You're invited...

PowerUp 25: Helping kiwi businesses thrive

12 August, 9am to 5pm | Auckland and online

Built for Ambitious Businesses

PowerUp is your front-row seat to the future of business — built for your business, your team, and your growth.

PowerUp 2025 brings together a handpicked group of business leaders who are driving performance, shaping teams, and preparing for what’s next. Whether you're leading a franchise, scaling a team, or guiding a business through growth — this event is built with you in mind.

Agenda preview

Lead with Clarity. Grow with Purpose.

Explore how ambitious New Zealand businesses are moving from survival mode to strategic growth. You’ll gain practical frameworks for building high-performing teams, sharpening your market positioning, and leading with clarity. The day culminates in a keynote from global positioning expert April Dunford, who will unpack how to stand out and scale in a crowded market — all under the guidance of our MC, Mike McRoberts.

Real Talk from Business Leaders

Hear from experienced Kiwi business leaders across three fast-paced sessions — packed with real-world lessons, strategic pivots, and practical wins. Topics include resilience in leadership, payroll tech and compliance trends, the rise of AI, and what’s ahead for Smartly. Expect honest conversations and insights you can take straight back to your business.

Hands-On, High-Impact Sessions

Dig into the real challenges facing growing businesses. These interactive sessions cover everything from building stronger teams and navigating compliance to influencing Smartly’s product roadmap. Whether you’re leading a franchise, scaling operations, or managing complexity, you’ll walk away with ideas you can use tomorrow.

Meaningful Connections, Made Easy

This is more than just a day of content — it’s a chance to connect with peers, thinkers, and product experts who are shaping the future of SME business in Aotearoa. Meet Smartly’s senior leadership, international speakers, and exhibitors supporting business growth, all in a setting designed to spark meaningful conversations and connections

Explore the full PowerUp 25 Agenda here:

Mainstage sessions

  • NZ SMEs Rising: Real Stories of Resilience and Reinvention
    Hear from Kiwi business leaders who’ve faced recent economic challenges and emerged stronger. Walk away with practical takeaways and smart strategies you can implement straight away.
  • Smartly’s Future Unveiled Product Innovations
    Get an exclusive first look at Smartly's upcoming features designed to make payroll and people management even simpler and smarter – from automating compliance to boosting employee experience!
  • What’s next for payroll? Tech, AI and compliance
    Hear from experts on New Zealand’s rapidly evolving payroll landscape. We’ll cover AI-driven compliance, Holidays Act reforms, changes to contractor classification, and staying ahead of regulation.

PowerUp 25 Exhibitors

Highlights from previous Smartly events

Watch the highlights from an earlier event to get a feel for the energy, learning, and inspiration coming to PowerUp 25 — only this time, it’s even bigger. With more speakers, fresh insights, and even more ways to connect, it’s shaping up to be our most impactful event yet.

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FAQs

Who should attend PowerUp 25

PowerUp 25 is for forward-thinking business owners, franchise leaders, managers, and advisors who are driving performance in Kiwi SMEs. Whether you're growing a team, scaling a business, or supporting clients, you’ll walk away with practical insights, tools, and connections to fuel your next phase of growth. It’s also your chance to get an inside look at where Smartly is heading — and have a say in what comes next.

When and where is the event held?

PowerUp 25 will be held at the Due Drop Event Centre in Auckland on 12 August 2025 from 9am to 5pm.

Can’t make it in person? Don’t worry, we’ll be streaming the mainstage speakers and panels so you can join from anywhere in New Zealand.

How do I register for PowerUp 25

Click the 'Register Now' button on this page to secure your spot. Places are limited, so get in quick to avoid missing out!

Is there a cost to attend?

Yes, but it’s packed with value!

You’ll gain fresh insights on market positioning, practical strategies to boost team performance, and tools to spark new ways to grow your business. It’s also a great chance to connect with like-minded SMEs. Plus, you’ll get a clear view of where Smartly is headed.

Standard early bird price - $169

Early bird pricing valid until 6 July.

Register now!