2026 ATA NZ Conference and Trade Show
The ATA NZ Conference & Trade Show 2026 is where New Zealand’s advanced textiles industry comes together to connect, contribute and grow.
Whether you're a fabricator, supplier, manufacturer, installer, designer or business owner, this year's programme has been designed to give you practical ideas, valuable connections and fresh inspiration to take back to your business.
🤝 Connect with the people who matter
Meet industry peers from across New Zealand, reconnect with colleagues, and build relationships that lead to new opportunities, referrals and collaborations.
💡 Learn from practical, relevant sessions
From AI and automation to pricing for profit, modern fabrication techniques, material selection, and future market trends, every session is designed to provide real-world takeaways you can put into practice.
🏢 Explore the Trade Show
Discover the latest products, technologies and innovations from leading suppliers while viewing award entries that showcase the best of our industry's craftsmanship and creativity.
📈 Gain insights to strengthen your business
Hear the latest ATA NZ Industry Benchmark Report, understand emerging trends, and learn strategies to improve efficiency, profitability and long-term growth.
🏆 Celebrate industry excellence
Wrap up the conference at the ATA NZ Gala Dinner & Awards Celebration, recognising outstanding achievements while enjoying an evening of networking and camaraderie.
What to expect:
- Trade Show with Suppliers from across the country
- Keynote Speaker
- Fabricator Workshop for Marine and Motor Trimmers
- Business Workshops
- Networking Opportunities
- Awards for Excellence Celebration Dinner honouring the Best in the Industry
2026 ATA NZ Apprentice of the Year Awards
Entry for the 2026 Apprentice of the Year will open soon. We look forward to announcing the winners at our Awards dinner on 14th August.
All entries must be submitted by Friday 3rd July 2026.
Whether you're a fabricator, supplier, manufacturer, installer, designer or business owner, this year's programme has been designed to give you practical ideas, valuable connections and fresh inspiration to take back to your business.
🤝 Connect with the people who matter
Meet industry peers from across New Zealand, reconnect with colleagues, and build relationships that lead to new opportunities, referrals and collaborations.
💡 Learn from practical, relevant sessions
From AI and automation to pricing for profit, modern fabrication techniques, material selection, and future market trends, every session is designed to provide real-world takeaways you can put into practice.
🏢 Explore the Trade Show
Discover the latest products, technologies and innovations from leading suppliers while viewing award entries that showcase the best of our industry's craftsmanship and creativity.
📈 Gain insights to strengthen your business
Hear the latest ATA NZ Industry Benchmark Report, understand emerging trends, and learn strategies to improve efficiency, profitability and long-term growth.
🏆 Celebrate industry excellence
Wrap up the conference at the ATA NZ Gala Dinner & Awards Celebration, recognising outstanding achievements while enjoying an evening of networking and camaraderie.
What to expect:
- Trade Show with Suppliers from across the country
- Keynote Speaker
- Fabricator Workshop for Marine and Motor Trimmers
- Business Workshops
- Networking Opportunities
- Awards for Excellence Celebration Dinner honouring the Best in the Industry
2026 ATA NZ Apprentice of the Year Awards
Entry for the 2026 Apprentice of the Year will open soon. We look forward to announcing the winners at our Awards dinner on 14th August.
All entries must be submitted by Friday 3rd July 2026.
Location
Novotel Lakeside Rotorua
Date & Time
August 13, 2026, 11:00 AM -
August 14, 2026 - 11:00 PM
August 14, 2026 - 11:00 PM
2026 Conference Programme
2026 Speakers
From practical business strategies to emerging technologies and industry innovation, the ATA NZ Conference 2026 programme is designed to inspire, challenge, and equip attendees for the future. Hear from leading experts, successful business owners, and thought leaders as they share real-world insights, actionable advice, and fresh perspectives on profitability, AI, collaboration, workforce development, sustainability, and growth. Whether you're on the tools, in the office, or leading a team, you'll leave with ideas and connections to help strengthen your business and the industry as a whole.
Matt Browning
Co cEO
Incredible
Incredible
Many businesses know they should be using AI and automation, but most don’t know where to start — or assume it’s expensive, complicated, and only for large companies.
This session will demonstrate how AI and no-code platforms are being used to build simple, custom business tools that reduce admin, improve job tracking, streamline quoting, and help businesses run more efficiently without expensive custom software development.
Shelley Houston
founder, Managing Director
materially kiwi innovations
materially kiwi innovations
Shelley Houston is the Founder and Managing Director of Materially Kiwi Innovations (formerly KiwiLeather Innovations), a New Zealand-based biomaterials company transforming kiwifruit by-product into next-generation, bio-based leather-like materials for fashion, automotive, and interior applications.
Matt Browning
As Director of Ake Accounting, Matthew Davis has spent over a decade helping businesses and whānau achieve sustainable success. A Chartered Accountant since 2010, he combines deep expertise in financial strategy, governance, and business advisory with a personalised coaching approach that empowers clients to grow with confidence.
2026 Sponsors
Thank you to the sponsors who have dedicated themselves year after year to support our industry and our conference.
There's still time to sponsor. Get in touch if you would like to exhibit.
There's still time to sponsor. Get in touch if you would like to exhibit.
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Workshop Sponsors
Apprentice of the Year Sponsors
