PwC Herald Talks hits the road

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NZME’s business networking event series, PwC Herald Talks, is moving into its third year and expanding. Following its success in Auckland, select PwC Herald Talks will also be held in Wellington and Christchurch, allowing anyone looking for professional development, networking opportunities or inspiration to hear a diverse range of thought leading speakers.

PwC Herald Talks is designed to share knowledge, insight and strategies for companies to grow and diversify in the ever-changing landscape on New Zealand business. The networking breakfast events showcase current trends in business and present a range of speakers to discuss a variety of important topics.

The first event for 2017 with keynote Daniel Flynn (co-founder and MD of Thankyou) and panellists Traci Houpapa (professional director), Mark Averill (ceo, PwC NZ) and Ranjna Patel (Director, Nirvana Health Group) saw almost 500 attendees at SkyCity Theatre Auckland.

NZME ceo Michael Boggs says that having had great uptake for the past two years, the decision to take the talks on the road was a natural one. “It’s great to take the PwC Herald Talks to Wellington and Christchurch to share the wisdom of the keynotes with more Kiwis than ever. The events have resonated with Auckland businesspeople and we’re excited to see them grow.”

Boggs says PwC Herald Talks will be valuable for anyone on the business career ladder; graduates interested in getting into the industry, middle management, senior executives, entrepreneurs and everyone in between will find something that resonates with them. “The range of speakers and their backgrounds ensures each person will leave with a new idea, thought or reflection,” he says.

The 2017 PwC Herald Talks series will see five events in Auckland, three in Wellington and two in Christchurch. The topics of each event will cover a diverse range of business subjects:

  • Innovation: Innovate or be left behind. Innovation can be a catalyst for the growth and success of your business, and help you to adapt and grow in the marketplace. The way we do business is constantly changing, the market you target is often getting smaller and the amount of competition for consumer buy in is increasing. In order to survive and thrive you need to look and ways to empower innovation from the top to the bottom of your business. You will find out just how to look at your business through innovative and boundary pushing glasses.
  • Global versus Local: Urbanisation is a worldwide trend with 67.2% of the world’s population predicted to be urbanised by 2050 – New Zealand is already sitting at 86.2% domiciled in our urban areas and it raises several questions for business. Can you succeed servicing your market from afar? Or do you need a physical presence within growing business hubs? Hear case studies on the good, the bad, and the ugly of entering global markets, as well as securing local market share. Our business leaders will offer insights into if owning local markets is enough, how to do this and how best to go offshore.
  • Internet of Things: The Internet of Things refers to a dramatic development in the internet’s functionality: while initially between people, it now enables communication between physical objects. In the near future there will be a global system of interconnected computer networks, sensors, actuators, and devices all using the internet protocol. The potential to change our lives is so significant that it is often referred to as the internet’s next generation.
  • Sharing economy: It’s a whole new marketplace that is shaking up the business world around us.
  • Sharing economy is simply an economic system in which we share assets and services, typically by means of the Internet. It is driven by creative, new technologies, connecting people using social media, peer to peer sites or mobile apps.

PwC chief marketing officer Justine St John believes the topics will add value and inspiration to businesses. “The upcoming PwC Herald Talks topics for 2017 are designed to inspire and help people think differently on a range of topics that are key for their business strategy,” she says. “We’ve seen people come away with real tools to help their businesses grow and stay relevant in this rapidly changing business environment.”

The events are sponsored by PwC, 2degrees, Massey University, SkyCity and ATEED. Simon Dallow will return as emcee for the events, as will NZ Herald Head of Business Fran O’Sullivan, who will adjudicate the discussion panels.

  • NZME Events have an interactive app that allows users to ask the panel questions during the Q+A session. It can be downloaded here: Apple; Android

PWC Herald Talks schedule
May 10, 11 & 12 – Innovation (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch)
July 5 & 6 – Global versus Local (Auckland, Wellington)
September 20, 21 & 22 – Internet of Things (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch)
November 15 – Sharing Economy (Auckland)


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