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Programme
Experience is Everything
The 2024 conference programme has been curated by the Retail Committee brainstrust for property professionals just like you.
To view the presentation recording and slides for each session, click here. The password to this page was sent to all conference attendees, if you don’t have this please email us.
1:00pm – 5:30pm Retail Site Tour
This pre-conference tour featured some of the most exciting retail developments in Auckland, including:
Mānawa Bay, developed by Auckland Airport
Sylvia Park
Britomart
Sponsored by
Please note: Site tours are exclusively for RECON24 attendees, but are not included in the general admission ticket and will need to be purchased in addition to your registration. Limited spaces are available.
7:45 am Registration desk open
8:45 am Conference Opening
Nadine Higgins
Master of Ceremonies
8:50 am Welcome
Leonie Freeman
Chief Executive, Property Council New Zealand
8:55 am Premier Sponsor Address
9:00 am A Retail Market Outlook
Tony Alexander
Economist
9:35 am Panel | Next-Gen Retail: Trends in design & consumer experience
Facilitated by Andy Florkowski, Director, RCG
Bridget Taylor
Creative Director, Hellospace
Emily Cain
Project Director / Senior Designer, CTRL Space
Jo Pennycuick
Group Head of Store Design and Formats, SSP Group London
10:20 am Paramanawa
Morning Tea
10:55 am Retail Committee Update
Michael Sweetman
Chair, Retail Committee
11:00 am Navigating the Evolution: The Ballantynes Story and the Future of Retail
Maria O’Halloran
Chief Executive Officer, Ballantynes Department Store
11:40 am Ideas from the floating laboratory
Harold Perks
Founding Director, Perks and Co Design
12:10 pm Tina
Lunchtime
1:15 pm Property Council Advocacy Update
Katherine Wilson
Head of Advocacy, Property Council New Zealand
1:25 pm Case study | Reviving Hamilton East: The MADE Story
Matt Stark
Director, Stark Property
2:00 pm Big Events, Bigger Impact
Mark Kneebone
Managing Director New Zealand, Live Nation Australasia
2:30 pm Paramanawa
Afternoon Tea
3:05 pm BeautyTech: L’Oréal’s AI Solutions for Customer Experience
Varun Verma
Chief Data Analytics Officer, L’Oréal Australia
3:40 pm A snapshot of the changes transforming real estate
and property
Ashley Fell
Director of Advisory, McCrindle
4:20 pm Conference Closing
Leonie Freeman
Chief Executive, Property Council New Zealand
4:30-6:45 pm Martelli McKegg Networking Function
Nadine Higgins (nee Chalmers-Ross) is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster with extensive experience across television, radio, newspapers and magazines. Nadine is renowned as a fiercely intelligent, articulate and engaging MC and we very much look forward to welcoming her to RECON24.
Mark Kneebone is the Managing Director of Live Nation New Zealand. Mark is responsible for leading the team and business strategy of the New Zealand concerts business as well as overseeing Live Nation’s portfolio of venues (Spark Arena, The Tuning Fork and San Fran) and festivals (Rhythm and Vines, Golden Lights, Endeavour Live).
Mark has promoted some of music’s biggest acts across Australasia including Adele, P!NK, and Kendrick Lamar. He’s also had a hand in breaking some of music’s top indie acts and in 2024, he featured on Billboard’s International Power Players list recognised for his work within APAC delivering some of the largest Asia-Pop stadium shows across Australasia.
In 2018, Mark was the promoter involved in bringing Childish Gambino’s experimental festival PHAROS to Aotearoa – only the second time the event had been held globally. He was also a co-promoter and organiser for stadium charity event, You Are Us, which raised more than $1.35 million for the victims of the Christchurch terror attacks in 2019.
In addition to Mark’s role with Live Nation, he is one of the founders of Laneway Festival in New Zealand.
2:00pm Big Events, Bigger Impact
Join Mark Kneebone from Live Nation as he explores the economic power of large-scale events in driving growth for cities and towns, using examples like Coldplay’s New Zealand tour. Discover what the retail industry can learn from the art of “putting on a show,” from creating excitement to engaging audiences. Mark will also delve into the rise of unique venues such as Eden Park and Christchurch Stadium, and what these developments mean for local economies.
Ashley Fell is a social researcher, TEDx speaker and the Director of Advisory at McCrindle. She is the author of two books on leadership and generational insights, titled Work Wellbeing and Generation Alpha. She is also the host of McCrindle’s podcast, The Future Report.
In addition to delivering keynote presentations at conferences, Ashley is booked to conduct training days, facilitate panels and deliver workshops across an array of industries. From generational change to the impact of technology, from key demographic transformations to social trends, Ashley delivers research-based presentations analysing global megatrends.
With academic qualifications in communications, an ongoing role in deploying and analysing national research studies, and with her position leading the advisory team at McCrindle, Ashley brings robust, research-based content to her engaging presentations and consulting.
3:40pm A snapshot of the changes transforming real estate and property
Only occasionally in history do massive demographic changes combine with huge social shifts, ongoing generational transitions, unprecedented technological innovation, and a global pandemic so that within the span of a decade society altogether alters. We are currently amid one such transformation. While such change impacts everyone and every organisation, those who will thrive amidst such evolutions are those who understand the times, influence the trends, and shape the future. In this session, social researcher and futurist Ashley Fell will navigate retail property professionals through the megatrends transforming New Zealand and deliver a snapshot of the industry’s landscape. She will cover the key implications of these changes on retail products and emerging needs, emerging and declining sales channels, attracting and retaining top talent, developing a culture of innovation and consumer engagement and community connection.
Biography
A well-respected industry leader, Leonie has extensive experience in the New Zealand property industry, having held top positions in both the public and private sector. From creating the concept of what is now realestate.co.nz, to buying and transforming her own residential property management business, helping establish the new Auckland Council, and managing asset development for Housing New Zealand, there’s not many areas of property that Leonie has not touched.
In 2011, Leonie was appointed to the board of NZX listed company Goodman Property Trust, and up until her 2018 appointment as Property Council’s Chief Executive, she dedicated her time to leading an independent philanthropic initiative to solve Auckland’s housing crisis. Leonie holds a Master of Commerce, majoring in valuation and property management and is a life member of the Property Institute of New Zealand, a chartered member of the Institute of Directors, and a member of Global Women. In 2017 she was awarded the Property Institute’s Supreme Property Award, the Property Council Auckland Property People Judges Choice Award, and was a finalist in the Westpac Women of Influence Awards.
Leonie is also an accomplished boxer, with her sparring partners bearing the brunt of her excellent strategic planning skills.
8:50 am, Welcome
As our host for RECON24, Leonie will be both opening the event and providing the closing remarks.
Varun Verma is a distinguished AI and Data Analytics leader based in Melbourne, Australia. He has over a decade of professional expertise spanning diverse industries and global cultures. His leadership positions in prestigious organisations such as Loreal, Heineken, PwC, Visa, Accenture, and Allianz have been pivotal to his extraordinary contributions to the Data Analytics field.
Armed with a rich skill set encompassing digital and data strategy, business intelligence, machine learning, big data, and Artificial Intelligence, Varun holds the challenging position of Chief Data Analytics Officer at L’Oréal Australia and New Zealand. His educational background includes an MBA in Marketing and Information Systems and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science.
Varun’s notable achievements include a groundbreaking patent for a computer program product. This innovative method utilises the machine learning tree-net gradient boosting algorithm to determine a dominant debit card profile. The aim of this innovation is to drive automated AI-driven marketing campaigns tailored to consumers based on their past purchase behaviour. Recently, he was honoured with the Outstanding Data Scientist award from the 40 under 40 category, further highlighting his innovative thinking.
3:05pm | BeautyTech: L'Oréal's AI Solutions for Customer Experience
Hear from Varun Verma, Chief Data Analytics Officer, on how L’Oréal Australia leverages AI and Virtual Try-on technology to revolutionise customer experiences. He will explore the intersection of beauty and technology and unveil the secrets behind how L’Oréal wants to make beauty more personalised, accessible, and innovative to its consumers.
Mark has had a career in beauty spanning over 4 decades so far, starting off in the UK with L’Oréal fresh out of university and moving with them over 21 years first to Paris (for an international marketing role), then Bombay (as MD of the Consumer Products Division of L’Oreal India) and finally to Melbourne as MD of the Consumer Products Division of L’Oreal Australia. A love affair with ANZ ensued with a decision to stay permanently, after 10 years in that role, joining L’Oreal’s then no 1 Customer API/Priceline Pharmacy functionally as Head of Marketing and later Merchandising & Marketing and more broadly as part of the 3-person Retail Leadership Team. For the past 3 years Mark has been Country GM Sephora ANZ, tasked with accelerating growth post-Covid across Australia and New Zealand.
2:00pm | Decoding Sephora's Success: Strategies for Growth and Innovation
Discover the secrets behind Sephora’s meteoric rise in the retail industry as Mark O’Keefe, Country General Manager ANZ of Sephora, takes the stage at the Retail Conference 2024. Mark will discuss the brand’s journey, from its inception to its current status as a global powerhouse and share insights into its future growth plans. He will explore Sephora’s winning strategies, including its customer-centric approach, digital innovations, and commitment to sustainability.
Jo Pennycuick a Kiwi now living and working in London. Having worked in the Commercial, retail and Hospitality sector for over 27 years Jo has built her company, profile and now international recognition around the globe.
In 2023 Jo made a major change in direction in her career and joined her long standing client SSP in their Exec London Office.
Prior to SSP, Jo founded Redesign Group in 1998. Starting as a freelance operator, Jo built her company into a leading global design practice and worked extensively in the airport sector.
“After 25 years of running my own design practice I wanted to take on a new direction in my career, focus on my area of expertise and apply my knowledge in both business management and design to SSP. I am so pleased to be working with a great team who shares the same passion in our sector and values the inputs and knowledge that I can apply to designing great new units and concepts adapted to our customer needs.”
Jo is Duty Chair in the SSP Global Women’s Leadership Network working with Women within the organisation and mentoring programmes. Jo is on the advisory panel for the Maverick for Humanity Charity and provides food for the less fortunate in Camden every Thursday.
9:35am Panel | Next-Gen Retail:
Trends in Design & Consumer Experience
This panel discussion will focus on the latest trends in retail design. Our industry leaders will explore how innovative design strategies are transforming the shopping experience. Discover how cutting-edge technology, sustainability practices, and consumer behaviour insights are shaping the future of retail spaces. Our experts will delve how retail and hospitality has evolved, the integration of digital and physical environments, the importance of creating immersive and personalised experiences, customer insights in design, use of technology and the evolution of this in our designs along with sustainability for circular fitouts and adhering to international deforestation regulations.
Andy has received national and international recognition as an award winning designer. He has worked on retail, workplace and tourism projects across the globe whilst on teams within the UK and NZ. Andy is a representative on the Board of the Designers Institute of New Zealand. He has also exhibited work at the prestigious Venice Biennale. Andy manages the interior and commercial clients at RCG.
9:35am Panel | Next-Gen Retail:
Trends in Design & Consumer Experience
This panel discussion will focus on the latest trends in retail design. Our industry leaders will explore how innovative design strategies are transforming the shopping experience. Discover how cutting-edge technology, sustainability practices, and consumer behaviour insights are shaping the future of retail spaces. Our experts will delve how retail and hospitality has evolved, the integration of digital and physical environments, the importance of creating immersive and personalised experiences, customer insights in design, use of technology and the evolution of this in our designs along with sustainability for circular fitouts and adhering to international deforestation regulations.
With a decade of dedicated service to the spatial design community, I bring a wealth of experience as an Interior Designer. Throughout my professional journey, I’ve proudly witnessed and contributed to the evolution of trends within the industry. My expertise spans across various sectors including Commercial, Hospitality, Office, Retail and Accommodation design.
Having weathered the ebb and flow of design trends, I’ve honed my skills to not only adapt but also innovate, ensuring that each project I undertake is not just a reflection of current styles but a visionary statement of the future. My tenure at CTRL Space has provided me with invaluable insights and opportunities to collaborate with talented professionals both internally and externally, fostering a dynamic environment for creative exploration and boundary-pushing design solutions.
My recent travels abroad have enlightened me to some of the cutting-edge trends emerging in international retail design. This experience has deepened my commitment to delivering innovative solutions that exceed clients’ expectations. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to staying ahead of global trends, I am excited to continue shaping the spatial landscape for years to come.
9:35am Panel | Next-Gen Retail:
Trends in Design & Consumer Experience
This panel discussion will focus on the latest trends in retail design. Our industry leaders will explore how innovative design strategies are transforming the shopping experience. Discover how cutting-edge technology, sustainability practices, and consumer behaviour insights are shaping the future of retail spaces. Our experts will delve how retail and hospitality has evolved, the integration of digital and physical environments, the importance of creating immersive and personalised experiences, customer insights in design, use of technology and the evolution of this in our designs along with sustainability for circular fitouts and adhering to international deforestation regulations.
Tony Alexander was Chief Economist at the BNZ for almost 25 years and has been out on his own as an independent economist since late-2019.
He distributes the free weekly “Tony’s View” publication to over 25,000 subscribers each week, writes a weekly column for OneRoof, has a weekly video blog, and speaks at about 80 functions a year around New Zealand. He also runs six monthly surveys which give coalface insight into what is happening in NZ industry and the housing market in particular.
9:05am Keynote | A Retail Market Outlook
In this enlightening and engaging session, Tony will give an in-depth look at the current economic climate and how it impacts Aotearoa’s retail sector.
Biography
As Property Council’s Head of Advocacy, Katherine is tasked with leading our advocacy campaigns at both a regional and national level.
Level-headed and engaging, Katherine has both a law degree from Otago University and an arts degree (majoring in politics) from Auckland University. With solid experience as a policy analyst and advisor in Wellington and Auckland, she has extensive networks and solid analytical skills.
Katherine is hugely dedicated, highly intelligent and committed to ensuring the voice of our members is heard at all levels of governance. She’s also relentlessly positive and enjoys a good chat.
1:15pm Property Council Advocacy Report Card
In this quickfire 10-minute session, Katherine will provide members with a snapshot of Property Council’s current workstreams, what’s on the horizon and how you can get involved to help champion the property industry.
Michael Sweetman
Chair, Property Council Retail Committee
Project Director, Precinct Properties
Biography
Michael Sweetman is an experienced property professional with a deep understanding of the retail property sector. Working as a Project Director at Precinct Properties, Michael is currently leading the Bowen Campus and Willis Lane retail redevelopment project in Wellington.
These projects follow on from a role at Precinct delivering the retail at Commercial Bay. Commercial Bay is a transformational development which has redefined the Auckland CBD retail landscape and has set a new standard for retail and hospitality within New Zealand.
Prior to joining Precinct, Michael worked at AMP Capital on a variety of development projects and also held a retail Asset management role. Development projects completed at AMP capital included the Imperial building (Louis Vuitton and Gucci) and 45 Queen Street (Prada and Dior) which cemented lower Queen Street as a luxury retail precinct. Michael’s property career includes a property research role and working on behalf of retailers to procure sites and manage their retail portfolios.
10:55 am Retail Committee Overview
Michael Sweetman, Chair of the Property Council Retail Committee will give us an update from our Retail committee & how you can get involved.
With a decade of dedicated service to the spatial design community, I bring a wealth of experience as an Interior Designer. Throughout my professional journey, I’ve proudly witnessed and contributed to the evolution of trends within the industry. My expertise spans across various sectors including Commercial, Hospitality, Office, Retail and Accommodation design.
Having weathered the ebb and flow of design trends, I’ve honed my skills to not only adapt but also innovate, ensuring that each project I undertake is not just a reflection of current styles but a visionary statement of the future. My tenure at CTRL Space has provided me with invaluable insights and opportunities to collaborate with talented professionals both internally and externally, fostering a dynamic environment for creative exploration and boundary-pushing design solutions.
My recent travels abroad have enlightened me to some of the cutting-edge trends emerging in international retail design. This experience has deepened my commitment to delivering innovative solutions that exceed clients’ expectations. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to staying ahead of global trends, I am excited to continue shaping the spatial landscape for years to come.
9:35am Panel | Next-Gen Retail:
Trends in Design & Consumer Experience
This panel discussion will focus on the latest trends in retail design. Our industry leaders will explore how innovative design strategies are transforming the shopping experience. Discover how cutting-edge technology, sustainability practices, and consumer behaviour insights are shaping the future of retail spaces. Our experts will delve how retail and hospitality has evolved, the integration of digital and physical environments, the importance of creating immersive and personalised experiences, customer insights in design, use of technology and the evolution of this in our designs along with sustainability for circular fitouts and adhering to international deforestation regulations.
Having lived most of his life in Hamilton and being a builder by trade, Matt is passionate about Hamilton and the Waikato. Always with people in mind and an appetite for excellence, he is driven to create functional, well-designed and useable spaces that inspire people and productivity and facilitate a sense of community. His vision and creativity combined with sharp focus drive Stark Property in forward-thinking and innovative ways.
Matt has a visionary approach to property and business, coupled with a strong understanding of market drivers, an extensive network and an entrepreneurial style which has resulted in significant growth within the Stark Property business over the past 10 years.
Stark Property is currently involved in multiple property construction and redevelopment projects in Hamilton, each at varying stages. Matt is committed to seeing quality property projects completed and is particularly passionate about seeing the revitalisation of our central city.
Matt also holds a strong community vision, particularly towards education. He is a Trustee of the Southwell School Foundation, where his family provide scholarships for local children who would not otherwise have these opportunities. He is also a Trustee of the Mesh Sculpture Trust, a local philanthropic art trust that commissions nationally significant artworks, which are then gifted to the city.
1:25pm Case study | Reviving Hamilton East:
The MADE Story
Situated at the heart of the thriving Hamilton East village and upon the banks of the Waikato River, Made is now home to 45 of the Waikato’s best local businesses. Known to many Hamiltonians as the old Waikato Regional Council building, the property has been extensively transformed and now comprises a new urban precinct, offering a mix of small bespoke retail tenancies, market stalls, eateries, light industrial, and commercial spaces spread across 5,200 sqm of floor space. Matthew Stark will discuss this groundbreaking project transforming retail and urban living in Hamilton. Learn how innovative design, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge technology are creating a vibrant, dynamic space for today’s consumers.
Matt Doocey is the Minister for Mental Health, Minister for ACC, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Minister for Youth, Associate Minister of Health, and Associate Minister of Transport.
Matt has been the MP for Waimakariri since the 2014 election.
He previously worked in mental health in New Zealand and the UK, before returning home to work at the Canterbury District Health Board.
Matt went to St Bede’s College before completing a BSc (Hons) in Social Policy, an MA in Healthcare Management from Kingston University in London, and an MSc in Global Politics from Birkbeck College, University of London.
9:00am | Government Update
Join Hon Matt Doocey as he provides a government update.
An Auckland-based designer, Bridget brings over 12 years of expertise in interior architecture, specializing in hospitality, retail, and commercial sectors. Armed with a Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Spatial Design from Massey University, her career is marked by a deep commitment to creating spaces that transcend mere aesthetics.
Before establishing herself as the founder of Hellospace in 2019, she honed her skills at top-tier design agencies, where she crafted high-end environments for leading New Zealand brands. Her approach is distinguished by meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to authentically conveying each client’s unique story through bold and beautiful spaces.
Her design philosophy, influenced by Bernard Tschumi’s quote, “a mode of spacing that gives its place to events,” emphasises that Architecture is not just about space and form but also about the events happening inside, infusing each project with transformative elements that harmonise aesthetics with functionality.
9:35am Panel | Next-Gen Retail
Trends in Design & Consumer Experience
This panel discussion will focus on the latest trends in retail design. Our industry leaders will explore how innovative design strategies are transforming the shopping experience. Discover how cutting-edge technology, sustainability practices, and consumer behaviour insights are shaping the future of retail spaces. Our experts will delve how retail and hospitality has evolved, the integration of digital and physical environments, the importance of creating immersive and personalised experiences, customer insights in design, use of technology and the evolution of this in our designs along with sustainability for circular fitouts and adhering to international deforestation regulations.
J Ballantyne & Co Ltd, known to most as Ballantynes, is a family-owned business that was established in 1854 – making 2024 its 170th year in operation. With its flagship store in Christchurch’s central city and stores in Timaru, Invercargill, plus a partner store – Seasalt Cornwall in Milford Auckland, Ballantynes is considered by many as an iconic Cantabrian business.
A true Department store offering with over 36 departments from accessories to homewares. Ballantynes offers a curation of leading national and international brands including many exclusive to New Zealand such as Pottery Barn and West Elm.
Maria O’Halloran has been the CEO of Ballantynes since 2013. During this time she has steered the organisation through various milestones and challenges including a post earthquake rebuild project to navigating the business during a global pandemic.
Maria is the Chair of the BrainTree Wellness Centre – an innovative, first-of-its-kind facility in Christchurch that supports people living with neurological conditions to live well in the community.
In her spare time, Maria finds physical challenges are a powerful stress release and is currently training for her next Adventure Race. In this she will run, bike, raft and navigate for anything between six to twelve hours – depending on her team’s ability to not get lost along the way.
11:00am | Navigating the Evolution:
The Ballantynes Story and the Future of Retail
Join Maria O’Halloran as she shares her journey with Ballantynes Department Store. Discover how she tackled challenges and navigated the ever-evolving retail landscape. Maria will compare the strengths of bricks & mortar versus online shopping. She’ll also provide her vision for the future of department stores in New Zealand. Gain insights from one of the industry’s leading voices and learn strategies to thrive in today’s dynamic market.
Harold is an experienced retail design architect with over 20 years of experience in commercial developments and shopping centre designs for some of Australia’s leading real estate investment trusts and developers. His insatiable curiosity of future customer experiences is at the heart of all creative decisions for Harold, enabling him to solve many complex designs facing developers at the challenging intersection between design, retailer expectations, development objectives, and customer experience.
As the Founding Director of Perks and Co Design, Harold and his creative design team love optimising retail assets and crafting beautiful developments that bring joy and delight to those they serve, without reservation. Innovation by research is a key principal in Harold’s design approach as it ensures that outcomes are truly inclusive. With a keen eye for contemporary design, and a genuine understanding of diversities within our community, Harold continues to passionately shape authentic places that inspire and leave sensible footprints for generations to come.
11:40am Ideas from the floating laboratory
Rather than business as usual, the transaction of time has become the focal point of good retailers and strong retail assets alike, truly placing brick-and-mortar assets in prime position to capitalise on authentic experiences beyond goods – as a wholesome extension of clever online retail strategies.
Whilst current trends provide great inspiration and excitement, it is what’s ahead that is fascinating. Harold will delve into other creative experience economies during the session to elevate how other industries are creating memorable experiences. How does the cruise industry do things differently with a captive audience, or, how are international sports organisations challenging their traditional offer to improve viewership, engagement, and game attendance. Looking outside of retail, through a few different lenses, will broaden our creativity and engagement opportunities.