Inspire. Grow. Lead.
Join us for a full day of insight, inspiration, and impact at Manawatū’s most energising leadership event. Drive Conference 2025 brings together eight powerhouse speakers from our region—each delivering one bold idea to challenge your thinking and sharpen your focus.
Drive Conference is a dynamic and interactive conference experience like no other
What to Expect:
Actionable ideas from regional leaders
Real-time table conversations to explore next steps
A collaborative, energising atmosphere
Workbooks, lunch, and refreshments provided
Leadership
Growth
Innovation
2025 TICKET SALES ARE
NO LONGER AVAILABLE
$199
Multiple ticket purchases qualify for special discount!*
18 September 2025
But it doesn't stop there. After each speaker, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions at your conference table, exchange ideas, and collectively decide on your personal action points. This unique format ensures that you not only gain valuable insights but also leave with a clear plan for applying them to make a real impact.
Get prepared to listen, discuss, decide, and be inspired about your Big Ideas at the Drive Conference 2025.
2025 Speakers
-
Dr Ellen Joan Ford is a passionate changemaker transforming workplaces through inclusive leadership. A military veteran, award-winning researcher, and international speaker, she combines real-world grit with deep expertise to inspire action, drive culture change, and help people thrive at work.
-
David and Nicki Crowley lead purpose-driven businesses where people, culture, and performance thrive together. As award-winning B Corp-certified leaders, they champion values-based leadership, wellbeing, and safety—proving that when you invest in people and culture, strong commercial results naturally follow.
-
Katie Taylor is a dynamic leader at FMG, passionate about people, performance, and innovation. From frontline consultant to capability manager, she champions growth, empowers teams through smart tech, and believes great leaders clear the way for others to thrive—because ships aren’t built for the harbour.
-
Aaran loves people and business, bringing optimism and curiosity to build and grow both. Great culture is paramount to any successful organisation. Aaran develops leaders to grow and foster workplace culture that people want to be a part of.
-
Scott is a dynamic speaker who brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to every stage. A Chartered Accountant and Business Coach, he combines knowledge of finance, leadership, business, and wellbeing to empower business owners, leaders, and teams to recognise their value and unlock their potential. Known for his energetic, personable, and engaging style, Scott delivers actionable insights that inspire audiences to embrace new challenges and drive meaningful change.
-
Blair is the founder and driving force behind Mobile Mechanical Solutions, leading a skilled and passionate team who are dedicated to keeping New Zealand’s commercial vehicles and heavy machinery moving. He values people and leads with transparency, sharing profits and strategies to drive the team success within the business.
-
Practical and insightful, Rich empowers businesses to achieve more. As a senior client engagement partner at Yorb, he combines deep expertise in IT solutions, strategic design, and consultative sales to boost productivity, fortify security, and enhance efficiency. A thoughtful observer of technology’s rapid evolution, Rich brings clarity and confidence to businesses navigating change.
-
Dr Chris Gallavin is an internationally recognised speaker, mentor, and governance expert. A former law professor, executive-dean, and not-for-profit CEO, he combines deep academic insight with real-world leadership. As an Eisenhower Fellow, Chris inspires boards to think strategically, harness diversity, and navigate disruption to build a stronger future.
-
Conference Host for this event is Mike Clark
Passionate and vibrant, Mike is a keynote speaker, business trainer and professional facilitator. His decades of experience training businesses shape his dynamic and engaging delivery. By adding value and empowering action, Mike’s driving goal is to maximise your potential.
The Speakers.
Our eight regional speakers bring practical life-experience focused on our core areas of leadership, growth and innovation. The brief they have is to bring ONE BIG IDEA in their chosen area that will impact you to take action.
The Event.
Our unique format ensures that participants have time to discuss and review each speaker, take action points, network with their tables and leave empowered to take action back in their place of work.
The Venue.
The Silks Lounge, Awapuni Function Centre is known as one of Palmerston North’s great venues. With exquisite food and plenty of parking, you’ll join engaged and enthused business people for this exciting event.
A big thank you to our sponsors & supporters
