Conference 2026

23 & 24 July 2026
Te Pae - Christchurch, New Zealand

Platinum Sponsor 2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE

CHANGE TO PROGRAMME - announced on 19.5.2026

Conference will now start on Thursday 23rd July with an altered (slightly reduced) programme in recognition of increased operating costs impacting our members due to fuel prices.

Read the announcement HERE and check out the new programme below.

Strengthening standards, capability, and leadership to move our industry forward.

This year’s conference focuses on the work already underway to strengthen our industry through clearer standards, stronger capability, and greater consistency. As these initiatives take shape, we’ll explore how industry and the association are moving forward together to build confidence, lift performance, and strengthen our collective voice.

Christchurch, New Zealand

This year the association's annual conference is being held in the beautiful city of Christchurch, known as the "garden city" because of its stunning green spaces.

We'll be hosting you at the incredible Te Pae conference and exhibition centre, in the heart of the Christchurch city. It has world class facilities, is easily accessible, and has been purpose built to showcase large vehicles and machines.

For those wishing to explore further afield after the conference, it's an easy trip to Queenstown or Wanaka to enjoy NZ's incredible winter in the city, country or on the slopes.

REGISTRATIONS OPEN

Register now for the crane industry's national conference.

EARLYBIRD PRICING CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Member - Full Delegate
$950 + GST
Includes all conference activities, social events and gala awards dinner.

Member - Day registration
$595 + GST
Includes full day access to conference and exhibition, catering
(evening event tickets sold separately)

NOW AVAILABLE

Secure your sponsorship and/or exhibition package now.

SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITION PROSPECTUS

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Draft programme available

Check out our draft conference programme HERE .

Please note the changes to our programme announced on 19.5.2026 - conference now starts on Thursday 23rd July.

Read about the reason for that change HERE.

James Laughlin

Kick off the conference with serious inspiration.

We’re starting day one with keynote speaker James Laughlin — a world-class performance coach who has worked with Olympic champions, elite athletes, and high-performing leaders around the globe.

James is known for helping people perform at their best under pressure, build resilient teams, and create winning cultures.

This special Breakfast Keynote is included for all conference delegates. This year you can also bring your team, who may not attend the full conference.

For just $49 + GST, you can bring team members or clients for a high-energy start to the day and a chance to learn practical leadership insights from one of the best in the business.

A great way to reward your team, grow their leadership mindset, and share an inspiring start to the conference.

Simply add your additional breakfast tickets onto your registration.

James Laughlin

Carly Shorter

Carly Shorter brings a refreshingly real take on communication and leadership.

With more than 20 years’ experience across radio, leadership and facilitation in Aotearoa and Australia, Carly has seen first-hand how even the most capable people struggle when conversations get tough.

Through her work with Communicate Powerfully, Carly helps people build the awareness, courage and practical tools needed to handle difficult conversations with confidence.

Known for her warm, straight-up style, she creates space for honest discussion, real reflection, and practical takeaways that people can immediately use in their workplaces.

Carly Shorter

Something for everyone

Choose from a range of options, all well appointed, centrally located and walking distance to the venue.

Check out the options below, and simply reserve your room during the conference registration process.

Carnmore Hotel

Novotel Hotel Cathedral Square

Distinction Hotel

ibis Hotel

Connect, learn, be inspired

Held once a year, it’s the only event where the entire crane industry comes together in one place — bringing operators, business owners, suppliers, engineers, regulators and industry partners together to connect, learn and share ideas.

The conference delivers a high-quality programme featuring a mix of inspiring keynote speakers, practical industry sessions, and technical insights designed to help you stay informed and ahead of what’s happening across the sector.

Just as important are the many opportunities to network, catch up with colleagues, meet new people, and strengthen industry relationships. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and social — because sometimes the best ideas and connections happen outside the office and away from the day-to-day pressures of running a business.

You’ll leave with new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and great connections — and probably a few good stories from a memorable few days with the crane industry.

Check out the images below from our 2025 conference in Wellington.

We'll be joined again this year by MC extraordinaire Jehan Casinader.

Jehan is an award-winning TV journalist, speaker, mental health advocate. Jehan was named “Reporter of the Year” at the New Zealand Television Awards. In the aftermath of natural disasters, terror attacks, sporting triumphs and everything in between, he has helped hundreds of people to share their inspiring stories.

In 2020, Jehan opened up about his journey through depression, in a book called This Is Not How It Ends: How rewriting your story can save your life (HarperCollins). Now, he travels around New Zealand, teaching Kiwis about the power of storytelling. He’s also an official ambassador for Men’s Health Week.

Jehan is a familiar face in the building and construction sector, having hosted high-profile events for many years. He understands the challenges facing our industry, and has a fresh perspective on how we can tackle them.

Jehan is stoked to be joining us again in Christchurch, as our MC for all three days of the conference.