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28 - 29 May 2025 | JW Marriott, Auckland

Comms & PR Conference

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PRINZ BS

Brightstar are delighted to be partnering with PRINZ to bring you the
2025 Comms & PR Conference in May in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Will stability and confidence return to New Zealand’s economy in 2025?

This conference will bring Comms & PR professionals together to hear and discuss the latest insights to navigate trust, uncertainty, risk and opportunity.   Attend to connect and hear from the best Comms & PR specialists from across a diverse range of sectors in New Zealand. 

Co-located with PRINZ Awards

The Comms & PR Conference will be co-located with the PRINZ Awards, hosted on the first evening of the conference on the 28th of May.  

Brightstar and PRINZ are delighted to collaborate to give you the opportunity to network, learn and celebrate across both events. 

For more information on the Awards, and to book for the Gala Dinner, please head to PRINZ’s website:

LEARN MORE ABOUT AWARDS

Key themes

We are currently researching the agenda and content. Please contact mirab@brightstar.co.nz

  • Macroeconomic and geopolitical analysis 
  • Keynote – International trends in strategic communication 
  • Navigating digital safety and regulation  
  • The role of Communications in shaping Trust  
  • Diversity & inclusion for communicators 
  • Best use cases in AI and Emerging Tech for Communicators  
  • Communicator’s role in navigating reputation and risk 
  • Address from the Public Service Commission 
  • Indigenous Communication 
  • Communicating and ESG and sustainability  
  • Disinformation  
  • Making the most of the Comms and PR budget  
  • Managing wellbeing – understanding burnout in the Comms & PR sector  
  • Leadership and workforce engagement 

Who will attend

  • Heads of Communication
  • PR leads
  • Stakeholder Communications
  • Corporate & Regulatory Affairs
  • Government Relations
  • Media Relations
  • Community and Stakeholder Relations
  • Internal Experience Managers
  • Engagement Leads 

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Address

JW Marriott Auckland
22-26 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010

Agenda

Agenda to be announced

Download agenda

8:30

Registration and Coffee

8:55

Mihi whakatau

9:00

Opening remarks from the MC

9:10

The big challenges - the future of platforms, media, and government regulations

  • Understanding the key forces driving change in media and platform dynamics 

  • How effective messaging can foster stability during times of rapid transformation 

  • Adapting strategies to shifting societal expectations and global challenges 

  • Emerging patterns in media consumption, audience engagement, and regulatory influence 

  • The rise of niche platforms and their impact 

  • Adapting to media consumption shifts across traditional, digital, and hybrid models 

  • Strategies for navigating regulatory shifts, misinformation challenges, and evolving audience needs 

  • The impact of evolving government regulations, including Australia’s age restrictions on media and platform operations 

9:50

Panel Discussion: Misinformation and trust – Communicating with integrity

  • Discussing how false narratives spread and influence societal divisions 

  • Ensuring transparency, credibility, and responsible messaging in a polarised landscape 

  • The role of technology and AI in misinformation – Examining the impact of algorithms, deepfakes, and synthetic media on trust and perception 

  • Balancing free speech with platform responsibility and government intervention 

  • Empowering audiences to critically evaluate sources and recognise manipulation 

  • Collaborating across sectors to restore trust – Strengthening partnerships between media, businesses, government, and civil society to create a transparent information ecosystem  

10:30

Morning break

11:00

AI in Comms & PR: Revolutionising strategy, engagement, and media

  • The rise of AI-powered PR – How automation, machine learning, and generative AI are reshaping media and communications strategies 

  • Examining emerging innovations, from deep learning-driven storytelling to predictive analytics in media relations 

  • Understanding how to leverage AI for press releases, reports, and real-time audience engagement 

  • Using AI to help track public perception, industry trends, and competitor activity through text, video, and image analysis 

  • Streamlining customer interaction and stakeholder engagement with AI-powered tools 

  • Predicting, managing, and responding to negative PR with real-time data, automation, and AI-driven media monitoring 

Ngaire Crawford, Director - Insights & Research, Isentia

11:40

Table Talk: How are you integrating AI into your daily workflow? 

11:50

Social media in flux – Building aligned strategies in a shifting landscape

  • Navigating platform shifts through an aligned strategy lens

  • What the latest algorithm changes really mean for visibility

  • Future-proofing your strategy without chasing every trend

  • Creating content that connects and converts (without the chaos)

  • Measuring what matters: analytics, sentiment, and strategic alignment

Loren Tomlinson, Director & Lead Digital Marketing Strategist, The Social Collective

12:30

Lunch break

13:30

Panel Discussion: Conflict in the digital age – Navigating online challenges with confidence

  • Discussing how organisations from central government, private sector, and PR agencies identify early signs of harassment and take proactive steps to prevent escalation 

  • Exploring strategies used across industries to safeguard brand image when facing public criticism or negative narratives online 

  • Sharing methods for tracking digital discussions and maintaining control over brand perception 

  • Understanding how various industries adapt communication approaches quickly to manage online threats and crisis 

Prof. Daniel Laufer, Head of School - Communication Studies, AUT University

Dr Chrisopher Galloway, Honorary Research Associate, Massey University 

14:10

Table Talk: Navigating online threats in real time – How are you responding?

14:20

Data-driven communication: Leveraging analytics for strategic success 

  • Employing data to fine-tune communication efforts to ensure strategies align with desired outcomes 

  • Analysing audience interactions and sentiment to adjust content and messaging in real-time 

  • Overcoming issues like data quality, volume, and balancing quantitative (hard metrics) with qualitative (audience insights) data for a holistic strategy 

  • Utilising AI for predictive analytics, automation, and deeper insights into audience behaviour and media coverage 

  • Creating systems to continuously monitor, analyse, and iterate on strategies, ensuring consistent optimisation based on fresh insights 

  • Understanding the importance of using analytics to refine messaging and target specific audience segments more effectively, ensuring content resonates and drives engagement 


15:00

Afternoon break

15:20

Communicating purpose, values, and sustainability initiatives with impact

  • How do we integrate sustainable business goals into our brand with authenticity and impact?

  • How can we ensure we aren’t greenwashing in our communications – while also not falling into green hushing?

  • Demonstrating through real-world PR and Marketing campaigns how a well communicated sustainability narrative can drive a business advantage

  • Exploring the importance of a good understanding of ESG issues and language to support our communications work

Suzy Giles, Managing Director, Giles Global

15:50

Delivering on brand value and narratives with authenticity

  • Aligning brand values with communication strategies for long-term success 

  • The growing demand for transparency and authenticity in brand messaging 

  • Examples of brands successfully communicating to create engagement and impact with key customer and stakeholder groups 

  • Balancing purpose with profit while staying true to core brand principles 

16:20

Closing remarks from the MC & Networking drinks

9:00

Welcome back from the MC

9:10

Architects of Influence – How PR is shaping trust, strategy, and social change

  • The role of PR in shaping conversations around sustainability, diversity, and ethical business practices 

  • Understanding how effective communication shapes corporate strategy, government relations, and societal trust 

  • Communicating corporate responsibility with impact and authenticity 

  • Strategies for leveraging PR to drive meaningful industry and social transformation 

  • Discussing the complexities of today's media ecosystem and its impact on PR strategy 

  • Harnessing innovation and technology to elevate PR impact and long-term influence 

Nikki Wright, Managing Director, Wright Communications

9:50

Case Study: The role of communication in building resilience

  • Discussing how effective communication strategies help organisations adapt and thrive in uncertain times 

  • The importance of creating a culture of resilience through transparent, empathetic messaging 

  • How communications professionals can become change agents, ensuring their organisation stays agile and resilient 

  • Building proactive communication systems to anticipate challenges and lead through adversity 

Jess Soutar Barron, Communications Manager, Napier City Council

10:30

Morning break

11:00

Case Study: 25 Years of influence – Lessons from One Plus One Communications 

  • Understanding how One Plus One Communications has adapted to shifting industry trends, technology, and audience behaviors 

  • Key insights from 25 years of navigating crises, reputation management, and brand storytelling

  • The Evolving Role of Agencies - Examining the transformation of client expectations, media relationships, and strategic communications over time 

  • Unleashing how brands and agencies can stay relevant, resilient, and purpose-driven in a rapidly evolving world 

  • What’s next for PR, and how professionals can prepare for the future of communications 

Kelly Bennett, Founder & Managing Director, One Plus One Communications

11:30

Leading change: Communicating organisational transformation through PR

  • How PR teams can drive organisational change by fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience 

  • Crafting clear, strategic messaging to guide teams and stakeholders through change with confidence

  • Refining communication approaches to build understanding, alignment, and support in times of uncertainty

  • Leveraging honest, transparent communication to strengthen trust and navigate complex transitions

  • Anticipating challenges, embracing flexibility, and using proactive communication to lead change effectively

Carly Orr, Chief People & Communities Officer, Fidelity Life 

12:00

Translating complexity: Communicating technical concepts with clarity

  • The challenges of communicating complex, technical concepts to diverse audiences 

  • How to simplify technical jargon without losing critical information 

  • Strategies for tailoring communication for non-expert audiences while maintaining accuracy 

  • The role of visuals, analogies, and clear messaging in making technical topics accessible 

12:30

Lunch break

13:30

Case Study: Public sector success in community engagement

  • Lessons from local governments on fostering trust and collaboration 

  • Strategies for driving impactful public campaigns and addressing public concerns 

  • Key takeaways from effective PR strategies in the public sector applicable to other industries 

  • Leveraging communication for social change and inclusivity 

14:00

Case Study: Engaging diverse communities – Lessons from grassroots initiatives

  • Understanding the unique needs and perspectives of diverse communities 

  • Building trust through inclusive, culturally aware communication strategies 

  • Leveraging local voices and partnerships for deeper engagement 

  • Overcoming barriers such as language, digital access, and historical mistrust 

  • Case study example: A successful grassroots campaign that fostered genuine community involvement 

Jo Scott, Director, Great Scott

14:15

Case Study: Corporate social responsibility & authentic storytelling – Avoiding performative engagement

  • The difference between performative and genuine CSR engagement 

  • Aligning CSR initiatives with brand values to ensure credibility 

  • The role of employee and stakeholder voices in authentic storytelling 

  • Strategies to measure the real impact of CSR efforts on communities 

  • Case study example: A brand that successfully built trust through transparent, meaningful CSR initiatives 

14:30

Case Study: Tailoring messaging for unique audiences – Navigating cultural nuances and expectations

  • Understanding cultural sensitivities and expectations in communication 

  • Crafting messages that resonate across different demographics and backgrounds 

  • The role of localisation vs. standardisation in messaging strategies 

  • Case study example: A campaign that effectively adapted messaging for different cultural audiences while maintaining brand integrity 


14:45

Panel Discussion: Bridging worlds - Authentic engagement with diverse audiences

  • Understanding the business, social, and ethical imperatives of inclusive communication 

  • Discussing how diversity in engagement drives innovation, stronger brand loyalty, and community impact 

  • Identifying and avoiding tokenism in messaging and outreach 

  • How to build long-term credibility rather than short-term PR wins 

  • Practical strategies for ensuring messaging algins with the values and perspectives of diverse audiences 

  • Addressing barriers such as language, accessibility, and historical mistrust 

  • Balancing broad messages with targeted, culturally competent approaches 

15:20

Closing remarks from the MC & End of Conference

Back to top

Speakers

Carly Orr

Chief People & Communities Officer
Fidelity Life

Carly’s career has taken her from receptionist to Chief People and Communities Officer. How she got there is a story of saying yes when most people would have said no. She’s sold superannuation to Londoners, directed live TV, gone back to university, created an internal Comms role, worked on an organisational design team, and presented to politicians inside the Beehive. Working across a range of industries including telecommunication, health, and finance, she’s intentionally broadened her skill set, and now looks for opportunities to bring all her experience to the table.

Prof. Daniel Laufer

Head of School - Communication Studies
AUT University
Dr. Daniel Laufer, PhD, MBA, is a Professor and Head of the School of Communication Studies at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). His expertise lies in Crisis Management, particularly crisis communications and stakeholder reactions to crises. Dr. Laufer’s research, published globally, has appeared in top academic and managerial journals. He has been featured in international media, including NPR and The Academic Minute. Previously, he led the School of Marketing and International Business at Victoria University of Wellington and taught at leading universities in the USA, Germany, South Korea, and beyond. Before academia, he worked at KPMG, PwC, and founded his own consulting firm. Dr. Laufer frequently comments on Crisis Management for major media outlets like CNN, The Guardian, and The Economist. He also contributes to industry and government workshops on crisis communications. Dr. Laufer supports the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Sector and serves on the executive committee of Friends of TePapa.

Jess Soutar Barron

Communications Manager
Napier City Council
Jess Soutar Barron is the Communications Manager at Napier City Council. She has worked in public relations and corporate communications in the public and private sector for 20 years both in NZ and the UK. Jess has practiced as a communications coach and holds a Master of Arts in Communications and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Sec). Jess has been involved in a number of civil defence events as a public information manager. She is a big believer in empowering and upskilling staff in all areas of an organisation to be the best communicators they can be. 

Kelly Bennett

Founder & Managing Director
One Plus One Communications

Kelly Bennett is the Founder and Managing Director of One Plus One Communications, which has been recognised by PRINZ as the country’s leading large corporate communications firm for the past two years running. A trained journalist, he worked in London and Edinburgh for several years then returned to Aotearoa to found Trans-Tasman consumer agency Eleven PR in 2007. He has judged at Spikes Asia, represented New Zealand as the PR juror at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2016, and became a PRINZ Fellow in 2018. He also established the Communications Council PRESCom industry group (where he served as Deputy Chair) and currently splits his time between Auckland’s CBD and Piha, on the West Coast. Having grown every year since its formation just over a decade ago, One Plus One’s client roster now includes Mastercard, Milford Asset Management, 2degrees, nib, Oceania Healthcare and Aon, to name just a few. 

Suzy Giles

Managing Director
Giles Global
Suzy is an experienced marketing and communications professional who specialises in sustainability. Her most recent role was as an Associate Partner with ERM, the world’s largest sustainability consultancy, where she led a team of ESG communications professionals, helping organisations to communicate their sustainability strategy and develop a consistent brand narrative – all while navigating the compliance landscape. She has worked with a wide variety of sectors including energy, retail, manufacturing, education, banking and private equity. She works with clients across the globe, advising on regulations around greenwashing as well as supporting communications teams to understand the requirements of sustainability regulations. She works primarily with leaders and their teams to support their engagement activities – be that internal buy-in to a company’s sustainability strategy or safeguarding reputation within a national or international context. Suzy leads a group of industry professionals in ESG Communications through her work with the Chartered Institute of PR (CIPR), where she chairs an expert panel on ESG. Suzy is also a member of the UNDP’s Climate Communications Task Force and is Chief Examiner for the PRINZ APR Accreditation. Suzy moved to Nelson, New Zealand in 2024, following 9 years working in The Netherlands, and now manages Giles Global Ltd.

Loren Tomlinson

Director
The Social Collective

As the Founder of The Social Collective, Loren’s mission is to help female-driven businesses thrive in the digital space.

With her fresh, holistic approach to marketing, Loren crafts strategies that are perfectly aligned with your business goals. She’s all about empowering business owners with the tools and knowledge to grow their online presence with confidence.

Marketing is more than just a job to Loren – it’s her passion, and she’s here to make it feel like an exciting adventure for your business.

Sponsors

Sponsors to be announced

Gold Sponsor

Umbrella Wellbeing

Silver sponsors

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Exhibitors

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

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Workshops

Workshops to be announced

Post Conference Workshop:
Title goes here

XX XXX 2025 | 9.00 AM – 4.30 PM

Session Outline here

Learning objectives

  • Bullet point 1
  • Bullet point 2
  • Bullet point 3
  • Bullet point 4

 Workshop outline 

  1. Outline 1
  2. Outline 2
  3. Outline 3
  4. Outline 4

Facilitated by: XXX

Bio goes here

Dr Tristan Casey

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PRINZ Member Pricing

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  • Available until 28 February 2025. The displayed price of $1,249 per person is based on the effective rate calculated when booking a full price conference ticket at $2,499 + gst. For valid conference ticket, payment by 28 February 2025.
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Multi Buy - 2+ Tickets

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$ 1349 per person +gst
  • Available until 28 February 2025. The displayed price of $1,349 per person is based on the effective rate calculated when booking a full price conference ticket at $2,699 + gst. For valid conference ticket, payment by 28 February 2025.
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Super Saver

Conference Only - PRINZ Awards sold separately
$2699
$ 2299 +gst
  • Available until 4 April 2025 or until 40 tickets are sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 4 April 2025.
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Early Bird

Conference Only - PRINZ Awards sold separately
$2699
$ 2499 +gst
  • Available until 2 May 2025. For valid ticket, payment by 2 May 2025.
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Full Price

Conference Only - PRINZ Awards sold separately
$ 2699 +gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 28 May 2025.
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Multi Buy

Multi Buy - 2+ Tickets

Conference Only - PRINZ Awards sold separately
$ 1999 per person +gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at the same time. Available until 28 May 2025. For valid ticket, payment by 28 May 2025.
BUY TICKET

Registration Conditions

Ticket Terms
All prices are in New Zealand dollars ($NZD)
A surcharge of 2.5% + GST applies to credit card payments on top of the total amount.
To remain valid, Super Saver and Early Bird tickets must be paid by date quoted.
Group ticket options are valid for registrations from the same organisation, booked at the same time.
By selecting any special pricing offer for classes of organisation, sector, or individuals or using any promotion code, you are asserting to the organiser your right to claim any such pricing offer, and acknowledge the organiser’s right to audit such claim and, if in the opinion of the organiser using its sole discretion the conditions for special pricing are not met, reject any registration.

For full terms & conditions, please visit https://www.brightstar.co.nz/terms-and-conditions

Safe events: our live events are run in line with industry best practice and government guidelines

Pre-sale Ticket Terms 

  • Event-Specific: Pre-sale tickets are valid only for the specific event for which they were purchased and cannot be transferred to other events. 
  • Payment Deadline: To secure the pre-sale rate, payment must be received by the specified deadline. Late payments will result in cancellation of your registration. 
  • No Refunds or Vouchers: Please note that no refunds or vouchers will be issued for cancellations of pre-sale tickets. 
  • Substitute Delegate: If you are unable to attend the conference, you may send a substitute delegate from your organisation to attend the event at no additional cost. 

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