Rust Forge 2025 to bring global tech leaders to Wellington

A new international technology conference, Rust Forge 2025, is set to be held in Wellington, targeting software developers from New Zealand and overseas.

Rust Forge 2025, established by Wellington local Tim McNamara, aims to challenge traditional industry norms and stimulate fresh thinking among participants.

Organisers expect around 200 tech developers to attend, with representation from companies such as Adobe, Rocket Lab, and Open Star. Delegates are anticipated from New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Europe.

The conference will take place at Shed 6 from 27-30 August 2025 and has received support from Business Events Wellington and WellingtonNZ.

The four-day event will include not just technical workshops, talks, and networking sessions, but also tours of Wellington and visits to key local sites, designed to give attendees a sense of the city and its place within the technology sector.

According to the organisers, Rust Forge seeks to create connections among changemakers and encourage a collaborative atmosphere within the tech community.

There are further plans to involve local tech organisations in a legacy initiative, extending invitations to students in the hope of encouraging more youth to consider careers in technology.

Tim McNamara, founder of Rust Forge and head of the Accelerant.dev consultancy based in Wellington, is known for his advocacy of the Rust programming language. McNamara maintains an active presence through a YouTube channel, a podcast, and international speaking engagements centred on Rust.

Business Events Wellington Manager, Irette Ferreira, commented on the importance of events like Rust Forge for the capital, saying, "Bringing conferences of this calibre to Wellington is about more than just the economic impact. It's about putting Wellington on the map as a centre for technology and innovation, and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Events like Rust Forge open doors for collaboration and foster the kind of creative problem-solving that is essential for our city's growth."

The conference's programming is structured to highlight environmental concerns as well as community building, with organisers describing Rust Forge as aiming to be "provocative and unconventional."

In preparation for Rust Forge 2025, the organisers have stated a commitment to celebrating both local talent and global expertise, fostering international exchange, and showcasing Wellington's capacity as an events destination for the technology sector.