involved in multiple Academy Award-winning projects, as well as a successful $USD1.6 billion acquisition deal.

Agenda:
6:00 PM – Doors open, grab a drink and a snack, and mingle with awesome people.
6:30 PM – Pitch fire: Open mic for 45-second pitches from the floor.
7:00 PM – Fireside chat with international guest speaker Dave Gougé, followed by an open Q&A session
7:45 PM – More snacks and networking.

Whether you're pitching, listening, or just here for the beer, this special edition of Pitch & Pints is your opportunity to build connections, gain inspiration, and have fun. See you there!