TechLeadHer NZ Experience
seven days that could transform your leadership
A seven day leadership and technology study tour for women
16 to 22 September 2026
Auckland, New Zealand
Investment: $7,999 AUD
Step away. Think bigger. Lead differently.
TechLeadHer NZ is designed for entry to mid level women in technology who are ready to strengthen their leadership capability, expand their networks and take greater control of their career direction.
Across seven immersive days, participants will connect with senior technology leaders, visit innovative businesses, attend a leading technology expo, experience New Zealand’s culture and explore the next stage of their leadership journey.
Who It Is For
Is TechLeadHer NZ for you?
This experience is ideal for women who:
- Are working in technology, digital, AI, cyber, telecommunications or a related field
- Are at entry, emerging or mid level management
- Want to build confidence and leadership presence
- Are considering their next career move
- Want stronger professional network
- Would benefit from time away to reflect and reset
- Are ready to invest in their leadership development
You do not need to have a senior title to attend. You simply need the ambition to grow.
THE TRANSFORMATION
What will you return with?
Greater leadership confidence
A clearer understanding of your strengths
A more influential professional network
New technology and commercial insights
Greater clarity about your next career move
An individual leadership action plan
Meet Vanessa Sorenson
Vanessa Sorenson is one of New Zealand’s most respected technology leaders, with more than two decades of experience driving growth, transformation and innovation across the sector.
After beginning her career without formal qualifications, Vanessa rose through the ranks of New Zealand’s technology industry, spending almost two decades at Spark before joining Microsoft in 2017. She went on to lead Microsoft New Zealand and its Australia and New Zealand partner organisation, helping shape major technology, inclusion and digital capability initiatives. She left Microsoft in 2026 following almost nine years with the organisation.
Vanessa’s leadership story is one of resilience, curiosity, courage and self belief. From challenging early circumstances to leading one of New Zealand’s most influential technology businesses, she brings an unusually honest perspective on the mentors, decisions, risks and setbacks that shape a career.
Throughout the tour, Vanessa will help participants reflect on their own leadership journey, strengthen their networks, consider their next strategic move and convert the week’s insights into meaningful action.
KEY EXPERIENCES
Experiences that bring leadership to life
Technology and innovation
Executive Track admission to a major New Zealand technology expo, together with visits to innovative technology businesses.
High performance leadership
Explore teamwork, culture, resilience and shared purpose through the All Blacks Experience.
Creativity and courageous thinking
Experience the power of imagination and storytelling at Wētā Workshop Unleashed.
Cultural intelligence
Gain a deeper understanding of Māori culture, community and collective leadership through experiences in Auckland and Rotorua.
What is included in your $7,999 investment?
Travel and accommodation
• Return Air New Zealand economy flights from Melbourne to Auckland
• 20 kg checked luggage
• Seat allocation and in flight meals
• Six nights at the 4.5 star Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
• Your own private room
• Daily buffet breakfast
• Complimentary WiFi
• Auckland Airport transfers
• Scheduled private coach transport
Meals and hospitality
• Daily buffet breakfast
• Four hosted group dinners
• Two course meals at hosted dinners
• Shared wine allocation at hosted dinners
• Lunch during the Rotorua experience
• Three catered leadership lunches
• Tea and coffee during hotel based sessions
Leadership and career development
• Leadership development sessions with Vanessa Sorenson
• Goal setting, personal discovery and leadership reflection
• Networking and influence development
• Mentoring focused on strategic career moves
• Facilitated debriefs and peer learning
• Access to senior women in technology
• An individual leadership action plan
• Professional tour leadership and facilitation throughout the week
Leadership and experiences
• Executive Track technology expo admission
• Technology business visits
• All Blacks Experience
• Wētā Workshop Unleashed
• Rotorua and Te Puia cultural experience
• Mentoring and career development
• Facilitated debriefs and reflection
• Individual leadership action plan
• Professional tour leadership
Why TechLeadHer NZ?
Because sometimes the greatest career breakthroughs happen when you step outside your normal environment.
You will return with:
• Greater confidence in your leadership capability
• A stronger understanding of your individual strengths
• New industry and professional connections
• Broader commercial and technology perspectives
• Greater clarity about your next career move
• A practical leadership action plan
Your investment
$7,999 AUD per participant
Be inspired by Vanessa Sorenson
The program is based on a limited group of between 20-30 participants, creating the opportunity for meaningful connections, personalised learning and access to senior leaders.
Includes return flights, private 4.5 star accommodation, selected meals, leadership development, technology experiences, ground transport and professional tour facilitation.
Payment terms:
50 per cent deposit on booking
Remaining balance due by 12 August 2026
Secure your place and take the next step in your leadership journey.
What others say about Business in Heels…
My AHHA moment, from the session silencing your inner critic… “Failure is a continuous improvement journey” This quote has put a lot into perspective and I can’t wait to put it into practice.
Emilie Painter
Perfectionism can be both positive & destructive, something that really resonated with me & certainly something to work on moving forward.
Amelia Gray
My team members, who participated, were sending positive messages all day long. They are absolutely feeling energised and inspired, well done!
Kavita Mistry
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the minimum group size is not reached?
TechLeadHer NZ requires a minimum of 20 paying participants to proceed at the advertised price.
Should the minimum number not be reached, Business in Heels will contact registered participants as soon as possible to explain the available options. Any cancellation, transfer or refund arrangements will be managed in accordance with the final booking terms and conditions provided at registration.
We recommend that participants review these terms carefully before making payment.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and must be arranged by each participant at her own expense.
Participants will be required to provide their insurance details before departure. The policy should provide suitable cover for medical expenses, cancellation, delays, lost luggage and personal belongings.
Each participant is also responsible for holding a valid passport and meeting New Zealand’s entry requirements.
Who is the tour designed for?
TechLeadHer NZ is designed for women working in technology, digital, AI, cyber, telecommunications and related sectors.
It is ideal for women who want to strengthen their leadership confidence, expand their professional networks, gain broader industry exposure and think strategically about their next career move.
You do not need to hold a senior title to participate. The tour is for women with the ambition and readiness to grow.
What should I budget for personally?
We recommend allowing additional spending money for:
- Meals and snacks not included in the program
• Additional alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks
• Public transport, taxis or Uber during personal time
• Optional sightseeing activities
• Shopping, souvenirs and merchandise
• Hotel room upgrades
• Excess luggage charges
• Travel to and from Melbourne Airport
The amount required will depend on how participants choose to use their free time. Optional activities, such as visiting Waiheke Island, would be paid for separately.
Which meals are included?
The tour includes:
- Daily buffet breakfast
• Four hosted group dinners
• Two course meals and a shared wine allocation at the hosted dinners
• Lunch during the Rotorua and Te Puia experience
• Three buffet lunches during scheduled hotel based leadership sessions
• Tea and coffee during the catered leadership sessions
• In flight meals on the included Air New Zealand flights
Any meals, snacks or drinks not specifically listed as included will be at the participant’s own expense.
Can my employer pay for my place?
Yes. Employers are welcome to fund a participant’s place as part of their leadership development, talent retention, succession planning or professional development investment.
Business in Heels can provide an invoice to the employer and supporting information to help participants present the opportunity to their manager or human resources team.
The tour is designed to deliver value back to the workplace, including stronger leadership confidence, broader technology insights, improved networking and influence skills and an individual action plan.
Are the company visits confirmed?
The technology company visits are currently being finalised and remain subject to availability and confirmation.
The proposed program includes visits to leading New Zealand technology and innovation businesses, with options such as Vista Entertainment and Plexure.
Should a proposed company become unavailable, Business in Heels may substitute another relevant organisation or experience of a similar standard.
What fitness level is required?
A moderate level of general fitness and mobility is recommended.
The tour includes airport travel, coach transfers, company visits, expo attendance and cultural and tourism experiences that may involve standing and walking for extended periods.
The tour is not designed as a physically demanding program, but participants should be comfortable navigating airports, hotels, exhibition venues and visitor attractions.
Anyone with mobility requirements, health considerations or accessibility needs should contact Business in Heels before booking so that available arrangements can be discussed.
Can I extend my stay in New Zealand?
It may be possible to extend your stay, subject to airline availability, fare conditions and any additional accommodation or travel arrangements.
Any additional flight, accommodation, transfer or amendment costs will be the participant’s responsibility.
Please contact Business in Heels before flights are ticketed. Changes requested after the group booking has been confirmed may not be possible or may incur airline and administration fees.
What’s Not Included
Please note
• Travel insurance, which is mandatory
• Passport and New Zealand entry requirements
• Transport to and from Melbourne Airport
• Public transport, taxis or Uber during personal time
• Meals not listed as included
• Additional alcoholic beverages
• Optional activities during free time
• Personal purchases and merchandise
Your next career breakthrough may begin when you step outside your everyday world.
Join a small group of ambitious women for seven days of leadership, innovation, cultural insight and connection.
TechLeadHer NZ
16 to 22 September 2026
$7,999 AUD per participant
Places are limited and subject to availability.