Seven-day TechLeadHer NZ tour runs from 16th to 22nd September 2026
TechLeadHer NZ, a seven-day study tour for Australian women in technology, will run in Auckland and Rotorua from 16th to 22nd September 2026.
Business in Heels International announced the programme for emerging and mid-level female leaders in technology and related industries.
Vanessa Sorenson, former Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand, will work with participants at several points during the 2026 tour.
Sorenson also served as Chief Partner Officer for Microsoft Australia and New Zealand and led Microsoft New Zealand from 2020 to 2026.
Vanessa Sorenson in Auckland and Rotorua
Instead of giving a one-off keynote, Sorenson will guide participants through leadership sessions, reflection work and career planning across the seven days.
Business in Heels International CEO Lisa Sweeney said Sorenson’s role would go beyond a standard conference appearance.
“She will not simply deliver a presentation and leave. Vanessa will be part of the participants’ journey, helping them reflect on what they are seeing, challenge their thinking and consider how they can step forward more confidently as leaders,” Sweeney said.
According to Business in Heels International, Sorenson will share lessons from her own leadership journey and help attendees understand new technology and workplace trends.
The itinerary includes the Executive Track of a major New Zealand technology expo, corporate visits, mentoring, hosted dinners, networking and career action planning.
Participants will also visit Weta Workshop, Te Puia and Rotorua during the 16th to 22nd September 2026 programme.
Business in Heels International created TechLeadHer NZ to address barriers facing women in STEM and technology in Australia.
In 2024, women made up 29% of workers and 27% of senior managers across STEM industries in Australia.
Research also indicates many women consider leaving technology early in their careers, which sharpens the focus on retention and promotion.
As a result, the programme centres on visible role models, influential networks, leadership development and clearer career pathways for women in tech.
Lisa Sweeney said the tour would give participants access to rare, direct leadership insight from a senior technology executive.
“Vanessa has led through enormous technological change and understands the opportunities, pressures and expectations facing women who want to progress in the sector,” Sweeney said.
Meanwhile, Sorenson brings more than two decades of experience in technology and telecommunications to the September 2026 programme.
She has also been a public advocate for talent development, diversity and inclusion across the technology sector in New Zealand and Australia.
The package costs $7,999 per person for the 2026 TechLeadHer NZ study tour.
That price includes return Air New Zealand economy flights from Melbourne to Auckland, plus 20 kilograms of checked luggage.
It also covers six nights in a private single-occupancy room at Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, daily buffet breakfast, four hosted dinners, selected lunches, airport transfers and scheduled private coach transport.
Places are limited for the TechLeadHer NZ tour in Auckland and Rotorua from 16th to 22nd September 2026.
