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Past events

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Connect Waikato

Past events

A look back at Connect Waikato events.

Inaugural event

Human Connection in an AI World

5:30–7:30pm · Park Central, Waikato Innovation Park, Hamilton East

The evening brought together business owners, innovators, educators and community voices to explore practical AI adoption while keeping people at the centre.

The evening featured

  • Inspiring speakers
  • Practical AI stories
  • Panel discussions
  • Networking & spot prizes
  • Community connection
  • Complimentary food & drink
Free event In-person Limited to 200 attendees

Event details

When
Wednesday 8 July 2026
5:30–7:30pm
Where
Park Central
Waikato Innovation Park
3 Melody Lane, Hamilton East
Entry
Free · via Humanitix
Ngā kaikōrero

The speakers

Business owners, leaders, builders, educators, and thinkers exploring what it means to stay human as technology accelerates.

Trent Montgomery, TDM Transport
Trent Montgomery
Managing Director · TDM Transport

TDM Transport, a Hamilton based specialist in oversize loads, modular building moves, and Hiab lifting across NZ. Trent took an admin heavy office to AI-assisted software that dispatches trucks and manages jobs from inception through to Xero for invoicing.

Topic Less admin, more road
Adam Holt
Adam Holt
Co-Founder · TheColab.ai

Aotearoa's official Claude Ambassador and co-founder of TheColab.ai, helping New Zealand organisations move from AI curiosity to genuine capability. Adam works with teams to make AI practical and human, turning technology into real, everyday value for Kiwi businesses.

Topic AI Agents
Benny Pan
Benny Pan
Founder, InspiraEd · AI in Education

Educator and founder of InspiraEd, Benny holds a Master of Technological Futures and has trained 38 educators across 18 countries. He helps businesses and schools adopt AI without the hype. His focus is the next generation of talent: which jobs AI changes, what to automate, and what to protect.

Topic What does AI mean for the next generation of talent?
Nick Foley
Nick Foley
Co-Founder · Longcloud

Longcloud, a Hamilton-based AI studio building bespoke software. Having lived and worked in England and the US, Nick has a deep appreciation for NZ Inc. and what we can do to leverage our unique place in the world.

Topic Small country, big leverage
Ngā Kaitautoko

Thank you to our sponsors

Human Connection in an AI World was made possible by the organisations backing human-centred technology in our region.

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Stay connected
He Whakataukī

He aha te mea nui o te ao?
He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

In an age of intelligent machines, this remains Connect Waikato's compass.