27-28 March 2018, Rotorua, NEW ZEALAND
Each year MobileTECH brings together over 300 technology leaders, innovative developers, early adopters and the next generation of primary industry operators. MobileTECH 2018 will showcase the digital technologies transforming the agricultural, horticultural and forestry sectors.
Updates

Event Details
What's MobileTECH?
Now in its 6th year, MobileTECH is the only event of its type to bring together the technology leaders from right across the agricultural, horticultural and forestry sectors under one roof.
This is a place where technology leaders, developers, engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators and the next generation can connect, learn, discuss, showcase and partner with the latest technologies and technology developers impacting the sector.
Key Technologies
Mobile technologies ⋅ Internet of Things ⋅ Machine learning ⋅ Cloud computing ⋅ Automation ⋅ Advanced sensors ⋅ Platform integrations ⋅ Rural connectivity ⋅ Big data ⋅ M2M ⋅ Robotics ⋅ Satellite mapping ⋅ Communications ⋅ Data ownership ⋅ Data capture ⋅ Apps and more
What Happened Last Time?
Well over 300 delegates attended MobileTECH 2017 from throughout New Zealand and Australia – a real who’s who of primary industry and technology leaders. The event highlighted disruptive innovations, how the sector is embracing this change and where to capitalise on the business opportunities.
Over 41 speakers covered a wide range of topics, including; the rise of the agritech community; the early adoption of the Internet of Things in farms; the use of online livestock trading platforms; data aggregation dashboards and NZ's first ever satellite launch.
MobileTeCH 2017 reinforced how technology is delivered a massive step change in how our agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors operate.
Who Attends?
Technology developers and suppliers - Corporate producers (large scale farms, orchards and plantations) - R&D managers - IT managers - Entrepreneurial operators - Early adopters - Industry consultants - Researchers - Public sector organisations
From New Zealand’s key primary industries
Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry
Date & Location
27-28 March 2018,
Rotorua, NEW ZEALAND
What's Planned for 2018?
The theme is INNOVATION THROUGH SMART DATA
In the past, innovations in hardware and machines were the main productivity drivers. Now business data and decision making software are the catalysts for completely new technologies and growth in the primary sector.
The digital evolution provides an exciting opportunity for the sector. However, one of the key challenges the industry faces is how to turn the increasing streams of field data into smart data that enables smart business decisions.
MobileTECH 2018, through a wide range of local and international speakers, will focus on what’s now and upcoming in analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation.
If machine learning can do better than doctors at visual diagnosis for lung cancer, imagine the possibilities for the primary sector!
Innovation through Smart Data
Popular Sessions
- Early Adopters Panel: The panel brings together farmers, horticulturalists and foresters to discuss how they are integrating technology within their businesses.
- TECH Talks: MobileTECH hosts a number of lightning talks which give innovators a platform to pitch their ideas, technologies and services direct to the industry.
- Meet the Future Leaders Panel: The brightest young stars from across the primary sector give their vision on the type of technologies they see powering their future.
This event continues to innovate and provide an important platform for mobile technologies designed to increase productivity, streamline operations and build growth for the primary industry businesses.
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What Delegates Say
Event Programme
We have worked closely with a wide range of New Zealand and international companies, service suppliers, researchers and government bodies to develop a strong and innovative programme.
Day One | 27 March 2018 |
|
Session 1: Change is the Only Constant | |
Session Chairperson: Andrew Hoggard, National Vice-president, Federated Farmers NZ | |
10.00am | Welcome and Introductions |
10.10am | Is it time for a mindset change within the primary sector?Conor English, Chairperson, Agribusiness New Zealand |
10.30am | Accelerating a connected NZ: What does this mean for the industry?Andrew Cushen, Deputy Chief Executive, InternetNZ |
10.50am | An insight into agritech growth in AustraliaSam Trethewey, Director, Sproutx (Australia) |
11.10am | A European perspective on technology change within the ag sectorPaul Kenny, VP Sales Europe & Australasia, MooCall, Ireland (via video link) |
11.30am | ForestTECH: Digital technologies growing the sectorDavid Herries, General Manager, Interpine |
11.50am | Lunch + Networking |
Session 2: New Technologies Making a Difference | |
Session Chairperson: Barry O'Neil, Director, Horticulture NZ | |
1.10pm | Artificial Intelligence: Applications of machine learning & predictive analyticsGreg Peyroux, Managing Director, Iris Data Science |
1.30pm | Blockchain: How will this technology impact the primary sector?Bridie Ohlsson, External Relations Manager, AgriDigital (Australia) |
Session 3: Investment and Startups | |
1.50pm | An essential overview of NZ's technology investment sectorSimon Yarrow, Group Manager, Callaghan Innovation |
2.10pm | Insights into an agritech startup - from idea to marketJon Sandbrook, Investment Manager, WNT Ventures |
2.30pm | Panel Discussion: Creating a better ecosystem and industry collaboration for a technology-led sector Panel Lead: Simon Yarrow, Group Manager, Callaghan Innovation Panelists: - Jon Sandbrook, Investment Manager, WNT Ventures - Sam Trethewey, Director, Sproutx (Australia) - Patrick Cheffins, IoT Solutions Lead, Spark |
2.50pm | Afternoon Tea + Networking |
3.20pm | Case Study: Developing the right tech solution requires the right beginningIan Gray, Business Manager, Cucumber + Grant Stevenson, Orchard Manager, Mr Apple |
3.40pm | Panel: Meet the early adoptersHear from a passionate cross-section of early adopters and their views on technology integration and the real needs within their businesses. Panel Lead: St John Craner, Managing Director, Agrarian Panelists: - Grant Stevenson, Orchard Manager, Mr Apple - Shane Kelly, General Manager - Dairy, Ngai Tahu Farming - George Tatham, Owner, Matariki Terraces Limited |
4.10pm | Agri-Innovation: Insights from Nuffield international study tourMathew Hocken, Director, Grassmere Dairy |
4.30pm | TECH TalksLightning talks on the best innovations and services available in NZ for the primary sector - Job Done - Valocity - Pay Sauce - GPS-iT - Mobile Mentor |
5.00pm | Refreshments & Networking DrinksDrinks and canapes will be provided |
Day Two | 28 March 2018 |
|
8.30am | Day two opening comments |
Session 4: The Internet of Things within Sector | |
Session Chairperson: Lisa McDonald, Head of Marketing, CRS Software | |
8.35am | Building an integrated Internet of Things platform for industryKriv Naicker, Executive Director, IoT Alliance |
8.45am | Key learnings from a scaled rollout of IoT networks and solutions to farmsGreg Shepherd, IoT Delivery Manager, Spark |
9.05am | Panel Discussion: How to capitalise on the Internet of Things Panel Lead: Kriv Naicker, Executive Director, IoT Alliance Panelists: - Greg Shepherd, IoT Delivery Manager, Spark - Nick Hatch, IoT Sales Manager, Vodafone New Zealand |
Session 5: Applications of technology Solving Sector Issues - Case Studies | |
9.25am | Case Study: Improving irrigation systems with IoTBridgit Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer, ReGen + Shane Kelly, General Manager, Ngai Tahu Farming |
9.45am | Transforming complex business challenges through data - A case study in industry & end user collaborationEvelyn Seewald, GM Farm Source Digital, Fonterra Co-operative Group |
10.05am | Morning Tea + Networking |
10.30am | Redefining health & safety risk through big data, machine learning and shared systemsClint Van Marrewijk, Managing Director - Asia Pacific, Thundermaps + James Knapp, HSE Manager, OSPRI |
10.50am | Whats Next for Informatics in Forestry: How mixed-reality, point cloud data and other technologies are making a big impactBryan Graham, Forest Industry Informatics Science Leader, Scion |
11.10am | Creating a farm-to-plate, transparent and digital supply chainAndrew Cooke, Director, Rezare Systems + Farmer |
11.30am | TECH TalksLightning talks on the best innovations and services available in NZ for the primary sector - NetComm Wireless - Cyber Security Foundry (Auckland University) - Eagle Technology |
12.00pm | Lunch + Networking |
Session Chairperson: Andrew Cushen, Deputy Chief Executive. InternetNZ | |
1.00pm | Panel: Meet the future leadersThe brightest young primary producers present and discuss their vision of what technologies they see powering their businesses Panel Lead: Terry Copeland, CEO, Young Farmers NZ Panelists: - Rachael Phillips, Regional Finalist in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year in 2018 - Hamish Best, Technical Representative, PGG Wrightson and Runner-up in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year 2017 - Patrick Malley. Director, Maungatapere Berries & Dataphyll Limited. Former Young Grower and Young Horticulturalist of the Year |
1.30pm | Application of science, technology and data within agri-food value chainHarry van Enckevort, General Manager of Science & Technology, AsureQuality |
1.50pm | Case study: Using hyperspectral imagery systems to improve farming & environmental decisionsMike White, Technical Development Manager, Ravensdown |
2.10pm | Case Study: How beekeepers are using spatial intelligence to improve business decisionsMatt Lythe, Head of Location Business Intelligence, Corelogic |
2.30pm | Looking to the future of agritechDarryn Pegram, CEO, FarmIQ Systems |
2.50pm | Event summary, key takeaways and closing comments |
3.00pm | Event Concludes |

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
MobileTECH offers a tremendous opportunity for companies involved in technology and development to maximize their exposure to New Zealand’s primary industries. Be part of another major technology event helping to reshape the future of this sector.
Exhibition spaces are always at a premium and we have a well-deserved reputation of providing both sponsors and exhibitors with a unique platform for promoting their products and services to the industry. For a full range of sponsorship options and benefits please contact Gordon Thomson, Sponsorship Manager, (+64) 7 921 1384 or gordon.thomson@connexevents.com.
What Sponsors Say
“Exceptionally well organised and well attended”
“Excellent New Zealand and Australian contacts at this event”
"Lots of new connections which we can now collaborate with”

Venue
Distinction Rotorua Hotel, ROTORUA
390 Fenton Street, Rotorua, New Zealand
With its beautiful garden setting and located just minutes from the city centre, Distinction Rotorua Hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a big day at the conference. After the event, this hotel is also a great base to enjoy the wealth of attractions and activities Rotorua has to offer.
Free car parking is available at the venue, however hotel guests take priority.
The following special accommodation rates are available:
- $170 (incl GST) - Superior room rate
- $190 (incl GST) - Deluxe room rate
- $250 (incl GST) - Hotel suites rate
Please note that rooms at this rate are limited, so best to book early to avoid missing out.
For further information about the hotel can be found on their website www.distinctionhotelsrotorua.co.nz.
Registration Rates
Standard From 1 Feb 2018
$890
+ GST per attendeeGroup (2+) From 1 Feb 2018
$690
+ GST per attendeeSupporters With Discount Code*
$630
+ GST per attendeePlease Note
- The conference above rates are per person and do not include registration for the conference dinner.
- All prices exclude 15% GST.
- A credit card fee of 2.5% applies to credit card transactions.
- * Supporting Associations (Supporters) are listed via this link.
- To be eligible for any special rates, registrations and payment must be received on or BEFORE the dates listed. All discounts require payment at time of registration and before the cut-off date in order to receive any discount.
- Any discounts offered (including group discounts) require payment at the time of registration.
- Your conference registration payment covers the morning and afternoon teas, lunches, refreshments, a conference handbook and access to presentations (electronic download for those presentations where presenter approval has been given).
- Cancellation policy: For cancellations before Friday 23 February 2018 a 10% administration fee applies. Cancellations received after this date are non-refundable but are transferrable. Please allow 30 days for refunds to be processed. If you wish to transfer your registration to another individual from within your company, please provide us with at least 24 hours advance notice.
- The organisers reserve the right to change the programme when required.
- Click here for our full terms and conditions.

Contact
CONNEX: Event Innovators
CONNEX: Event Innovators, a division of Innovatek Ltd, has over the last decade delivered an extensive array of over 150 premier conferences, workshops, seminars, managed exhibitions, trade shows and other events throughout New Zealand and Australia.
With a strong background in the forestry industry, its key focus is on delivering technology transfer events for New Zealand and Australia’s primary industries.
The objective is to improve the performance, productive capability and profitability of local businesses throughout these sectors. For more information on CONNEX: Event Innovators or the services being supplied, see www.connexevents.com or www.innovatek.co.nz.
Contact Details
(+64) 7 921 1382
1800 126 398 (from Australia)
Rotorua Office
CONNEX: Event Innovators
Building X91, Sala Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
PO Box 1230, Rotorua 3040, New Zealand
Ph (+64) 7 921 1382
Dunedin Office
CONNEX: Event Innovators
c/o Distinction Dunedin Hotel, 6 Liverpool Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
PO Box 904, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Ph (+64) 3 470 1902
CONNEX: Event Innovators is a division of Innovatek