Spark launches nationwide Spark Lab tour

Spark has released the dates for its series of Spark Lab events across the country.

The innovation and ideas workshop launched in Auckland two years ago, and this will be the first time the workshops will be available on a national level.

Throughout September and October, the Lab will travel to Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Dunedin and Christchurch, following a short series of events in Auckland to kick off the tour.

The tour includes 25 events and 17 speakers.

"Since launching two years ago, we've heard what an awesome source of support, inspiration, mentorship and practical advice Spark Lab has been for those who've attended," comments Richard Sandford, head of business Customer and Marketing at Spark.

"And since adopting a business focus at the start of this year, and livestreaming the events, we've seen that impact shared across New Zealand in truly inspirational ways," he says,

"Taking the Lab to towns that are hubs for regional business across New Zealand is just another step toward our goal of helping as many business people as possible to benefit from these sessions and move closer toward their potential," Sandford adds.

Standford says the nationwide tour has been designed to give both well-established business people and those just starting out the opportunity to learn from leading New Zealand and international entrepreneurs, innovators and creative thinkers.

The speaker line-up will feature Sir Ray Avery, Google's Reuben Halper, technologist Rab Heath and Kaila Colbin of Singularity U. Others include innovation mentor Colart Miles, serial start-up founder Will Palmer and Spark Ventures' newly minted CEO Ed Hyde.

The speaker lineup will vary from place to place, with sessions covering a range of topics that directly impact on business operations and results.

Spark says many of the events will be livestreamed and all will be free and open for anyone to attend.