Who is Festival for the Future for?

As a publicly ticketed event, anyone can attend the Festival. If you’re interested in making a difference for our future, you should be there. The event attracts a diverse audience from the business, government and community sectors – from business leaders and entrepreneurs, to Government officials and policy makers, to young leaders and Youth Councils from across the nation. People come from every region of Aotearoa, and beyond.

Over the past decade Festival for the Future has played host to thousands of people from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. Year-on-year we see a wide range of businesses and government agencies supporting their graduates and young professionals to attend, as well as schools and tertiary education institutions, youth and community organisations.

In 2022 the average age of attendees was 26, and the range in age from 11 to 80 years old.

When and where will Festival for the Future take place?

The 2023 Festival is happening at Tākina – Wellington’s new Convention Centre, 50 Cable Street in Wellington CBD. We expect that many people travelling from outside of Wellington will arrive on the Wednesday 7th June. There will be official satellite events including an event at Parliament on the Wednesday available to registered attendees (limited numbers, RSVP essential), and then the full 2-day Festival programme of speakers, panels and workshops will run at Tākina on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th June.

How do I get my work or school to pay for my ticket?

There is a strong history of businesses and organisations investing in the training and development of students and young professionals to attend Festival for the Future, and it is widely considered as a great leadership development opportunity. This includes various government agencies; private sector businesses across a wide range of industries and sectors from banking and finance to engineering and law; as well as Councils, secondary and tertiary education organisations.

Generally, the key benefits that people get from attending the Festival include:
– connection & networking with a diverse range of leaders across the business, government and community sectors
- learning from inspirational examples of leadership and innovation in action
- fresh ideas and diverse perspectives on key issues and opportunities for change
- the chance to develop ideas and skills for the future, as well as discover new opportunities for further development and training
- a stronger sense of motivation and purpose for the future

COVID-19: Ticket refunds, sales and exchanges

We understand and acknowledge that a degree of uncertainty still exists for live events. We will continue to monitor public health recommendations and will adhere to any government restrictions in place relating to in-person events. Below you will find our standard and COVID cancellation policies.

Standard Cancellation Policy: applies when participants are not cancelling their attendance due to a COVID-19 related issue.

• There is no right of refund or exchange on tickets.

COVID-19 Policy: a ticket transfer or full refund (minus booking fee) will be available if: 

• the event has to be cancelled due to COVID-19 

• you or a household member is required to isolate due to a positive COVID-19 test. Proof of a positive test will be required. To request a transfer, name change or refund complete the request form here. 
  

What is included in my ticket?

Your ticket gives you access to the full Festival for the Future programme of speaker sessions, panels and workshops on the 8–9th June, including lunch each day. The satellite events are separate and offered to ticket-holders on a first-come-first served basis unless they are invite only.

Do you offer scholarship tickets?

Yes, we do offer some scholarship support for young people where cost may be a barrier. As a small charity our funds are always limited, and while we have to make the Festival financially viable, we also want to make this incredible experience as accessible and inclusive as possible. To apply for scholarship support or to learn more, click here.

Can I only attend one day of Festival for the Future?

We only sell full Festival passes. If you can only attend one day, you'll still need to buy a full festival pass.

Will there be catering? 

Lunch for both days at Tākina will be provided. If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know when you purchase your ticket.

Do I need to print my ticket to get access? 

The quickest and most sustainable way to collect your access pass and programme on arrival is show your electronic ticket barcode on arrival at the registration desk. Every attendee receives a ticket from Humanitix upon registration and 24 hours before the event. If you haven’t received this, please email ticketing@inspiringstories.org.nz. 

Will the Festival be live streamed?

Yes, we are planning to livestream the keynotes and panels at Festival in 2023, and will be announcing more details closer to the time.

Is there anything else I need to bring to the event? 

We are working towards zero waste for the event so please bring your reusables - grab that coffee cup & water bottle.