Many of the world's leading technology experts will be in Dunedin for the Association of Local Government Information Management's (ALGIM) Spring Web and Digital and Customer Experience Conference on September 17-19.
ALGIM chief executive Mike Manson said speakers at the conference included the United States Government's emerging citizen technology programme leader Justin Herman, and representatives from Google and OpenCities.
Mr Manson said organising someone of Mr Herman's calibre to visit here was no easy feat.
It was only made possible by working in conjunction with the New Zealand and Australian governments.
Mr Herman, of Washington DC, will talk to about 170 local government professionals from around New Zealand, about how the United States Government is using emerging technology, such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and blockchain to improve engagement with the public.
''We have worked hard to secure some of the biggest names in digital engagement and customer experience, and we're bringing them all to Dunedin,'' Mr Manson said.
Homegrown talent Dean Hall, from gaming studio RocketWerkz in Dunedin, said he was looking forward to hearing Mr Herman speak.
''The US is always trying to be at the forefront of where technology is going. So to be a fly on the wall of what he does would be pretty interesting.''
Mr Hall will also speak at the conference along with Ian Taylor from Animation Research, creators of the technology that allows audiences to engage with the America's Cup.
Mr Manson hoped the conference would add to Dunedin's technology sector.
''I'm proud of the line-up we have put together, and I would challenge anyone who works in digital engagement, web, or customer experience to not be inspired by such a world-class line-up of speakers. This conference is unlike any the city has ever seen.''
Delegates will visit some of the city's leading companies.
Mr Manson said the conference was aimed at people who work in local government, but was open to anyone.
''Speakers of this calibre will appeal to anyone in digital engagement, web, or customer service.''
