Global X Summit 2026

Global X Summit 2026 

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. Global X Summit brings together leaders who’ve opened markets, navigated setbacks, and built momentum internationally to share what’s working now. Join us for a full day of straight-talking insight, practical frameworks, and the connections that help turn uncertainty into action. 

What you’ll gain from the day

• 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 such as the German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce), British New Zealand Business Association, NZTE, Korea New Zealand Business Council (KNZBC), India New Zealand Business Council, New Zealand EJ Holdings Limited, New Zealand China Trade Association, New Zealand Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, and the NZ Customs Service—to open doors and navigate entry more seamlessly. 

AGENDA:

9:15 am - 10:00 am | Check-in opens
Check-in opens from 9:15am - grab a coffee and start connecting with fellow exporters before we kick off. 

10:00 am - 10:10 am | Welcome and opening remarks     
EMA’s CEO, John McKenzie, 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. 

10:10 am - 10:50 am | Dr Alan Bollard, Leading Economist  
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. 

10:50 am - 11:30 am | Stephen Jacobi, Former NZIBF Director
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. 

11:30 am - 12:15 pm | Peter Chrisp, CEO, NZTE
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. 

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm | Lunch and networking
A chance to refuel and make introductions that could help unlock your next offshore move. 

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | AI Strategy (Speaker to be announced)
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. 

1:45 pm - 2:45 pm | Built for Global: Real-World Lessons from Exporters
Exporters who've built real cut-through in global markets share honest lessons on what moved the needle — brand presence, messaging, market adaptation, strategy alignment, 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
• 4th speaker to be announced 

 2:45 pm - 3:25 pm | Sara Kennedy, CEO, 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. 

3:25 pm - 3:45 pm | Thank you and closing remarks
The event will conclude with closing remarks that summarise key insights, share updates from ExportNZ, and thank participants for their engagement and contributions. 

3:45 pm - 6 pm | Networking, drinks and nibbles
Enjoy an informal networking session with refreshments, offering a chance to connect, share insights, and build new relationships over nibbles and drinks. 

Event details

Date: 15 September 2026
Time: 9:15am–6:00pm
Location: EMA Business Hub, Auckland
Member price: $169 +GST
Non-member price: $279 +GST 

Seats are limited. Register now and leave with a clearer view of what’s coming—and a practical plan to grow your export business through it.