KidsCongress
KidsCongress™ is a unique award-winning technology and learning conference for 9-12 year olds. Open to all primary schools in New Zealand it’s fast becoming a regular must-do event in the school calendar.
The two-day conference challenges the digital generation and their teachers to take part in fun, problem solving workshops using cool software and technology. What’s unique about this event is that it’s run by kids for kids.
2005 is it’s fifth year in Christchurch. KidsCongress has recently expanded its reach to Auckland. In 2005 it also made its successful inaugural debut in Australia at Brisbane.
Each event’s ‘host’ school picks a class of year 7 students to take on the enormous task of organising and managing the event from venue hire, website development, information and marketing, database management, equipment provision, budgeting and catering. The kids committee get a real buzz from doing this valuable and rewarding real-life work experience.
The venue is normally held at a leisure attraction, which dictates both the theme and size of the event. To date we have hosted events at Auckland Zoo, The Antarctic Centre, Sea World Nara, and Kelly Tarlton’s.
Teachers who are passionate advocates of new technology volunteer their time to present workshops to groups of 10 students. Students get to celebrate their achievements and show off work to their parents on the final evening’s main extravaganza.