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: Amelia Bentley (Deloitte), Angus Quigley (MC for the day), Brodie Dye (ZURU), Dan Fowlie (Airclerk), Donncha Hand (Blue Horizon AI), Georgia Singleton (Trade Me), Hanna Siebdrat (Nayamind) and Ollie Cashmore (WeTalk.ai). Meet the speakers
Tier availability is limited and allocated in confirmation order. Email Blake for the current amounts.
The community behind the room
350+
members of Young Kiwis in AI across New Zealand, founded in January 2026
58
requests to join the community through this website in five weeks (11 August - 17 September 2026)
60+
people on the conference waitlist by 11 October 2026, before a single ticket went on sale
6
cities we have run meetups in: Auckland, Wellington, 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
Tier availability is limited and allocated in confirmation order. Email Blake for the current amounts.
A marquee employer or naming sponsor
Companies actively hiring AI talent
Own a named moment of the day, with your team in the room
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.
A contribution 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. Email Blake for the current amount.
Venue, AV, prizes, software credits or swag, valued at their cash equivalent. Talk to Blake about what fits.
Blake Harkness founded Young Kiwis in AI and looks after every partnership himself. Tell him which tier you are looking at.
Coming as an attendee instead? Tickets and the waitlist are on the conference page
Last updated
