Attending the Canterbury Tech Summit: A Day of Innovation and Connections

‍Introduction:
‍
‍Last week, we had the exciting opportunity to attend the Canterbury Tech Summit alongside our sister company, TTC Global. It was a day packed with inspiring and thought-provoking discussions, and valuable connections with tech leaders from the region and across New Zealand.

The Canterbury Tech Summit: A Premier Tech Event
‍
The Canterbury Tech Summit has long been a highlight for anyone involved in the tech industry in the South Island, and this year was no exception. The event brought together a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, developers, thought leaders, and industry experts, offering a chance to explore the latest trends and share insights on the future of technology.

‍Key Takeaways from the Summit

‍The summit provided global perspectives and thought leadership. Graeme Mueller, CEO of NZ Tech, who emphasised the growing importance of advocacy for the tech industry. The opening keynote by Melissa Clark-Reynolds, where she addressed the evolving landscape of Intellectual Property in an AI-driven world, was thought-provoking. Melissa raised an important point about legislation lagging technological advancements, prompting us to consider how each of us can contribute to implementing responsible AI. The question becomes: how do we ensure that the data solutions we create are secure, trusted, and aligned with ethical principles, especially in a world where the same technologies can be misused? We can't afford to be naive in this new reality.

The sessions throughout the day covered a wide range of topics, from AI advancements to the importance of data fundamentals. A standout moment was a session by Sophie Bolton, Head of Emergency Management at Foodstuffs South Island, who likened data quality to the foundation of a house. Without solid data structures, organisations, no matter how data-driven, will struggle to deliver meaningful change. Additionally, her call for a shift from simply generating reports to delivering actionable insights was refreshing and reflected a growing awareness among leaders about the value of data in achieving real business impact.

These topics emphasise the importance of having a comprehensive data strategy which aligns with business goals. It enables organisations to build and scale their data capabilities while keeping a strong focus on responsible data governance and robust testing frameworks. These are core areas where well-established methodologies and approaches ensure data platforms are both resilient and compliant.

The day also provided plenty of networking opportunities, including a relaxed TTC Global Lunch where attendees could connect over shared ideas. These interactions provided a platform to discuss challenges and explore potential partnerships. The energy and innovation at the summit were contagious, and it was inspiring to see so many forward-thinking minds come together to shape the future of technology in New Zealand.

Our collaboration with TTC Global gave us the chance to further showcase our joint expertise in pushing the boundaries of technology. As sister companies, we share a commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to create genuine business value. Engaging with like-minded industry peers who share this vision was a particularly rewarding experience. Hennie Steyn, our Head of Customer Delivery, had insightful discussions with attendees, focusing on challenges such as data-driven AI initiatives, platform migration, and data governance complexities. “It was an excellent opportunity to share ideas and develop pragmatic approaches to solve these challenges,” Hennie remarked.‍

‍Conclusion:

‍As we reflect on our time at the Canterbury Tech Summit, we’re more motivated than ever to continue building innovative solutions and forging strong relationships within the tech community. We look forward to applying the insights gained to further our ongoing efforts in the region. If you attended the summit and didn’t get a chance to connect with us, feel free to reach out – we’d love to continue the conversation!