Businesses looking for tips on how to succeed in today’s age of authenticity can learn from brand leaders at a one day conference in Auckland on 31 August.

Communicating in an Age of Authenticity, run by the Sustainable Business Network, will help businesses understand the two vital elements to authentic communication – purpose and proof.

“People now want to know the good being done by the businesses they buy from, work for and invest in. To succeed, your business will need a positive purpose at its core. You have to be able to prove it. And you must be able to express it in everything you do,” says Rachel Brown, CEO of the Sustainable Business Network.

“During this conference attendees will learn how to meet this challenge from business leaders in pioneering NZ and overseas companies. They’ll identify the enormous opportunities it creates, and they’ll work with you to help you make it happen in your organisation.”

The speakers are some of the top sustainability thinkers and business leaders from New Zealand and overseas. They include:

· Christopher Davis, The Body Shop International’s head of Corporate Social Responsibility (UK, by video);· Dom Thurbon, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of fast-growing multinational business Karrikins Group (Australia);· Josh Page, Global Brand Manager of NZ success story Blunt Umbrellas;· Jacqueline Farman, Founder of The Purpose Business, and creator of the Colmar Brunton Better Business reports;· Avram Deitch, Global Marketing Manager of multi award-winning Yealands Wine Group;· Associate Professor Niki Harré, Author of Psychology for a Better World from The University of Auckland;· Matt Dagger, General Manager of Kaibosh Food Rescue;· Lucy Kebbell, Chair of CommonSense Organics;· Dean Easterbrook, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Borderless;· Dave Williams, aiming to be the first in the world to climb the highest peak on every continent from sea level.

“The conference is relevant for any business looking to succeed in this age of authenticity. You’ll learn, collaborate and come back to work with a head full of fresh ideas to implement in your organisation,” says Rachel.

What: Conference: Communicating in an Age of AuthenticityWhen: Wednesday 31 August, 8.30am-5.30pmWhere: AUT Business School, AucklandCost: SBN members: $400; non-members $1100Find out more: www.sustainable.org.nz/conference2016