The Next Economy: Rethinking business, innovation & economic systems

This event is part of Next Fest, brought to you by the Sustainable Business Network and NZI, and made possible thanks to WEAll Aotearoa.

How do we reimagine business and innovation so they serve people and planet? How can economic systems evolve to deliver wellbeing, resilience and shared prosperity?

Join us for an afternoon of interactive workshops exploring the Next Economy — a future where business thrives within ecological limits and communities flourish. This half-day track runs alongside SBN's Next Fest and brings together changemakers, entrepreneurs and innovators ready to step into what’s next.

What to expect

• Wellbeing Economy 101 & Three Horizons workshop – a hands-on introduction to the key ideas and tools for shaping system change, led by WEAll Aotearoa.

• Building the Business Case – why the wellbeing economy makes sense for business, with insights from Lewis Patterson, Sustainable Brands.

• Designing for wellbeing in practice – practical tools and first steps to take your organisation from “what’s now” to “what’s next”, with Lizzie Shupak (STEPS Collective).

• Plenty of time for connection and collaboration over afternoon tea to help you expand your network.

Who should come

This workshop track is for business leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone curious about how we can build an economy that truly works for all of us.

Together, we’ll explore real-world case studies, exchange practical tools, and map out the pathways towards a more regenerative, inclusive, and resilient economy.