Artificial intelligence (AI), education and building digital capability will be prominent themes at next week’s Techweek26 events in Queenstown, Technology Queenstown CEO Sarah Russell says.
The events will be among the hundreds of others being held throughout the country during New Zealand’s biggest technology and innovation festival.
Russell says events planned here include a free workshop on Monday, run by global cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks, aimed at seven-to-12-year-olds and their parents, helping to equip children with the knowledge and tools to navigate the online world.
There’s also a ‘Queenstown Women in Tech — Women Who Lead’ panel discussion and lunch at the Crowne Plaza on Monday.
"That’s focusing on career pathways and how to grow and evolve a career in technology, so it’s targeted at a broad audience as well."
On Tuesday, the University of Otago’s hosting a panel discussion that’ll look at the impact of AI on NZ society and business.
It’s billed as a conversation for business leaders, operators, and professionals who want to "cut through the noise’’ and understand what AI means in practice.
The uni’s also running its first ‘AI Residency’ in the resort during Techweek26.
It’s an intensive, two-day programme designed to teach company directors and senior execs how to make confident decisions in the rapidly-evolving AI landscape.
Others involved in Techweek events include Both Brains, the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, Startup Queenstown Lakes and Fluid Creative Agency.
Russell says there’ll be a nice overlap between people who’re interested in Techweek26 and the three-day Electrify Queenstown conference, which starts this Sunday.
"Techweek’s about showcasing technology that builds a better future, and that fits very nicely with what Electrify Queenstown’s all about.
"It’s a great opportunity for people to connect, whether it’s businesspeople, educators or the wider community, and to showcase some of the great technology, skills and talents we have in the region."
