Get ready for the

2025 APL National Manufacturers Conference

Park Hyatt, Auckland

Wednesday 10th September - Friday 12th September

We’re excited to invite you to this year’s event, set against the stunning backdrop of Auckland’s vibrant Viaduct Harbour at the luxurious Park Hyatt Hotel. Over two insightful days, you’ll have the chance to connect with fellow owners, shareholders, and GMs from across the APL network. Expect meaningful dialogue, valuable insights, and practical takeaways to fuel your business success — all in a spectacular setting you won’t want to miss!

Agenda

Wednesday 10th September

5:00pm – 7:00pm. Welcome drinks and canapes for those arriving early, The Pantry, Park Hyatt Hotel.

DAY 1

Thursday 11th September

10:00am-10:45am – Morning tea and registrations

10:45am – Conference begins

1:25pm – Working lunch and interactive expo

Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy lunch while staying informed!
Representatives from the following departments will be available to showcase new projects and share recent developments through interactive demonstrations and open discussions.

Market Development

Group Builder Support

Operations

Fabricator Support

Technical Services

Marketing

Design and Innovation

Business Support

APL Manufacturing

AGP

Klima

Sustainability

2:45pm - Workshop rotations

Delegates will be divided into groups to attend four interactive and informative workshops. Your conference pack you receive once you register on the day will detail which group you are in.

See below for details on each workshop and their respective speakers.

4:45pm – Networking drinks – Park Hyatt

6:00pm – Dinner

Bivacco Restaurant

Sponsored by Assa Abloy and Dulux Powercoatings

DAY 2

Friday 12th September

8:00am – Working breakfast and expos

9:00am – Workshops continue

11:15am – Question and answer session

12:00-1:30pm – Lunch and expo

1:30pm – Conference concludes

Workshop facilitators:

This year, we have assembled industry experts from across New Zealand to explore key trends and challenges that affect the windows and doors sector. Gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to help inform your decision-making and support the growth of your business.

Workshops

Workshop 1 – Regulations and industry update

Rob Campion – Window & Glass Association NZ (WGANZ)

Rob took up the position of Technical Manager for the Association in 2018. With 40 years in the industry, covering a broad range of roles, his experience assists in responding to queries from members and non-members alike. However, a primary function as Technical Manager is advocacy, developing and working with our regulators to ensure the industries positions and views are represented in the forming of the codes, standards, and environment that we/you must work within.

Rob will deliver an interactive workshop discussing three subjects:

Clause H1 - What do the recent changes mean for you as a window manufacturer?
Recessed window installation - At long last it looks like we have an acceptable solution, but what does it look like, and how will it change what you do?
MBIE’s Building Product Specification - Is MBIE’s introduction of the BPS pathway for imported windows really a bad thing?

Workshop 3: Continuous improvement and principles

This practical, thought-provoking session introduces the fundamentals of Continuous Improvement with a focus on key Lean tools and principles, including the 8 Wastes, Kanban, and Process Flow. Participants will explore how these approaches can boost process efficiency and walk away with actionable ideas to implement in their own businesses.

Hannah Reed – Lean6Sigma

Hannah has extensive experience in process improvement and as a training and workshop facilitator. She is adept in various methodologies, including PDCA, DMAIC, Kaizen, and 5S, and proficiently applies these tools within process analysis, coaching, and training environments.

Hannah has collaborated with over 40 companies in New Zealand across a diverse range of industries to design and facilitate bespoke Lean6Sigma continuous improvement initiatives. She provides training and workshops through corporate in-house sessions, online platforms, and public courses. Her expertise lies in the design and facilitation of process improvement workshops and coaching in-house teams to implement continuous improvement on specific projects. Her facilitation skills have been instrumental in business process improvement initiatives for various organisations, including Rocket Lab, NZ Customs, Auckland Airport, and MBIE.

Effective communication is a core strength of Hannah’s, enabling her to convey complex ideas clearly and engage diverse audiences in the pursuit of continuous improvement.

Workshop 2 – Generative AI Solutions

Kayur Patel

Director, PwC

Kayur Patel is a Director in PwC’s Emerging Technology team and specialises in helping businesses understand, select and implement Gen AI solutions, including prompt engineering, change management and training.

A Fellow Chartered Accountant and Lawyer, Kayur has a deep understanding of how Gen AI can be used in a wide range of practical business applications.

Mark Russell

Partner, PwC

Mark Russell has spent the last 30 years working with clients to help solve complex business problems. In addition, he was also PwC’s Chief Transformation Officer for the previous seven years, leading PwC through a major period of technological change. Mark co-leads PwC’s Generative AI team; transforming both the organisation and its clients with this technology.

Workshop 4: Sales performance - small shifts, better results

With market pressure increasing, strengthening client relationships is more important than ever. In this practical session, STC shares insights from APL clients and sales teams on what drives – and hinders – sales success, highlighting small changes that make a big impact. You’ll reflect on current habits, hear what clients value most, and leave with one simple, practical action to try with your team.

The session also previews STC’s tailored development programme, designed to boost everyday sales performance through sharper conversations, earlier opportunity spotting, and better follow-through.

About STC

STC is a proven sales and business development training provider with 20+ years' experience. They equip frontline teams with practical, consultative skills tailored to real-world challenges.

Facilitators bring hands-on expertise in sales, leadership, and adult learning, delivering engaging, relevant programs that drive lasting behavioural change.

Mary Sutton

The owner of STC, Mary is an expert Facilitator and a skilled experienced Instructional Designer with many years’ experience. She manages the STC team and is involved in leading client projects, the instructional design of bespoke client programmes and providing advice and support to build revenue for STC client organisations.

Christine Hatton

Christine is a highly experienced Sales Coach with over 20 years of expertise helping businesses lift performance through practical, tailored coaching and training, including within APL’s industry. With a background in media and broad cross-industry experience through her work with STC, she is known for her ability to support both new and experienced salespeople, as well as coach leaders to drive better results.

Accommodation & conference venue

Set on the edge of Waitematā Harbour, Park Hyatt Auckland offers sophisticated waterfront luxury in the heart of the city. With state-of-the-art conference facilities, premium dining options, and panoramic harbour views, the hotel provides an exceptional backdrop for our conference. Delegates can enjoy spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms and five-star service, all within walking distance of Auckland’s vibrant Viaduct precinct.

Choose if you require 1 or 2 nights accommodation. Upgrades to deluxe rooms and suites are available with an extra charge, email Andrea Friar if you would like to discuss this as an option.

Parking at Park Hyatt

The hotel offers valet parking at $65 per day. In-house guests have priority for parking and don’t need to be advanced reserved, for non-in-house guests, parking is subject to availability.

View PDF parking guide for self parking options.

Information on Park Hyatt, Auckland

Conference fees

Packages to choose from:

Full conference package with 2 nights’ accommodation ($600 + GST), arrive 10th September (for those travelling)

Full conference package with 1 night accommodation ($400 + GST) arrive 11th September

Day delegate package with no accommodation, includes dinner ($250 +GST)

Partners fee $100 + GST

Partners are welcome to join the dinner. The flat fee is $100 + GST, whether or not accommodation is required. Partners are still required to fill in a separate registration form.

Flights and travel to and from the venue are NOT included in the conference fees.

Delegates to make their own travel arrangements.

Only delegates that attend the conference can attend the dinner.

Cancellations

Cancellations received on or before 11 July will be eligible for a full refund.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after 11 July.

If you have any queries for the conference please email andrea.friar@aplnz.co.nz

View T&Cs

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