Keeping Up – Are you hitting your limiter?
May 26 @ 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
We invite you to our 4th New Zealand Manufacturing Industry Conference
in conjunction with EMEX 2026
Keeping Up – Are you hitting your limiter?
Perception: We live in a world where certainties are disappearing – we’re not sure where the world is heading
Reality: We can be pretty certain about where the world of manufacturing is heading – an increasing pace of technology changes, with digital technologies at the forefront
Through a rich programme of case studies, reviews, and practical insights, attendees will delve into AI, Industry 4.0 integration, robotics and human‑robot collaboration, future‑ready skills, and workforce upskilling. Complementing this are sessions on growing manufacturing start‑ups, preparing investors and owners for new opportunities, and navigating succession—whether passing the business to the next generation, merging for scale, or aligning with international buyers.
Ticket Details
This year tickets are simple – two tiers.
If you’re a member* of the MAKE│NZ community your tickets are $325+GST each
If you aren’t a member of the MAKE│NZ community your tickets are $425+GST each
Both ticket types include the full day event, including catering and a networking event post conference. Looking to join MAKE│NZ? You can find out how to register HERE
If you’re unsure if you’re a member check in with the team at sabine@makenz.org or dieter@makenz.org
*Note – MAKE│NZ offer membership by company rather than by individual, so make sure to check if your company is a member
If you’re looking to bring your team reach out to sabine@makenz.org to take advantage of our 3 for 2 deal!
Conference Programme
| 9:00-10:00 | Welcome to EMEX | EMEX opens at 9 a.m. – Feel free to come in early and see the exhibits |
| 9:00-10:00 | Check-in and day registration | |
| Theme 1: People and Technology | Keeping in step with global changes in manufacturing technologies | |
| 10:00-10:45 | Dr Jan Polzer (Faculty of Engineering and Design, Auckland University) | Technology Challenges: Industry 4.0 – a chance to workshop with audience interaction |
| 10:45-11:30 | Scott Adams (Argon & Co) | Human-robot collaboration – a formal presentation with case studies |
| 11:30-12:30 | Dion Orbell (Buckley Systems) Nathan Hay (Argus Manutech) Kayne Mulcahy (Mulcahy Engineering) | Human capital challenges: Skills for the Future – a panel with workshop and audience interaction |
| 12:30-13:15 | Lunch Break and the chance to see the exhibits or talk with peers | |
| 13:15-13:45 | Dion Orbell (Buckley Systems) Nathan Hay (Argus Manutech) Kayne Mulcahy (Mulcahy Engineering) | A continuation after the chance to discuss over lunch |
| Theme 2: Ownership Structures | From start-up to selling your manufacturing business, and some steps in between – Innovation, scale and integration with global supply chains | |
| 13:45-14:45 | Natalia Galin (Galin Engine) Charlie North (Dawn Aerospace) Josh Down (ENI Manufacturing) | Start-Ups – a workshop with leaders in the space |
| 14:45-15:10 | Afternoon Tea and the chance to see the exhibits or talk with peers | |
| 15:10-15:40 | Dean Boston (FEWORX) | Matching capital and opportunity – an informal presentation with room for Q+A |
| 15:40-16:45 | Richard Rookes (MHM Automation, Wyma Solutions) Philip Benson (AW Fraser) | Amalgamation & agglomeration – An interactive workshop |
| 16:45-17:00 | Wrap Up | |
| 17:00-18:30 | Social hour – Drinks and Networking |
From the 14th of April to the 24th of April you can also take advantage of 10% off each ticket price!
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