Global X Summit
Ready to grow your business globally?
Join us at the Global X Summit on 15 September to learn from exporters who’ve navigated the challenges and unlocked international success.
In partnership with
Welcome to the Global X Summit
A practical, high-impact day for New Zealand exporters ready to grow offshore.
Global markets are shifting fast. Geopolitics, policy change, AI, and customer expectations are rewriting the exporting playbook in real time. The Global X Summit brings together leaders who’ve opened markets, navigated setbacks, and built momentum internationally to share what’s working now.
This year we’ll explore:
- Global outlook you can plan around: how geopolitical tension and trade dynamics are shaping supply chains, market access and risk – and what to do next.
- Market and policy reality-check: what’s changing in key markets, where exporters are getting caught, and how to stay competitive in a more contested environment.
- What ‘good exporting’ looks like right now: where demand is emerging, what offshore customers expect, and how to sharpen strategy, partnerships and routes to market.
- AI strategy without the hype: a practical framework for where AI delivers the fastest wins, how to pilot safely, and how to scale for productivity and international growth.
- Brand and marketing lessons from the field: honest insights from exporters who’ve built cut-through globally – what moved the needle (and what didn’t).
- Founder-level export story and learnings: the pivots, breakthroughs and trust-building moves behind a purpose-led international growth journey.
- Market access made easier: learn how to leverage offshore networks and connect with trusted foreign chambers to open doors and navigate entry more seamlessly.
Ticket prices
EMA Members: $189.00 + GST
Early bird discount: $239.20 + GST
General public: $299.00 + GST
Details
Date:
15 September 2026
Time:
9:15am – 6:00pm
Event Location:
Auckland
Venue:
EMA Business Hub, 145 Khyber Pass Road
Meet the speakers
Global X summit PROGRAMME
9:15am - 10:00am
Check-in opens
Check-in opens from 9:15am – grab a coffee and start connecting with fellow exporters before the day kicks off.
10:00am - 10:15am
Welcome and opening remarks
We’ll set the scene for a day of real-world insight from leaders who’ve opened markets, absorbed the setbacks, and have something transferable to share.
> John Fraser-Mackenzie, EMA Chief Executive
> Simon Devoy, EMA Head of Membership & Export
10:15am - 11:00am
Keynote: Shifting the needle in a new era of uncertainty
Get an economic policy overview on export growth opportunities and challenges with Dr Alan Bollard. As New Zealand’s Governor of the Reserve Bank for 20 years, Alan has seen economic headwinds shift across successive governments and will offer practical export advice on navigating – and emerging from – uncertainty.
> Dr Alan Bollard, Leading Economist
11:00am - 11:45am
Keynote: Staying competitive – your geopolitical reality check
Unpack changes happening on the ground in key markets and understand how New Zealand fits into the export world, with Stephen Jacobi. As a former NZIBF director and a top expert in international trade, he’ll share insights on staying competitive, managing risk, and driving growth.
> Stephen Jacobi, Former NZIBF Director
11:45am - 12:30pm
Keynote: Small country, big impact – insights into successful exporting today
Highlighting what successful exporting looks like today – where demand is rising and what customers need now. You’ll hear actionable advice on refining market strategies and building resilience.
> Sanchia Yonge, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise General Manager, Customer Solutions
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Lunch and networking
1:30pm - 2:15pm
Framework: The AI playbook – scale your quick export wins
Piloting AI safely, where it delivers the fastest wins, and scaling in a way that drives productivity and growth
> Felix Scholz, AcademyEX AI Strategy
2:15pm - 3:15pm
Panel: The global X-factor – how your brand can outperform on the world stage
An honest discussion with exporters who built real cut-through in global markets – sharing lessons learned on brand presence, messaging, market adaptation, relationship building, and what they’d do differently.
> Rachael Armstrong, Antipodes Water CEO
> David Sweas, The Dodson Group CEO
> Fee Cortis, BLUNT Umbrellas Head of Mktg
> Michael Friedberg, FluxB2B CEO
3:15pm - 3:30pm
Afternoon break
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Export case study: Appetite for success with Calocurb
An inspirational look at the pivots and breakthroughs behind Calocurb’s international journey – earning customer trust, standing out in crowded markets, and scaling with purpose.
> Sarah Kennedy, Calocurb CEO
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Networking and refreshments
Enjoy an informal networking session, offering a chance to connect, share insights, and build new relationships,
Check-in opens from 9:15am – grab a coffee and start connecting with fellow exporters before we kick off.
EMA CEO John Fraser-Mackenzie, and Simon Devoy, Head of Membership & Export, are setting the scene for a day of real world insight from leaders who’ve opened markets, absorbed the setbacks, and have something transferable to share.
Dr. Alan Bollard, a leading NZ economist with experience at the Treasury, Reserve Bank, and APEC, will discuss how current geopolitical changes impact trade and markets. He’ll
offer practical advice on navigating uncertainty, building resilience, and identifying new opportunities.
Stephen Jacobi, a top expert in international trade, will explain current changes in key markets and how policy and geopolitics affect exporters. He’ll provide practical tips for staying competitive, managing risk, and driving growth.
Peter will highlight what successful exporting looks like today – where demand is rising and what customers need now. He’ll offer actionable advice on refining market strategies and building resilience.
A chance to refuel and make introductions that could help unlock your next offshore move.
A practical framework for exporters on where AI delivers the fastest wins, how to pilot it safely, and how to scale it in a way that drives productivity and international growth
Exporters who’ve built real cut-through in global markets share honest lessons on what moved the needle — brand presence, messaging, market adaptation, relationship building and what they’d do differently.
Featuring:
- Michael Friedberg, CEO, FluxB2B (MC)
- Rachael Armstrong, CEO, Antipodes Water
- David Sweas, CEO, Dodson’s Group
- Fee Cortis, Head of Marketing, BLUNT Umbrellas
Time to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and we’ll see you back shortly for an inspiration-packed wrap-up to the day with Sarah Kenney.
An inspirational look at the pivots and breakthroughs behind Calocurb’s international journey — earning customer trust, standing out in crowded markets, and scaling with purpose.
The event will conclude with closing remarks that summarise key insights, share updates from ExportNZ, and thank participants for their engagement and contributions.
Enjoy an informal networking session with refreshments, offering a chance to connect, share insights, and build new relationships over nibbles and drinks.
What's in it for you?
Insight you can act on
Every session is built around practical, real-world experience. Leave with strategies and ideas you can apply immediately – not just a notebook full of theory.
Learn from those who've done it
Hear honest accounts of what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently – straight from leaders who’ve built businesses that compete globally.
Understand the global landscape
Get a clear, grounded view of geopolitical shifts, trade policy changes, and supply chain disruption – and what it all means for your business right now.
Build connections that open doors
Connect with fellow exporters, trade organisations, and industry leaders who can help you move faster in the markets you’re targeting.
Stay ahead of what's coming
AI, digital tools, shifting markets, new opportunities – leave better equipped to make smarter decisions and stay competitive on the world stage.
Who should attend
CEOs and Business Owners ready to explore international markets
Existing Exporters looking to expand into new regions or improve current operations
C-Suite Executives evaluating global growth opportunities
Manufacturers with export-ready products who haven't yet taken the leap
Sales and marketing leaders responsible for developing offshore strategies
