Curated for property professionals in the retail sector, RECON26 brings together international and local thought-leaders, experts, and innovators to explore the latest trends shaping retail property. Over 1.5 dynamic days, delegates will gain valuable insights, discover new ideas, and connect with peers driving the industry forward. From exclusive site tours will showcase innovation in action, followed by a full day of engaging presentations, thought-provoking discussions, and networking opportunities. RECON26 is the must-attend event for anyone passionate about the future of retail property.
Event Details
Thur 13 Nov 2026
7:45 am: Registration desk open
8:45 am: Conference Opening
Nadine Higgins | Master of Ceremonies
8:50 am: Welcome
Leonie Freeman | Chief Executive, Property Council New Zealand
8:55 am: Premier Sponsor Address
Match
9:00 am: Government Update
Hon Louise Upston | Minister for Tourism and Hospitality
9:20 am: Navigating the Retail Road Ahead
Gareth Kiernan | Chief Forecaster and Director, Infometrics
9:50 am: Opening Keynote | How AI is powering the next wave of retail innovation
Justin Flitter | AI Keynote Speaker
10:30 am: Paramanawa
Morning Tea
11:00 am: Retail Committee Update
Michael Sweetman | Chair, Retail Committee
11:05 am: Flatpacks & Future Plans: IKEA’s Expansion Journey
Fabian Winterbine | Expansion Manager, IKEA Australia & New Zealand
11:35 am: Panel | The Retail Rollout: From Plan to Grand Opening
Facilitated by Martin Skinner, Managing Director, Tailor Inc.
Gerrick Numan | Founder, Millé and the Restaurant Design Academy
Mat Hughes | Director, Complete Construction
Mimi Gilmour Buckley | Hospitality Entrepreneur
12:15 pm: Tina
Lunchtime
1:10 pm: Property Council Advocacy Update
Denise Lee | Advocacy Consultant, Property Council New Zealand
1:20 pm: The CBD is Dead. Long Live the City Centre
Ben van Bruggen | Founder, The Urban Room Foundation | Director, van Bruggen Urbanism
1:50 pm: Behind the Brand: Lorna Jane’s Next Chapter
Anna Strzelczykowski | Head of Property & Retail Development, Lorna Jane
2:30 pm: Paramanawa
Afternoon Tea
3:00 pm: Case study | Chadstone Unpacked: From Shopping Centre to Mixed-Use Powerhouse
Barnaby Giudice | General Manager – Retail Development, Vicinity Centre
3:35 pm: From Coffee to Outdoors: Tahua’s Expanding Portfolio
Roger Harper | Managing Director, Tahua Group
4:15 pm: Closing Keynote | Retail Reinvented: Global Trends & Local Innovation
Reid Nakou | Chief Experience Officer, The General Store
4:50 pm: Conference Closing
Leonie Freeman | Chief Executive, Property Council New Zealand
5:00-7:15 pm: Martelli McKegg Networking Function
Event program:
https://www.propertynz.co.nz/residential-development-summit/programme
Official website:
https://www.propertynz.co.nz/residential-development-summit
Our venue has been thoughtfully designed to support all visitors regardless what health conditions they have. Every space, pathway, and piece of technology has been considered to promote independence, comfort, and confidence. Learn more here
