Connect.Collaborate.Communicate.
Welcome to Cyclone ‘Connect’ 2021. The ‘connected’ theme is so relevant as it’s what we are about! Our approach and focus involves the close engagement and connection of our customers, our people and our business partners.
It’s been a hugely busy year with plenty going on and we invite you to join us for a busy 3 days to connect, collaborate and communicate.
This is an opportunity to catch up and gather insight into some core global learnings from the past 12 months. We have secured top vendors in the NZ technology sector who will share insights into how the tertiary sector has responded outside of NZ to cope and adjust in these testing times.
There will also be time for breakout sessions for attendees as a sector to come together and review their own New Zealand specific challenges as will some specific Professional Development opportunities aimed at developing your professional practice.
Facilitated by:
Gerald Khoury, InfoTech Research Group
Gerald is passionate about working with IT leaders and their departments, to achieve personal and organisational transformation.
This is supported by innovative research-based insights and guidance. As a strategist and thought leader, Gerald has advised the leaders of some of Asia Pacific’s largest brand names and government departments including: Qantas, Energy Australia, Mortgage Choice, Thales, Coates Hire, Fuji Xerox, Dibbs Barker, Allens Arthur Anderson, Baker McKenzie, Gilbert & Tobin, Servcorp, Bankstown City Council, University of Technology Sydney, Western Sydney University, NSW Dept of Commerce, NSW Dept of Community Services, NSW Dept of Education & Training, NSW Justice Health, NSW Rural Fire Service, and NSW State Property Authority.
Gerald has had numerous articles published in leading technology and business publications, such as CIO Magazine and Fast Thinking Magazine, and regularly presents to industry groups on the topics of strategy, enterprise architecture, technology planning and innovation. With a Bachelor of Science in Computing, a Master of Business in IT Management, and a PhD in Computer Science, as well as Executive Coach training from the NeuroLeadership Institute, Gerald can tailor individual or group development programs that will position you for success.
Gerald is a member of the UTS LiDA leadership and innovation “think tank,” a member of the UTS School of Computer Science Professional Advisory Board, and past Chair of the External Advisory committee for UWS.

Our Speakers
Chris Clark
National Partner Manager, Jabra
The landscape of learning has changed. With education happening remotely, how can we support teachers in keeping students engaged and focused? As classrooms go virtual, technology plays a key role in this transition. With 44% of students saying poor audio & video is affecting their learning, the right tools can help ensure the class stays together. Join Chris as he discusses how Jabra are reinventing the classroom.
Andrew Fox
Country Manager, Aruba
As NZ Country Manager for Aruba, Andrew leads a talented team of people passionate about the potential of networking to change the way we live and work. Andrew will discuss next-generation networking solutions for tertiary organisations, including user experience, zero-trust security, mobile engagement, IOT and software defined networking to serve the latest generation of mobile-savvy users.
Bradley Mortensen
Data & AI Specialist, Microsoft
Bradley is a working with NZ's largest Commercial & Public Sector customers. He will be speaking about Microsoft's Education Transformation Framework, & how it can help empower student success, more tailored learning, connected campuses, & better academic research. He'll also cover how Azure can enable analytically focused student experiences and a better understanding of what students need to be successful.
Carl Hansen
Technical Consultant, HP
Todays business environment is changing at a rapid pace. Future success relies on organisations who are able to combine technology, design and innovation. Carl works at bringing solutions to customers for HP New Zealand. This involves understanding business requirements, keeping up with current and future technologies and using this knowledge to bring innovative, robust, scalable, futureproof solutions to NZ.
Conference Agenda
Time
11:00am - 12:00pm
12:30pm - 01:00pm
12:50pm
01:00pm - 01:40pm
01:40pm - 01:45pm
01:45pm - 03:00pm
03:00pm - 03:15pm
03:15pm - 04:15pm
04:15pm - 04:20pm
04:20pm - 05:00pm
05:20pm
Activity
Guests arrive and check-in
Lunch
Welcome from Noel Jack and introduction to vendors
Infotech briefing - Turbocharge your IT Strategy
Break
Education is evolving - Presented by Carl Hansen, HP
Afternoon Tea
Reinventing the classroom - Presented by Chris Clark, Jabra
Break
General Edu update and context by Alison and Michelle, EY
Depart for HP dinner
Time
07:30am - 08:30am
08:30am - 09:00am
09:00am - 10:00am
10:00am - 10:15am
10:15am - 11:15am
11:15am - 11:20am
11:20am - 12:00pm
12:00pm - 12:30pm
12:30pm - 01:10pm
01:10pm - 01:15pm
01:15pm - 02:30pm
02:30pm - 02:45pm
02:45pm - 03:25pm
03:25pm - 03:30pm
03:30pm - 04:30pm
04:30pm
06:15pm
Activity
Breakfast
Daily briefing - Te Pukenga separate brief
Building better campuses - Presented by Andrew Fox, Aruba
Morning Tea
Protecting your students, staff and IP - Presented by Paull Wilson, Mimecast
Break
CIO Time Study
Lunch
STOCKTAKE - Te Pukenga ISSP work, Wider view on TP operating model
Break
PD Session with Jo Nicol, Cyclone - Part 1
Afternoon Tea
Session with Jo Nicol, Cyclone - Part 2
Break
ISSP & Interim Digital Strategy workshop by Alison and Michelle, EY
Drinks in the bar with Phillips
Depart for dinner
Time
08:00am - 09:00am
9:00am - 10:30am
10:30am - 10:45am
10:45am - 12:00pm
12:00pm - 12:30pm
12:30pm - 01:00pm
01:00pm - 02:00pm
Activity
Breakfast
Education Transformation Framework - Bradley Mortensen, Microsoft
Morning Tea
Identifying alignment opportunities - Alison and Michelle, EY
Last words from Cyclone and Vendors
Lunch
Polytechnic Wrap up and confirmation of actions and future plans