AI in Creative Industries Summit (Day 1, Auckland)
The AI in Creative Industries Summit 2025 is a two-day event exploring how artificial intelligence is being adopted and used in the creative industries and the rise of creativity in the corporate world, both in Aotearoa and across the world. Now in its second year, the summit offers a platform for thought leaders, artists, and innovators to connect, learn, and spark new ideas.
From film to VFX, gaming and design, the summit will delve into the ways our storytellers are using AI for content creation and audience engagement. Each day features three distinct themes, with sessions including keynote presentations, panel discussions, and practical demonstrations.
Join the Day 1 Livestream here
Day 1 Themes
Auckland – May 19
- The Intersection of AI, Culture, and Creativity – How AI is affecting artistic expression and cultural storytelling in a time when museums are handing back taonga (treasures).
- The Age of Misinformation – Addressing deepfakes, AI ethics, and the challenges of digital trust.
- Generating Genius – Examining AI’s role in film, games, design, music, and creative businesses – new approaches and creative toolsets, IP and AI.
One Minute AI Film Festival
Day 1 also features the finalists from our 1 Minute AI Film Festival Aotearoa, with thanks to support from NZ On Air, NZ Film Commission and Te Māngai Pāho.
The Festival is hosted on Film Freeway and is open to all entrants based in Aotearoa
Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for:
- Creative Professionals – Filmmakers, designers, musicians, and artists exploring AI tools.
- Tech & AI Innovators – Developers, researchers, and startups working in creative AI.
- Media & Content Creators – Writers, journalists, and digital marketers adapting to AI-driven content.
- Business & Industry Leaders – Companies and investors interested in AI’s role in creative industries.
- Students in Design and Creative Industries
Agenda
Theme 1 – The intersection of AI, Culture and Creativity
9:10 – 1 Minute AI Film Festival Finalists – Audience vote
Speaker: Laura Ellis
9:20 – Inspirational Story: Digitaonga: Using Emerging Technology to Explore Preservation, Reconnection and Repatriation’
Speakers: Assoc Prof Sarah Elsie Baker and Dr Moana Nepia
9:50 – Panel Discussion: The intersection of AI, Culture and Creativity -in a time when museums are handing back taonga (treasures), Gen AI models are helping themselves to them – and to creative works. In return we get improved accessibility, interest and inclusion.
Moderator: Laura Ellis
Panel: Eteroa Lafaele / Dan Te Whenua Wilson / Nan O’Sullivan /Julia Arnott- Nee Nee
10:35 – Morning Break
THEME 2 – The Age of Misinformation – Taming the beast of infodemic invasion
11:05 – 1 Minute AI Film Festival Finalists – Audience vote
Laura Ellis
11:15 – Te Pūkenga & Seen Ventures: From Access to Impact, empowering Aotearoa NZ’s Next Generation of Creative AI Talent
Presenter: Dila Beisembayeva
11:35 – Speaker: Laura Ellis, Head of Future Technologies, BBC
Laura Ellis
11:55 – Panel Discussion: The Age of Misinformation – Taming the beast of infodemic invasion
Moderator: Wendy Kerr
Panel: Laura Ellis, David Shanks, Trevor Topfer
12:40 – Lunch Break
Theme 3 – Generating Genius – artistry, recreating creative boundaries
13:10 – 1 Minute AI Film Festival Finalists – Audience vote
Speaker: Laura Ellis
13:20 – Ministry of Culture & Heritage: How to engage in shaping our policies for the future
Speaker: Lauren Sweetman, Ministry for Culture & Heritage
13:40 – Inspirational Story – Becs Arahanga and Nikora Ngaropo: Creating an animated short using text to video AI- a NZOA/NZFC/TMP-funded proof of concept
Speaker: Nikora Ngaropo
14:00 – Making consciously guilt free AI artistry – a copyright respectful approach
Speaker to be announced soon
14:20 – Discussion Panel: Generating Genius – artistry, recreating creative boundaries
Moderator: Laura Ellis
Panel: To be announced soon!
15:10 – Afternoon Break
1 Minute AI Film Festival
15:20 – 1 Minute AI Film Festival Finalists – 3 Finalists – Audience vote
Laura Ellis
15:35 – To be confirmed15:50 – AI and IP approaches
Moderator: Paula Browning.
Panel: Shae Parsons, Associate Consultant, Qrious
16:20 – 1 Minute AI Film Festival Winner Award Celebration
Laura Ellis + NZ On Air rep presenting the award
16:30 – Closing Karakia
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
Register for Day 1 – Auckland (19 May, Te Puna Creative Innovation Quarter, Henderson)
Check out Day 2 of the event in Wellington here
Sponsorship Opportunities
There are a number of sponsorship opportunities still available, contact Madeline Newman or Bettina Sinclair for more information.
All sponsorship packages include event passes, logo placement, and post-event benefits, including delegate lists and feedback summaries.
REGISTER NOW