The New Zealand Technology Industry Association (NZTech), Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise are among those banding together to promote Kiwi innovation at South by Southwest (SXSW) in the US next month.

The conference brings together creatives, media, consumers and the technology sector with a four day annual trade show, expected to attract 70,000 people and 300 exhibitors. Weta Digital will help design the Kiwi stand’s visual graphics.

“SXSW offers an ideal opportunity to showcase New Zealand’s digital technology capabilities and reinforce our position as a fast-growing digital nation,” says David Downs, NZTE’s general manager of services.

NZTech CEO Candace Kinser, originally from the conference home town of Texas, is urging other organisations to join the delegation.

“The tech sector needs investment in the form of seed capital and growth capital to help our growing companies scale,” she says. “Educating investors on the opportunities for investing in Kiwi innovation is also a key objective for attending SXSW.”

The companies will be on a mission to find skilled talent to fill roles in New Zealand. A recent NZTech member survey showed technology companies in New Zealand need up to 15,000 more people to fill roles over the next three years and there are not enough qualified people available in New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand will use the event to provide information to stand visitors about living, working and investing in New Zealand and will create a database of people interested in working here, which it will share with tech sector employers and recruiters.

Workhere will promote job opportunities in the New Zealand tech sector and with Immigration New Zealand will promote the upcoming TechConnect online recruitment event. Technology firms are being offered three packages to participate and have to apply by 26 February at nztech.org.nz.