Ignite'25 Growth Summit | 6th May in Auckland

It's time to Ignite'25!

Join us at New Zealand's unmissable business event for ambitious SME owners. Ignite’25 brings together leadership legends to share their insights for business growth.

The Rt Hon Sir John Key, 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand, headlines the inspirational speaker line-up which also includes:

Sir Wayne Smith - KNZM, Rugby Legend, Former All Blacks Assistant Coach & Black Ferns Head Coach
Chelsea Lane - High Performance Sport Consultant, Former Atlanta Hawks & Golden State Warriors
Jamie Beaton - Crimson Education

+ many more! See the full line-up here.

Exclusive Alumni Evening on 5 May

Alumni will have access to an exclusive evening with Steve & Seamus from Between Two Beers + a special guest on the 5th of May at Icehouse in Parnell for networking with fellow alumni and getting into the right mindset before the big day. This pre-event is included in the cost of every alumni ticket!

General Admission

$ 595 + GST

Open to all business people

Full Admission to Ignite'25 Growth Summit
Practical tools to take back to your business

Icehouse Alumni

$ 495 + GST

Open to Icehouse Alumni & their team members

All Benefits included in General Admission
Access to Between Two Beers Event on 5th May

💡 Lightbulb moments

Surround yourself with world-class thinkers, doers, and change-makers. Hear powerful stories and insights that reframe your approach to business and leadership

🤝 Real Connections

Network with like-minded business owners and leaders from across Aotearoa. Every conversation is a chance to collaborate, learn, or launch something new.

📈 Growth-Ready Tools

Walk away with practical strategies, inspiring ideas, and renewed clarity on how to grow — fast and with purpose. Your notebook will be full, and your motivation even fuller.

🎯 Decision-Maker Energy

This event is built for leaders, by leaders. With high-calibre speakers like the Rt Hon John Key and Sir Wayne Smith, every session is designed to speak directly to those driving change inside New Zealand’s most exciting private businesses.

2025 Speakers: Meet the Minds Moving New Zealand Forward

The Ignite’25 Growth Summit features a powerhouse lineup of business legends, global thinkers, and elite performers — each bringing bold perspectives and actionable insights to help you grow.

Rt Hon Sir John Key

GNZM, AC, 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand

Chelsea Lane

High Performance Sport Consultant, Formerly Atlanta Hawks & Golden State Warriors

Sir Wayne Smith

KNZM & Rugby Legend, Former All Blacks Assistant Coach & Black Ferns Head Coach

Jamie Beaton

CEO of Crimson Education

Carmen Vicelich

Valocity Global, Data Insight & Generate Zero Founder, Alumni

Hon Chris Penk

Minister of Small Business & Manufacturing

Leon Kirkbeck

Co Founder/Chief Innovation Officer of Augusto, Alumni

Rewa Willis

Director of Sherson Willis, Icehouse Board Member, Alumni

Felicity Hill

Cahill Accounting - Director, Alumni

Alex Bullot

CEO of Young Enterprise New Zealand

Michelle Walshe

Co Founder/Global CEO of Augusto

Olivia Blaylock

CEO of Icehouse, Alumni

David Downs

CEO of NZ Story, Chairman of Icehouse

Steve & Seamus

Between Two Beers (Exclusive to Alumni Event)

John Wikstrom

Founder of Magic Memories

8:30AM - Registration & Networking
9:00AM - Welcome & Opening Remarks
Olivia Blaylock & David Downs
9:15AM - Keynote
Jamie Beaton, CEO of Crimson Education
10:00AM - Lightning Talk
Growing the next generation of NZ, Alex Bullott, CEO of YES New Zealand
10:10AM - Speaker
Carmen Vicelich, Founder of Valocity Global, Data Insight & Generate Zero
10:50AM - Morning Tea & Networking
11:10AM - Keynote
Rt Hon Sir John Key, 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand
12:00PM - Lightning Talk
Communication with Rewa Willis from Sherson Willis
12:10PM - Speaker
John Wikstrom, Founder of Magic Memories
12:50PM - Networking Lunch
1:40PM - Keynote
Sir Wayne Smith
2:25PM - Lightning Talk
Cashflow with Felicity Hill from Cahill Accounting
2:35PM - Speaker
Leon Kirkbeck & Michelle Walshe, Co-Founders of Augusto
3:20PM - Afternoon Tea & Networking
3:40PM - Keynote
Chelsea Lane, High Performance Sport Consultant
4:30PM - Reflections on the Day
Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction, Land Information, Small Business and Manufacturing
5:00PM - Call to Action - Takeaways to Ignite NZ
David Downs & Olivia Blaylock
5:30PM - Networking Drinks

Is food provided?

Yes! Catering will be provided throughout the day.

Will there be coffee available?

Absolutely! There will be two coffee carts located inside the venue entrance.

Is Ignite ‘25 relevant for Small & Medium Size Businesses?

Ignite ‘25 is designed for all business owners - whether you’re a solo operator, a small business owner, or leading a larger company. The event and expert sessions provide real, actionable insights that apply at every stage of business growth.

Can I attend all the sessions?

Yes! Our schedule is designed so you can attend all sessions, ensuring you get the most out of the day.

Is there a dress code?

Business wear or smart casual - whatever makes you feel comfortable while networking and engaging with fellow business leaders.

Can I book a whole table?

Yes! If you have a team or a group of 8-10 attending, let us know, and we can arrange a reserved table for you. Please email us at grow@theicehouse.co.nz.

Do I have to stay for the full day?

We highly recommend attending the full event, as the sessions build on each other and offer a well-rounded experience. Every speaker brings unique insights, making the entire day valuable for business and personal growth.

That said, we understand you may need to step out for business calls. There are designated outdoor areas where you can take a break if needed.

Can I sponsor this event?

Absolutely, we have sponsorship packages availabe. Please contact Ghanum Taylor to learn more: g.taylor@theicehouse.co.nz

Tuesday 6th May 8:30AM - 6:30PM Auckland Viaduct Events Centre