Meet people who share your interests, get to know the IAIA community, and make more of your time in Christchurch.
Are you a first-timer or an IAIA conference veteran? Either way, you can benefit from participating in the Newcomer Network! The Newcomer Network offers a warm welcome to those attending our conference for the first time by introducing them to experienced attendees (and other first-timers). One or two veterans at each table will be joined by a group of first-timers in an informal setting to help “break the ice.” In addition to getting to know each other, first-timers can ask questions about making the most of their conference experience as well as questions about IAIA in general. After 15 minutes, first-timers move to a different table to start again with a different group. It is also a simple and informal way for veteran attendees to open a door or two for their own social and professional interactions.
Join this meet and greet to connect with a new friend or two. IAIA staff members will also be available to answer questions.
Tuesday, 20 April 2027 | 10:00-11:30
Free to attend. Delegates will be contacted closer to the conference with an opportunity to volunteer as experienced attendees/veterans.
Begin your IAIA27 experience at the Welcome and Poster Reception! Reconnect with colleagues, meet new collaborators, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere
as we celebrate the start of an inspiring week in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Take time to explore the conference poster exhibition, where researchers, practitioners, and emerging professionals will be on hand to discuss their work, exchange ideas, and spark new conversations. Whether you’re renewing old friendships or making your first IAIA connections, this is the perfect way to launch your conference experience.
Tuesday, 20 April 2027 | 17:00-18:30
Free to attend.
Meet new colleagues who share your interests at one (or more!) of IAIA’s special-interest Section meetings. These informal gatherings are the perfect opportunity to network and get involved in activities that drive innovation and best practices in impact assessment. See the full list of Section topics here. Everyone is welcome at Section meetings — no previous experience is necessary. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to connect!
Wednesday, 21 April 2027 | 17:45-18:45
Thursday, 22 April 2027 | 17:45-18:45
Free to attend.
Spend an evening with fellow IAIA27 delegates at a special screening of How to Live on Earth, a documentary featuring Benedict Cumberbatch. Through inspiring stories and striking cinematography from around the world, the 96-minute film explores how humans are learning to work with nature to tackle some of our biggest challenges. Learn more about the film here.
Lumiére Cinemas is an independent two-screen boutique cinema with vintage styling and luxurious seating.
Wednesday, 21 April 2027 | 19:00-21:30
Pre-registration and extra fee required. Space is limited to 100 attendees.
Price: US$25 (Price includes film ticket and 1 drink (wine/beer/soft drink). Snacks will be available for purchase.)
Location: Lumière Cinemas (10-minute walk from Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre)
Celebrate the conclusion of IAIA27 at the closing banquet—an evening of great food, music, conversation, and camaraderie as we reflect on an inspiring week together in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Reconnect with colleagues, celebrate new friendships and collaborations, and join us in recognizing the experiences that made this year’s conference memorable. It’s the perfect way to close IAIA27 and look ahead to the future of impact assessment.
Friday, 23 April | 19:00 onward
Pre-registration and extra fee required.
Price: US$75
Register for IAIA27 today, and consider adding one of these social events to your experience.