Global X Summit - An EMA Export Event
This event provides a unique platform for NZ exporters to engage directly with chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, consulate representatives and NZ government agencies dedicated to helping businesses grow internationally.
Description
You know your product is world-class. You see the opportunity overseas. But where do you start? How do you avoid the costly mistakes that sink most export attempts?
The Reality:
- 70% of export attempts fail within the first 2 years
- Companies typically underestimate market entry costs by 500%
- Most businesses target the wrong markets with the wrong approach
The Global X Summit brings together some of New Zealand’s most successful exporters to share the strategies, partnerships, and hard-won lessons that built their global businesses. Whether you’re taking your first steps overseas or expanding into new markets, you’ll leave with actionable insights to accelerate your export success.
What you'll discover:
Proven Market Entry Strategies
- How to research and validate international markets before you sell
- Finding and vetting the right local partners and distributors
- Navigating regulatory barriers and cultural differences
- Building strong relationships with local distributors and partners
- When to work with single vs multiple distributors
- Red flags to watch for and how to exit bad partnerships
- Realistic cost expectations for entering key markets like the US, UK and Asia
- Smart capital allocation – where to invest your limited export budget first
- Tariff navigation strategies
- How to leverage New Zealand’s brand story in different countries
- Why authenticity beats marketing spend
- The power of storytelling
- Keynote: Pic Picot, Founder of Pic’s Peanut Butter: From roasting nuts in his Nelson garage to global success across 6+ markets including the US, UK, Australia, and China. Learn how grassroots market research and strategic partnerships built an international brand.
- Panel: Michael Sievwright, CEO, Trimix Mowing Systems, 2025 Exporter of the Year Winner: 95% export business supplying machinery to councils and golf courses globally, including royal palaces. Expert in B2B market entry and in-market learning strategies.
- Panel: Louise Clayton, Director of Int’l Business, AFT Pharmaceuticals: Launched products in 8+ countries. Specialist in working with distributors, licensing IP, and navigating complex regulatory environments.
- Panel: Joseph Harawira, CEO & Co-founder, Wai Mānuka: Successfully launched premium non-alcoholic beverages in Japan and New York as a solopreneur. Expert in focusing resources and leveraging cultural brand stories.
- 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
- Decision Makers seeking proven strategies to reduce export risks and accelerate succes
- NZTE (New Zealand Trade & Enterprise): Government export support, funding opportunities, market research
- AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce): Navigate US market complexity, state-by-state requirements, regulatory guidance
- German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce: European market entry, trade fairs, regulatory compliance
- British New Zealand Business Association: UK opportunities post-Brexit, high-end market positioning
- Korea New Zealand Business Council: Asian market strategies, cultural navigation, partnership facilitation
- India New Zealand Business Council: Emerging market opportunities, regulatory guidance, local partnerships
- New Zealand China Trade Association: World’s second-largest economy access, distributor connections
- New Zealand Brazilian Chamber of Commerce: Latin American expansion, market entry strategies
- New Zealand EJ Holdings Limited: Japanese market insights, long-term relationship building
Agenda
2pm-2.10pm Welcome and Introduction
Kick-off by EMA Head of Export, setting the tone for the Summit and its mission to empower New Zealand exporters.
2.10pm-3pm Keynote: From Local to Global - Lessons from the Trenches (+Q&A)
Pic Picot shares the unfiltered journey of building Pic’s Peanut Butter from a Nelson kitchen to international supermarket shelves, including the failures, breakthroughs, and strategic decisions that made the difference.
3pm-3.15pm Afternoon tea
Take a moment to recharge with a selection of tea, coffee, and light refreshments. This is a great opportunity to mingle with fellow attendees, reflect on the sessions so far, and prepare for the final segment of the Summit.
3.15pm-4.15pm Export Success Strategies: Peer-to-peer Learning (+Q&A)
Our export leaders dive deep into:
- Getting Started Right: Where to begin your export journey and avoid common pitfalls
- Finding the Right Partners: Practical strategies for identifying and working with distributors
- Market Entry Tactics: Real examples of what worked (and what didn’t) in different regions
- Managing Challenges: From regulatory hurdles to cultural differences and economic headwinds
- Your Questions Answered: Live Q&A addressing your specific export challenges
4.15pm-4.20pm Closing remarks
Wrap up the day with final insights from the EMA team, highlighting key takeaways from the Summit and what’s ahead for New Zealand exporters.
4.20pm-5.30pm Expo enagement and networking drinks
Wrap up the Summit with a relaxed networking session over drinks and nibbles. Connect one-on-one with trade experts, exhibitors, and fellow exporters to deepen conversations, explore new opportunities, and build valuable relationships in a casual setting.
Registering for EMA events:
In our updated system, everyone needs to create a new profile, even if you’ve attended events with us before. This two-minute process means you can register for any EMA events and courses, and access our resource library. Simply, when you click Register for this event, proceed through the “Sign up now” option, then follow the instructions on the page. Any issues? Try out FAQ page: https://learn.ema.co.nz/w/support/ or email events@ema.co.nz or your EMA Membership Manager and we’ll get you sorted.