APNIC 58 helps nurture the next generation

Wellington dialled into the needs of the Asia-Pacific Internet operations community as host of APNIC 58. APNIC (Asia Pacific Network Information Centre) is the regional internet address registry for the Asia-Pacific.

The event attracted 437 delegates from 47 countries. It was held in Wellington in early September 2024 at Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre. APNIC 58 focused on policy development, decision-making, education, information sharing, and networking. The conference was proudly hosted by InternetNZ.

A NextGen focus

APNIC's goal is to increase diversity. Specifically, to bring more young people, Pasifika, and Māori people into the internet industry.

APNIC’s manager for Community Partnerships and Events Blandine Cousin says, “We need to nurture the next generation of internet leaders in the Asia-Pacific. We want new and fresh voices in our community. And want to develop this next generation of individuals in actively becoming engaged with APNIC.”

Business Events Wellington (BEW) helped APNIC focus on this strategic outcome. The team introduced them to two local organisations that provide young people with IT education and career pathways. Tūhura Tech and Summer of Tech encouraged students to attend the conference. Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington provided sponsorship. Students from both Victoria University and the University of Auckland were also invited to attend.

APNIC designed the conference content to be inclusive and interesting to the ‘NextGen’ students. It included a breakfast meet and greet with APNIC staff and community, a dedicated newcomers session, and a speed networking activity.

“It was a great opportunity for local students to meet and network with leaders in the internet industry, identify potential job opportunities, and learn new skills,” Blandine says.

“It also gave them an opportunity to enhance their visibility and connect with others on a similar growth pathway.”

One of the students adds, “I am delighted to have received much insightful material during the sessions, and also by the positive connections I made with APNIC participants and staff.”

Leaving a more diverse legacy

To increase diversity and address the specific challenges of the Pacific region, APNIC 58 featured extra events. These included the 2024 Pacific Internet Governance Forum, The InternetNZ Registrar Summit and the Asia-Pacific country code top-level domain forum.

The conference programme focused on the internet in New Zealand. It had a keynote from the inaugural Māori Tech Awards supreme winner Robyn Kamira. A diversity and inclusion session discussed integrating the Māori language into internet technologies.

APNIC has its own Fellowship Program aimed at increasing diversity. But Blandine notes these initiatives were a great way to encourage inclusion from the local host community.

“InternetNZ is interested in the fellowship program model to support young people to be connected to internet governance. We will be inviting local students to attend NetHui events. APNIC 58 has been extremely positive in extending our outreach and showcasing the global internet community.”

Wellington’s partnership approach

Blandine adds Business Events Wellington played an integral role in the success of the conference.

“They acted like a ‘partner’ to our conference.”

This ranged from tailored site visits to recommendations for local suppliers, accommodation, and social function venues. The team also provided advice on challenges including immigration and cultural considerations.

Blandine notes, “A busy programme included extra events at Te Papa, and Harbourside Function Centre. The venue, Tākina, facilitated the networking among participants while providing plenty of space to move around or relax. The proximity of all venues and accommodation was a great advantage for this conference. No need to hire any buses!

“Participant feedback was very positive, with 95% of respondents satisfied with the event.”