OUR HEADLINE SPEAKERS
Our headliners know how tough it is to develop a business from scratch. They are an engaging mix of business innovators, ground-breaking creatives, social game changers, field-leading experts and forward-thinking leaders.
The SME&E headliner speakers have curated presentations to provoke thought about your business’s future and explain the tools you need to consider to help your business grow faster. Authentic thought provoking discussions about navigating business challenges and how they succeeded despite numerous setbacks. Their talks are an open doorway into a deeper exploration of the topics raised and an invitation to find inspiration in the stories of those tackling the great business and social challenges of our times. Our headliners are unicorn business experts who are on a mission to help you!
We align workshops to the headliner speakers stories to help you develop the habits and skills to reach your professional aspirations. Each presentation will finish with a time of Q&A so you can ask those burning business questions that you just have to get an answer for.
Jehan Casinader
Award-Winning Journalist
Jehan Casinader is a journalist, author, mental health advocate – and one of New Zealand’s top storytellers.
He was named “Broadcast Reporter of the Year” at the Voyager Media Awards in 2020 and “Reporter of the Year” at the New Zealand Television Awards in 2018.
Serge van Dam
Expert in Scaling Globally-Minded SaaS Companies
Serge van Dam is an active Investor / Director of going-global Kiwi software / SaaS companies, including Montoux, Re-Leased, Tourwriter, Raygun and Cogo.
Serge is an Operating Partner at New Zealand’s most successful venture capital firm - Movac - and is an advisor to various New Zealand Government agencies. He was also named New Zealand’s Angel Investor of the Year for 2020.
5x MORE EPIC SPEAKERS FOR SME&E GROWTH ARE STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED. CHECK BACK AGAIN SOON!
"Xero is thrilled to sponsor the SME&E Festival. Small business is the backbone of Aotearoa and events like SME&E Festival are crucial in providing a space to learn, connect and foster this community. We are passionate supporters of small business owners, entrepreneurs, side hustlers and everyone in between, and look forward to attending what will be an awesome event." - Xero
