In person panel: tools, learnings and future predictions with the experts!

The second South Island Insights Community event is a real treat!
With three (maybe four) industry experts on an intimate panel to discuss tools of the trade, recent successes, future predictions and book recommendations.
Reserve your spot quick!

Timings
5:30pm: arrive + networking
6pm: panel starts
7:30: wrap!

Panel

• Carl Davidson
• Lucy Pink
• Paul Deval
• Nick Bowmast

About the panelists

Nick Bowmast is a New Zealand-based design researcher and founder of Bowmast Design Research, specialising in ethnographic fieldwork to uncover deep customer insights for global and local clients. With over 15 years of experience, he has authored the practical guide USERPALOOZA and consults across industries to inform product, service, and brand strategies through immersive, human-centered research.

Paul Deavoll is a seasoned executive with 20+ years driving innovation in infrastructure and technology. As Head of Customer and Communications at Orion NZ Ltd, he led research-backed strategies to enhance community engagement and digital adoption across regional New Zealand. Previously Head of South Island at Spark NZ, he bridged urban and rural divides through data-driven solutions. A passionate advocate for sustainable development, Paul serves as President of Business Canterbury and has held governance roles with The Christchurch Foundation and Empower Energy Trust. Off-duty, you’ll probably find him exploring Canterbury back country in a classic Land Rover— a testament to his love for adventure, problem-solving, and off-the-grid exploration.

Lucy Pink is the co-founder of Contented, an AI-powered platform turning conversations into valuable content and insights. With a background as a self-taught coder, and marketer, Lucy builds intuitive technology that bridges the gap between conversations and business outcomes. Recognised by the UN as an impact-driven startup, Contented now helps over 100 global businesses in capturing and leveraging their most important discussions - ensuring no valuable conversation goes to waste.

Carl Davidson is a prominent New Zealand social scientist with over 30 years of experience in research, specialising in consumer psychology, research design, and behavioural change. He is the founder and Director of Truwind (formerly Research First), serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canterbury, and has authored or edited ten books on research practice in New Zealand.