TechTalks – Sharing our innovation and technology stories

TechTalks – Sharing our innovation and technology stories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
26 May 2017

TechTalks, a new business event focusing on digital innovation, is a showcase of current and future technology where industry experts and local businesses share their technology stories.

Taking place next Wednesday (31 May) at the Hawke’s Bay Business Hub, the line-up of speakers includes digital ‘start-up queen’ Jenene Crossan, technology veteran Aaron McDonald and Waikato University’s Professor Mike Duke.

Another exciting element of the event is a presentation about a new travel app called UShare, says Organiser Carolyn Neville, Marketing & Operations Manager at Business Hawke’s Bay/Hawke’s Bay Business Hub.

“UShare is New Zealand’s first ridesharing app so we’re delighted that it will be presented at TechTalks.”

“It’s a locally driven initiative with a commitment to a $1 million tech development programme, and it will change the way New Zealanders get around by offering shared rides in licensed taxis.”

UShare’s Hawke’s Bay-based directors Ailne Bradley, Grant Manning and Susan Manning will share their two-year development journey. Along with more inspiring stories from other local businesses, attendees will also receive UShare credits to use on the app for local travel.

TechTalks will kick off with a coffee and insights from the guest speakers starting with Professor Duke, the Dr John Gallagher Chair in Engineering at Waikato University, who works closely with a number of research organisations and commercial partners to apply smart technologies to solve problems and increase efficiency in the primary industries. Renowned digital entrepreneur Jenene Crossan will then speak of her experiences in predicting, understanding and developing technologies to underpin the evolving consumer behaviour in the digital age. Following Jenene’s presentation, Aaron McDonald will share some experiences as a 20-year veteran technology leader in business, product and marketing for New Zealand’s largest companies.

TechTalks will challenge your thinking, says Carolyn Neville.

“There will be something for everyone during the morning – expert insights, local experiences and an introduction to technology-driven applications and tools for smarter ways to do business.”

Mrs Neville says the TechTalks initiative will help promote greater innovation, productivity and agility, and thus supports Work Area 5 of Matariki – Hawke’s Bay’s Regional Economic Development Strategy.

“Business Hawke’s Bay is the lead agency for Action 5.7, which is to promote greater business agility and connectivity through better use of digital technology. By bringing technology experts into the region to share their experiences and insights, and by showcasing local businesses who are already doing amazing things in the technology space, we can motivate and inspire other business owners or those considering a career in this industry. This is the first event in a new series of ongoing technology and innovation events throughout the year.”

“Technology is changing the way we do business in Hawke’s Bay and beyond – we need to be part of that change.”

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

TechTalks takes place on Wednesday, 31 May 2017 at the Hawke’s Bay Business Hub, from 8.30am to 12.30pm. Tickets cost $35 +GST. Register online at www.hbbusinesshub.co.nz

ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKERS:

Professor Mike Duke – University of Waikato
Professor Mike Duke is the Dr John Gallagher Chair in Engineering at Waikato University. His research interests span agricultural engineering, mechanical engineering design, solar energy systems and electric vehicles. He works closely with a number of research organisations and commercial partners to apply smart technologies to solve problems and increase efficiency in the primary industries. Professor Duke says with New Zealand’s primary industry exports set to double by 2025, challenges in the sector including labour shortages, increasing legislative requirements, and strict quality controls make the introduction of in-field robots an appealing option. He believes the robot revolution has started and now we need to embrace it.

Jenene Crossan – Start-Up Queen
Jenene Crossan (Winner of the 2016 Most Inspiring Individual at NZ Innovation Awards) is a renowned digital entrepreneur, specialising in predicting, understanding and developing technologies to underpin the evolving consumer behaviour in the digital age. Jenene’s achievements as a founder and/or CEO include: Flossie, an intelligent assistant; Blog of the Year – nzgirl.co.nz; and Bloggers Club, a social influence agency. Described by those who work with her as passionate, hard-working, insightful, creative, committed and tenacious. Jenene’s drive, determination & passion have seen her win the Most Inspirational Individual Award at the 2016 Innovation Awards and be a finalist for the Women of Influence Award 2014, Women of the Year, New Zealand Marketer of the Year and the international Veuve Clicquot Award.

Aaron McDonald – Centrality AI
Aaron is the founder of Centrality, a high growth tech company building the world’s first commercial BlockChain application ecosystem. A 20-year veteran as a technology leader in business, product and marketing for New Zealand’s largest companies, Aaron has founded two successful start-ups already and has a passion for making technology easy for users, he gets excited by trying to make the world a more equal place for everyone.

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