Leadership will be put on parade at Knowledge Wave 2003 - a three-day event in Auckland from February 19-21.
The New Zealand Herald and other newspapers are identifying a raft of "emerging leaders" to take part in special pre-forum meetings on growth, community and knowledge, along with established players.
Around 450participants will attend the forum, which will address such issues as the leadership challenge and New Zealand's place in the world. One session will look at growth and leadership case studies at community level.
Among the high-profile international participants are: Juan Enriques-Cabot, an acknowledged expert on genomics; Professor Richard Florida from MIT; Professor Robert Putnam, an authority on civil engagement; and Professor Paul Romer, lead developer of "new growth theory".
They will be joined by Economist editor-in-chief Bill Emmott, and former World Trade Organisation Director-General Mike Moore.
