Discover our nationwide festival for tech that's good for the world.
See Tomorrow First Techweek24 Launch
Morning event to launch Techweek24 featuring leaders from New Zealand's gaming and space sectors who are building tech for a better tomorrow
Date and time:
20 May, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Location:
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
NZME's iHeart Media Lounge, 2 Graham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
NZME iHeart Lounge
Free $Registration required
Tech is the second largest contributor to New Zealand's economy, and the sector is growing rapidly. We're building a global reputation for creating tech for a better tomorrow through the See Tomorrow First initiative, and we're excited to bring it to life at the launch of Techweek24.
Hosted by Graeme Muller, CEO of your unified industry voice NZTech, alongside David Downs, CEO of NZStory, who will facilitate panel discussions with leaders from New Zealand's gaming and space sectors during this morning event. These discussions will be released as live episodes of the See Tomorrow First Podcast.
Joining us on our New Zealand's games panel:
Sam Ramlu, CEO and Co-Founder of Method, Mad Carnival and Mighty Eyes, the studio behind acclaimed VR adventure game, Wanderer.
Mario Wynands, CEO and Co-Founder of Pikpok, a leading publisher of video games for desktop, mobile and console, established in 1997.
Antony Blackett, Business Development Manager at Synty Studios, the world leader in Low Poly Asset Packs for Unity, Unreal, Film, TV, Metaverse, Game Development & more.
Joining us on our New Zealand Space panel:
Stefan Powell, CEO, CTO and Co-Founder, Dawn Aerospace, pioneers in nitrous-based propulsion technology and the fastest-growing green propulsion supplier in the world.
Max Arshavsky, CEO and Co-Founder, Zenno Astronautics, pioneer and world-leader in super-conducting magnets for space applications.
Morgan Bailey, Director of Communications, Rocket Lab, New Zealand-born end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components and on-orbit management.
Final panellist to be confirmed.
Please note panellists may be subject to change.
Speakers
Sam Ramlu
Managing Director - Method
Sam is an influential thought leader, storyteller, industry champion and creative technology innovator. She has spent over 20 years bringing awe-inspiring stories and experiences to life through digital and emerging technology.
Passionate about authenticity, Sam sees technology as a driver and enabler for creative ideas that create connection with their audience. She also cares deeply about creating pathways for new generations to enter the creative and tech industries.
Sam is co-founder of Method, an award-winning creative tech studio; Mad Carnival, making beautiful, fun and wholesome games; and Mighty Eyes, the studio behind the acclaimed VR adventure game Wanderer.
Antony Blackett
Business Development Director of Assets - Synty Studios
Antony Blackett is an 18 year veteran of the New Zealand games industry. Born in Wellington and graduating with a BSc in Computer Science from Otago University, Antony is a game developer by trade. He has worked on dozens of successful games with tens of millions of players globally. Antony has recently joined the team at Synty as the Business Development Director, helping Synty transform their business to achieve their next level of growth and global reach. Synty is empowering creatives of all types to achieve their dreams by providing the art they need to bring their imagination to life.
Mario Wynands
CEO, PikPok
Mario Wynands is the CEO and co-founder of PikPok, a leading publisher of video games for mobile, desktop, and console based in Aotearoa New Zealand. Since 1997 he has led the studio in building a successful games portfolio that includes the critically and commercially successful Rival Stars® Horse Racing, Into the Dead® and Into the Dead 2, Super Monsters Ate My Condo™, Shatter® and more, which have been recognized with BAFTA and DICE Award nominations, as well as included on App Store and Google Play best of year lists. Wynands is a graduate of Victoria University in Wellington with degrees in business management and computer science.
Stefan Powell
CEO and CTO, Dawn Aerospace
Stefan Powell is the co-founder, CEO and CTO of Dawn Aerospace.
Stefan leads a team of 135 people based across New Zealand, The Netherlands and the U.S.A, building a scalable and sustainable space transportation network.
Dawn pioneered the use of nitrous-based propulsion technology and is now the fastest-growing green propulsion supplier in the world. His team are also building rocket-powered aircraft, a sustainable launch vehicle that combines the performance of a rocket with the rapid reusability and fleet economics of an aircraft.
Stefan is the company visionary and technical lead.
Morgan Bailey
Director of Communications, Rocket Lab
Morgan Bailey is the Senior Director of Communications for Rocket Lab. She leads global communications strategies and activities and provides strategic communications counsel to Rocket Lab's senior executives.
Ms. Bailey has been with the company since August 2017 and oversees Rocket Lab’s media relations, executive and employee communications, marketing communications, issues management, digital and social media platforms, corporate social responsibility programs, community relations, branding, and visual communications strategies and programs.
Ms. Bailey has more than a decade of experience in corporate and marketing communications. Prior to Rocket Lab, Ms. Bailey served as Senior Account Manager at global communications agency Porter Novelli where she led media relations and public affairs efforts for a range of companies spanning technology, aerospace, finance, and retail sectors.
David Downs
CEO, NZStory
David has held a portfolio of interests across international trade, technology, economic development, and charitable causes. He has held a number of General Management roles in New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, most recently working with the technology sector to help fast growing tech companies grow internationally and New Zealand companies adopt digital commerce channels to market. He has also held leadership roles at NZTE in products and services, customer and corporate services. Prior to this David had an extensive career in leadership roles with Microsoft in New Zealand and Asia Pacific.
David is a passionate New Zealander and storyteller by nature. He has successfully started businesses, been a comedian, TV and Radio actor, a talented author and semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year.