New Zealand’s premier governance event
The IoD’s Annual Leadership Conference is the must-attend event for directors and business leaders. Each year, more than 600 of Aotearoa’s sharpest minds come together for two dynamic days of bold ideas, thought-provoking conversations and unparalleled networking opportunities within the governance community.
In 2025, we’re raising the bar. Expect a compelling programme with a standout line-up of local and international speakers tackling today’s most relevant issues in governance and leadership. You’ll leave with fresh insights, sharpened thinking and renewed confidence to lead in an evolving world.
Join us as a sponsor of New Zealand’s premier governance event. Sponsorship is a unique opportunity to align your brand with governance leadership, amplify your voice in the director community and connect directly with decision makers from across Aotearoa. Download the prospectus to learn more about the sponsorship opportunities available.
At the 2024 Leadership Conference, directors were challenged to think harder and lead smarter. From climate risk to AI, ethical investing to board dynamics, speakers offered bold ideas and practical tools for navigating complexity. With insights from global leaders and local changemakers, the message was clear: governance has never mattered more. In 2025, expect real conversations, future-focused thinking and the inspiration every director needs to lead with confidence.
Check out our highlights reel from the 2024 Leadership Conference for a taste of what you can expect this year. Held in Ōtautahi Christchurch, we enjoyed two vibrant days of learning, connection and courageous conversations.
Viaduct Events Centre
Register early and join us for an opportunity to connect with your peers ahead of day one of the 2025 Leadership Conference.
Viaduct Events Centre
Join us from 7.30am to register, grab a coffee and visit our exhibitor stands. Take your seat ahead of the conference opening at 9.00am.
Welcome to the 2025 IoD Leadership Conference.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Head upstairs to level three for spectacular views of Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Grab a bite, network and enjoy all the venue has to offer including our exhibition space on level three.
Breakout and speaker information will be announced soon.
Enjoy afternoon tea and visit our IoD lounge for a great place to catch up with a friend and learn more about what IoD has to offer.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
We invite our Chartered members for an exclusive networking function ahead of the conference dinner.
Join us ahead of the conference dinner for drinks, canapés and networking.
Wrap up day one with a relaxed and memorable evening at the conference dinner. This is your chance to unwind and connect with fellow attendees. With great food, light entertainment and lively conversation, it’s the perfect way to strengthen new connections and reflect on the day’s insights.
Viaduct Events Centre
Grab a light bite and coffee ahead of the Power Breakfast sessions.
Power Breakfast session and speaker information will be announced soon.
We'll open day two with a highlights reel of all the action from day one of the conference.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Enjoy morning tea and visit our sponsor exhibition space on level three.
Breakout session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Session and speaker information will be announced soon.
Thank you for joining us.
If you wish to cancel your registration for the IoD 2025 Annual Leadership Conference, you must contact us via email. The following cancellation conditions apply:
You may transfer your registration to another person if you are unable to attend. Please get in contact with us; conference@iod.org.nz
If paying by invoice payment must be received before attendance at conference (in-person or virtual), or your registration will be cancelled.
Please use your invoice number as your reference. This is now payable directly to the Institute of Directors. All invoices must be paid within 14 days.
Viaduct Events Centre, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
Located on Auckland’s vibrant waterfront, the Viaduct Events Centre offers premium, light-filled spaces with sweeping harbour views. Designed to a five-star environmental standard, the venue spans 6,000m² across three levels and sits in the heart of the lively Wynyard Quarter.
Just a short walk from the city centre, it’s known for its seamless event delivery, strong sustainability credentials and top-tier facilities – the ideal setting for Aotearoa’s premier governance event.
18 — 19 September 2025
We have a range of accommodation options at exclusive rates available to book when you purchase your ticket – all within walking distance of Viaduct Events Centre, restaurants and everything Auckland has to offer. Find out more about your accommodation options below.
5 STAR
For a luxurious waterfront stay, Park Hyatt Auckland offers an exceptional five-star experience. Overlooking the Waitematā Harbour, the hotel features elegant rooms, four dining venues, a day spa, infinity pool and full fitness centre. Located just across from the Viaduct Events Centre, it’s an ideal choice for delegates seeking comfort, sophistication and outstanding service.
5 STAR
Stylish, bold and full of character, QT Auckland offers a unique stay in the heart of the city. A scenic 12 minute walk from the Viaduct Events Centre, QT is a distinctive base for delegates looking to relax, recharge and experience something a little less conventional.
4 STAR
Modern and well-located, Travelodge places you right in the heart of the action. Just a six minute walk from the Viaduct Events Centre, it offers comfortable accommodation in Auckland’s fast-developing Wynyard precinct. A great base for conference delegates, with easy access to local dining, harbour views and the city’s many attractions.
We are delighted to introduce our 2025 sponsors. We value their support in making our conference a truly outstanding experience.
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2025 IoD Leadership Conference, download our sponsorship prospectus here.
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
We're pleased to welcome back ASB as a Principal Sponsor of the 2025 IoD Leadership Conference. As a long-standing National Partner of IoD, ASB play an important role in supporting our work and wider governance community.
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
We’re delighted to have the continued support of our legal National Sponsor Dentons for the 2025 IoD Leadership Conference. The Dentons team will be on the ground at conference ready to engage with attendees and share insights.
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
As the IoD National Sponsor in board software, Diligent are our trusted experts and for many New Zealand boards. Diligent will be returning as a Principal Sponsor showcasing how their solutions elevate governance.
