DayBreak 2026 – Here’s everything you need to know
DayBreak 2026 – Here’s everything you need to know
The countdown is on for DayBreak – Festival of Innovation! Our stellar line-up of speakers, workshops and interactive fun will propel you into 2026, setting the scene to Make Shift Happen!
To make the most of your DayBreak experience, please check out the information below.
Registration & tickets
Tickets & Registration
Ticket registration will open from 7.30am on Wednesday, 25 February at The University of Waikato on Durham Street. Save a tree! No need to print your ticket – we just need to know your name.
You will collect a lanyard pack – this is your passport to everything DayBreak, including your $20 DayBreak Lunch Voucher, one free coffee voucher, the programme, and entry to all sessions (including The Sundowner), so please keep it with you at all times.
Your ticket is 100% transferrable. If you’re unable to attend the full day, you can share your lanyard ticket, but note it's only valid for one person at a time. Your lanyard should always be with the person attending a session (ie two people sharing a ticket can't both attend the same session).
The programme
The Programme
We'll be kicking off the morning keynote session at 8.30am sharp in the Lecture Theatre (level 2) at the University of Waikato, Tauranga Campus. Please arrive in enough time to register and grab a (free) coffee.
This year, the programme is essentially split into three blocks.
Block one: our keynote speaker.
Block two: select one session, from a choice of four.
Block three: select one session from a choice of six. All sessions are held on campus.
Take a moment to review the programme and see what’s on offer.
The venue
The Venue
All DayBreak 2026 sessions are being held at the University of Waikato, Tauranga Campus, 101 Durham Street. There are plenty of spaces to take calls or catch up on work anytime throughout the day. There’s free wifi on site – join the network: Waikato (no password required).
Travel & parking
Travel & Parking
We encourage you to utilise alternative modes of transport to get to DayBreak such as bike or e-scooter, bus, car pooling or ride share. However, if you are traveling by car, there are a range of off-street paid parking options.
Sustainability
Sustainability
As part of our commitment to reducing environmental impact, we kindly encourage you to bring reusable coffee cups and water bottles to help minimise waste. There are water stations on every level of the University for you to refill your bottles.
Catering
Catering
At registration, you will receive a voucher for one free barista coffee to enjoy either at registration (7.30 – 8.15am) or during the morning tea break (10.00am – 10.45am). Tea and filter coffee stations will also be available during the morning tea break, along with a light snack that caters for most dietary requirements.
The DayBreak Lunch (12.15 – 2.15pm)
The DayBreak Lunch (12.15 – 2.15pm)
In your lanyard pouch, you will have a $20 lunch voucher to purchase lunch at a participating city centre eatery listed on your voucher (and via the button below). Those eateries will also have DayBreak stickers on their premises – so you’ll know you’re in the right place!). This is a great opportunity to try a new lunch spot and connect with your fellow attendees.
TOI Tauranga Art Gallery tour
TOI Tauranga Art Gallery Tour
During the lunch break, you can join Toi Tauranga Art Gallery Director, Sonya Korohina, for a special Daybreak gallery tour. Learn about the Bay’s preeminent visual arts destination, the recent redevelopment and reopening, and the current shows. The tour runs 1.30-2.00pm (giving you ample time to eat beforehand). We’d appreciate you registering your interest ahead. Simply reply to this email or sign-up on the day at the registration desk any time prior to the lunch break.
The Sundowner – festival finale (3.45 – 6.00pm)
The Sundowner – festival finale (3.45 – 6.00pm)
This is included in your festival ticket. The Sundowner is a celebration that showcases innovative successes, and provides a multi-sensory experience through food, music, art and interactive displays. This is a chance to connect over locally sourced, specially designed canapés and drinks, including a bespoke DayBreak cocktail and craft beer.
