Keynote Speakers

Amy Scott, People Expert | Owner DOTS Communication

Amy is a dynamic communication specialist driven by her passion for people and fostering strong, connected teams. A former lawyer, her mantra, “less friction, more fun,” underpins everything she does.

Hailing from Central Otago, New Zealand, Amy’s diverse journey includes representing New Zealand in ice hockey, working in wool sheds, and sharpening her strategic thinking during her legal career.

Her career transformed with the discovery of the "Dots Communication" tool - a groundbreaking Kiwi innovation that has empowered over 40,000 individuals across New Zealand and Australia to communicate, collaborate and connect more effectively.

Known as the "Dots Lady," Amy’s vibrant energy and down to earth approach make her work widely valued. Her community shows blend entertainment with personal growth and often support local causes, providing practical tools to enhance communication and build stronger connections.

In her engaging keynotes, Amy delivers practical strategies to help audiences unlock their potential through effective communication. Expect to leave inspired, empowered, and ready to create authentic connections in all areas of your life.

Julian Moore, Strategic Membership Solutions

In this hands-on session, Julian Moore will introduce AI tools that are revolutionising the work of engagement professionals. Through a live demonstration, you’ll explore how AI-powered tools can streamline your workflows and enhance your effectiveness across key tasks. You’ll leave with practical insights and the know-how to immediately apply these tools to your work.

Julian is an engaging and entertaining speaker, known for delivering practical, real-world examples and case studies. Julian is an unabashed technology geek, thoroughly enjoying the process of adapting to an AI world. With extensive experience in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, Julian is committed to helping people achieve their goals through innovative solutions.

Breakout Session Speakers

Neil Henry, Marlborough District Council

Neil has managed the economic development team at Marlborough District Council since arriving in New Zealand in 2009. Prior to this Neil worked in local government in his native UK in three Councils in the East of England since 1998. Neil is a member of Council’s executive management team.

Council takes the lead role for economic development for Marlborough and Neil has gained deep knowledge of the local economy through active engagement with Marlborough industries. Neil also manages international government relationships via Marlborough’s sister region wine relationship with Ningxia, China.

Neil has managed and participated in many community and industry engagement projects including the Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study (2023), Marlborough TEAM Covid economic response (2020—22) Te Tauihu Regional Strategy (2018-2020), Marlborough Smart and Connected (2014-ongoing) and Growing Marlborough (2009-12).

Prior to moving to New Zealand, Neil worked on UK and EU partnership projects related to regeneration, education exchange and dry ports.

Outside of work, Neil enjoys time with his family and is a football player in the Marlborough league.

Julia Siddal, Auckland Transport

Julia Siddall is a consent planner with Auckland Transport and one of two owner interface managers in the Communications and Engagement team on Te Tupu Ngātahi (Supporting Growth) Alliance.

She has two years’ experience planning for resource consenting, designation processes, policy and subject matter expert input. Her role on the alliance includes internal and external stakeholder engagement.

In her spare time Julia plays hockey and likes to get out exploring new places.

Julie Boucher, Just Add Lime

Leading the Social Sustainability and Planning practice at Just Add Lime, Julie has a passion for working with organisations to build and develop connections with communities. With a collaborative approach and creative leadership skills, Julie brings together the right people and the right tools at the right time in a winning formula.

As a qualified Environmental Planner, Community Engagement and Social Impact Assessment specialist with formal Project Management qualifications and experience, Julie brings a uniquely broad range of skills and depth of experience to support project development and delivery. Having worked in the public and private sector as well as consultancy, Julie also understands what drives organisations and what that means for projects. She has worked in transportation, resources, defence, aviation and education sectors within both New Zealand and Australia. Julie is also responsible for guiding and supporting the company’s growth through people, planning, process and overall operational excellence.

Julie hatched the concept of the brain food cupboard at Just Add Lime. This is where you go to grab a snack before heading to the comfy seats to chill out or get the creative ideas flowing. She is also known for bringing baking into the office and if you get in early enough you might even be able to make a request.

Tackling Challenges: Insights from the Core Values Award Winners

Join the New Zealand-based winners of the 2024 IAP2 Core Values Awards for an engaging panel discussion on overcoming challenges in impactful projects. Dive into the Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study and Te Tupu Ngātahi Programme of Engagement, exploring innovative approaches to complex engagement scenarios. Discover valuable strategies and insights from these award-winning projects.

Check out the case studies here.