Sponsorship
Put your team in front of New Zealand's most AI-engaged students, grads and early-career builders: 200+ attendees in one room for a full day. YKIA National Conference 2027 is run by Young Kiwis in AI (YKIA), the nationwide community for young people working with AI, and it is the first event of its kind in the country.
Confirmed so far: Brodie Dye (ZURU) and Georgia Singleton (Trade Me) on the panel on AI inside large NZ businesses. More speakers to be announced.
All prices in NZD, plus GST. Tier availability is limited and allocated in confirmation order.
The community behind the room
300+
members of Young Kiwis in AI across New Zealand, founded in January 2026
58
requests to join the community through this website, 11 August - 17 September 2026
43
conference waitlist sign-ups in the same weeks, before a single ticket is on sale
5
cities we have run meetups in: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton and Palmerston North
Our August Auckland meetup at Zuru HQ (21 August 2026) had 90 registrations and 46 more on the waitlist, and a full room on the night. The conference is that audience, from every region, for a whole day. Read the recap
Why companies sign
Attendees can choose, at registration, to share their CV and contact details with partners. Nobody is in it who did not opt in. Founding and Talent Partners get full access; Supporting Partners get a shortlist.
Beyond the pool, you get brand presence with the community backing New Zealand's next generation of AI talent, mentions across YKIA channels before and after the day, and a stand where your team can meet people one to one. Partners are named across the programme launch and every announcement after it.
Partnership tiers
All prices in NZD, plus GST. Tier availability is limited and allocated in confirmation order.
$6,500NZD + GST
A marquee employer or naming sponsor
$3,500NZD + GST
Companies actively hiring AI talent
$2,000NZD + GST
Own a named moment of the day, with your team in the room
$750NZD + GST
Startups, recruiters and solo sponsors
Every partner expo stand includes space for your banner and a seat for someone from your team to talk with attendees about what you do.
$1,5005 people$3,00010 people
A flat $300 towards the flight of each student, grad or young professional coming from outside Auckland, so where someone lives does not decide whether they can come. You choose how many people to fund and who, from the applications, typically from your own city.
Venue, AV, prizes, software credits or swag, valued at their cash equivalent. Talk to Blake about what fits.
These companies have hosted a Young Kiwis in AI meetup or hired from the community.
What each of them didBlake Harkness founded Young Kiwis in AI and looks after every partnership himself. Tell him which tier you are looking at, or download the one-page prospectus to share with your team.
Coming as an attendee instead? Join the conference waitlist
