DayBreak – Festival of Innovation is returning to light up Tauranga city centre on Wednesday, February 25.

The full line-up of speakers and sessions has been revealed. Renowned futurist Melissa Clark-Reynolds is keynote speaker.

Wide-ranging sessions cover topics such as startup secrets from founders, AI, intrapreneurship, how to grow a competitive business, and brand tools for influencing behaviour.

The event covers innovation in all its forms, from new products and communications to organisational and system change, and is relevant to people in a broad range of roles, including startups and tech companies, marketing, professional services and public sector.

“Not just about inspiration, DayBreak is designed to equip attendees with the tools, tactics and insights they can put into play immediately,” Priority One innovation manager Shane Stuart said.

“This year’s theme is Make Shift Happen – we want to enable meaningful change and fast-track everyone’s 2026 success.”

Priority One works to create a prosperous, sustainable and future-ready regional economy.

“Tauranga Moana is a fast-growing innovation hub, and DayBreak aims to accelerate that momentum through connection.

“It’s a day where people can cross-pollinate ideas with innovators, business leaders and change-makers across Tauranga Moana.”

Keynote speaker: Futurist Melissa Clark-Reynolds

Melissa Clark-Reynolds, futurist and tech entrepreneur, helps people see what’s coming – and what to do about it.

She doesn’t just predict trends; she decodes the 10 most important signals from the future.

Futurist Melissa Clark-Reynolds is keynote speaker at the DayBreak – Festival of Innovation. Photo / Supplied

“With so much uncertainty in the world, doing what we’ve always done won’t work. We have to experiment our way to a better future,” she said.

Clark-Reynolds will show how to cut through the noise, tackle change head-on and build a clear future pathway.

Event details

When: 8am-7pm, Wednesday, February 25

Where: University of Waikato, Tauranga Campus

Tickets: Earlybird tickets on sale until December 19.

-Content supplied by Priority One