EVOLUTION OF A LEGACY
For nearly two decades, the New Zealand CIO Summit & Awards has been the definitive platform for enterprise technology and transformation leadership in the country. It has consistently stood at the intersection of global and local thought leadership, hosting experts from institutions like NASA, the Estonian Government, the New York Times, Stanford University, and NATO, while celebrating the homegrown talent that powers Aotearoa’s digital edge.
THE FUTURE c_o
The New Zealand CIO Innovation Summit & Awards is evolving, powered by a new strategic partnership between Brightstar and Ecosystm. This collaboration unites the complete innovation value chain – enterprise technology leaders, digital entrepreneurs, technology providers, investors, and government leaders – to create an essential platform.
Brightstar is New Zealand’s leading provider of B2B conferences, exhibitions, and awards events, deeply connecting and influencing local business capability. The event’s transformation is fueled by the new partnership with Ecosystm, a leading market analyst and advisory firm for the new digital economy, which helps ensure the Summit is rooted in data-driven insights and world-class best practices, helping enterprises make the best decisions in the evolving digital economy. This powerful, comprehensive network creates unparalleled opportunities for sharing insights, resources, and strategic partnerships, vital for both showcasing New Zealand’s innovation capabilities globally and integrating world-class best practices locally, reflecting our understanding that innovation is the responsibility of the entire C-suite.
A New Era Begins
at
the NZICC
In 2026, Over three days – research driven insights drive the basis for the next layer of discussion with engaging exclusive roundtables to startup showcases, global keynotes, and the highly anticipated CIO Innovation Awards Gala Dinner – this event will recognise and celebrate what’s working, what’s next, and inspire the future.
Held at the new New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland, the setting embodies the Kiwi spirit of manaakitanga – genuine hospitality and courageous thinking. It’s a place built for bold ideas and lasting impact. It’s a place designed to facilitate connection and foster bold thinking, providing the state-of-the-art environment needed to bring the future of technology and enterprise to life. This move isn’t just a change of venue; it’s a statement that we are building the future, together.
Welcome to a new chapter
Welcome to the New Zealand CIO Innovation Summit & Awards. Join us as we connect and collaborate to lift the narrative, showcase the best innovation from New Zealand, and take a giant step toward becoming a global innovation leader..
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Meet the team
AMIT GUPTA
Group CEO and Founder, Ecosystm
Arishta Khanna
Group Chief Operating Officer, Ecosystm
Ullrich Loeffler
co-founder and ceo,
Ecosystm
Paula Cleghorn
CEO,
Brightstar
SASH MUKHERJEE
VP, Industry Insights,
Ecosystm
Sarah Day
Portfolio Manager,
Brightstar
Finn Robertson
Conference Producer,
Brightstar
Dominic Duncan
Sponsorship Leader,
Brightstar
Scott Clogg
Senior Account Manager,
Brightstar
Aman Bajaj
Senior Account Manager, Brightstar
Chris White
VP, Marketing & Communities
Ecosystm
MELANIE EVANS
HEAD OF MARKETING,
Brightstar
SHYLA STRATFUL
Events & Operations Manager,
Brightstar