iSPEC25 Recap
Cuthbert Stewart delivered its 6th annual Innovative System Partner Educational Conference (or iSPEC) to over 270 industry participants at Auckland’s Dew Drop Events Centre in August.
For the first time, CSL welcomed long-term partners as event sponsors which saw iSPEC26 reach yet another impressive level of scale, attendance and content.
iSPEC PARTNER
GOLD SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
With a growing number of attendees and a comprehensive programme of educational sessions and guest speakers, this year’s event was split into three focus streams: Smart Infrastructure, Advancing Industry and Digitalisation Workshops.
Attendees were able to build their own schedule and spend down-time enjoy the innovations and cutting-edge technology showcases on the exhibition floor, while networking with the wide variety of guests from all sectors of New Zealand industry.
The Smart Infrastructure sessions kicked off with “Asset Management Excellence with Live Predictive Maintenance” presented by Siemens’ Richard Ella and Rebecca Harris from Brightly. Siemens’ Jose Moreira joined Lodestone Energy’s Peter Apperley to present “The Rise of Renewable Energy” before Siemens Australia & New Zealand CEO, Peter Halliday was accompanied by Rittal managing director, Michael Mallia and Siemens head of smart infrastructure, Simon Morgan to deliver a fascinating panel discussion on the industry impacts of datacentres with “Harnessing the Data Centre Disruption through Convergence.”
Meanwhile, our Advancing Industry sessions began with a deep dive into unlocking efficiency in panel and switchboard manufacturing, with CSL’s Koloa Hau joining Weidmuller ANZ managing director, Sune Mellgren and product manager Robert Klicek to deliver “Marginal Gains Theory.” Siemens’ Abhijeet Verma then provided a product-centred showcase in “Scalable Automation” before Belden’s Mario Greco delivered insight into maintaining operational uptime with “Data Interoperability and Resilience.”
iSPEC’s new Digitalisation Workshops stream proved popular with countless insights and expert opinions on the emergence of AI in industry. The trio of Exergenics general manager, Michael Elliot and Siemens’ Anthony Guiragossian and Ann Ho began the theme with “Accelerate Digital Transformation” followed by Mexx Engineering’s managing director, Luis De Jesus presented a thoroughly engaging overview of “Horizontal Flexible Production” showcasing their innovations in Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) using Siemens SIMOVE. Alan Pope, managing director of CAD Central then presented “The future of design engineering with industrial software” before Simon Guerin capped off the day by exploring how AI, agents, and low-code are transforming digital in “Engineering the Future.”
The exhibition and demonstration floor had doubled in size compared to iSPEC24 and remained well attended throughout the day with impressive displays from CSL’s global brand partners. Hand-on product demonstrations and the latest technology innovations captured the interest of many attendees.
Even more of CSL’s system integrator and technology partners created their own exhibitions with Dalton Electrical, NZ Controls, Arahant Services, Honeywell, EcoDesign & Automation and HV Power presenting real-world examples of engineering and electrical expertise. We also welcomed other industry organisations such as Master Electricians, Competency Training and Auckland University adding a fresh new dimension to what iSPEC has to offer everyone associated with the industry.
We would like to thank all our presenters for adding such extensive insight, knowledge and expertise to iSPEC25. The rich content and capable delivery really added value for all who attended and set the standard for future years.
Networking, drinks and another opportunity to explore the exhibition floor followed until the end of the day before attendees donned their glad rags for the annual Industry Networking Gala Dinner.
The evening began with welcomes from Siemens Australia & New Zealand CEO, Peter Halliday and CSL Managing Director, Phil Elliott. Guests were treated to delicious canapes and the starter course while being entertained with an acoustic set by Auckland band Pat for President.
Emirates Team New Zealand engineer, Martin McElwee then took to the stage and delivered our keynote presentation. Martin’s insights from his 21 years with the team covered five Americas Cup campaigns including 3 wins. He provided exclusive insight into the technological and engineering approaches used by the team and how they have evolved over the years. CSL was proud to present Martin with a LEGO replica of the Emirates Team New Zealand AC75 racing yacht.
Presentation of the 2025 iSPEC awards followed and recipients were presented with trophies that were entirely deigned and crafted in CSL’s TechLab Engineering Centre. The band then ramped up its pace to deliver a lively end to the evening.
We are proud to recognise the following partners and customers for showing excellence in engineering and innovation:
This year’s iSPEC continues CSL’s track record of running engaging events with valuable content. Feedback from everyone who attended iSPEC25 has been overwhelmingly positive with many requests for further information on the topics.
Many thanks to all our guests and in particular the CSL team members who put so much work into raising the bar and continuing to make each iteration of iSPEC a complete success.