NEW SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED: Open AI and Taboola. The way people discover brands, content and media is changing and the implications for marketers, publishers and agencies are immediate. From social and commerce-led discovery to AI-generated answers and instant-response search, consumer behaviour is shifting faster than most strategies can keep up with. IAB New Zealand's Future of Search and AI Working Groups are bringing together local and international experts for a half-day summit on the future of brand discovery. Expect expert keynotes, sharp takeaways from a 'hot takes' speaker panel, and a hands-on workshop. Essential for any brand, agency or publisher navigating the future of discovery.
Event Details
Date: 13 August 2026
Time: 1pm - 5:30pm
Venue: The Maritime Room, Auckland Central
Tickets: IAB New Zealand Members $120 + GST + BF, Non-members: $195 + GST + BF
Includes afternoon refreshments & networking drinks.
Thank you to our sponsors Amazon Ads and Taboola.
Aneeket Dayal
Strategy and Insights Lead, Amazon Ads, Australia
With nearly two decades across digital strategy, enterprise transformation, and behavioural sciences, Aneeket translates complex data into insights that drive real business growth. Previously Principal Digital Strategist at Adobe APAC, he's held leadership roles at OMD, Havas, and AKQA, and is a keynote speaker at Adobe Summit, Mumbrella 360, and AWS Summit.
Mitch
Pilar
GTM - Ads Solutions, OpenAI
Mitch Pilar is a founding member of OpenAI’s GTM Ads Solutions team, helping businesses across New Zealand and Australia navigate how AI is reshaping discovery, decision-making and brand engagement. He joins OpenAI as the company continues to build its commercial capabilities and deepen its engagement with enterprise customers globally.
Nikki Rogers
Head of Performance, Google NZ
As Head of Performance, Nikki partners with leading Kiwi advertisers and their agencies to drive business growth and navigate the changing digital landscape. She brings a wealth of strategic insight to the industry; with 20 years of digital marketing experience in agency and in-house roles across NZ and Canada. Nikki will unpack the future of search; exploring Google’s evolving, AI-powered ecosystem and what it means for marketers.
Shahper Richter
Senior Lecturer, Digital Marketing, University of Auckland.
Dr. Shahper Richter is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Auckland. She works at the intersection of digital marketing, education and emerging technologies. With a strong focus on making AI understandable and usable in real-world settings, Shahper brings a practical, down-to-earth approach to conversations about digital change.
Jason Schoeman
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Head of Solutions and Expertise, Kantar
Jason Schoeman is Head of Solutions and Expertise at Kantar New Zealand, where he helps brands turn data into growth. He specialises in media, AI-driven insights and creative effectiveness, working closely with clients to navigate changing consumer behaviour and deliver measurable impact through smarter marketing strategies.
David Thomas
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Chief Commercial Officer, Kantar
David Thomas is Chief Commercial Officer, New Zealand at Kantar, leading strategic research and commercial growth. He specialises in translating data into commercial impact, with expertise in brand, CX and analytics. Known for clear thinking and practical insight, David helps organisations make smarter decisions and drive sustainable growth.
Richard Conway
Founder CEO, Pure SEO & The Optimisers
Richard Conway is the founder and CEO of The Optimisers, a native GEO, AEO and Agentic Search agency in New Zealand and Australia. He’s also the author of 'How to Get to the Top of Google Search' (Penguin Random House), a Gold IAB Award winner (Service to The Industry), and an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.
Joe
France
Sales Director, Taboola
Joe has 20 years' experience in digital advertising, and has been with Taboola for the last seven years in sales director roles across Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. He specialises in content marketing, and helping brands reach engaged users beyond traditional paid search. Joe has worked with marketing teams in multiple markets, focusing on connecting content strategy with measurable business outcomes.
Rowan Schaaf
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Co-Founder, Pattern
Rowan Schaaf is co-founder of Pattern, an AI-native software agency in Auckland. Pattern builds and operates inside the shift to agent-mediated work exploring what changes when agents sit between companies and the tools, vendors and information they rely on, rather than humans doing the reaching.
Jill
Varani
Head of Search, MBM
Jill is Head of Search at MBM, bringing more than 15 years’ experience across New Zealand’s agency landscape. She has deep expertise in paid search and SEO, with a strong track record of delivering strategic, performance-driven digital marketing solutions for leading Kiwi brands.
Mike
Puru
Media Personality
Much loved media personality Mike Puru is one of New Zealand’s most recognised and respected broadcasters. Best known for his twenty-year tenure as a host on The Edge radio station, Mike has been a constant voice in Kiwi households for over two decades.
