Owner Manager Exchange
Exclusive to Owner Manager Programme and Agribusiness Alumni, The Owner Manager Exchange (OMX) is your chance to step away from the business, gain fresh ideas, perspectives, inspiration and confidence, and connect with Icehouse Alumni who understand what you’re going through.
Criteria
OMP Alumni
Still a business owner
Time
3 Days
Overnight
Format
Group sessions
In-person
Investment
$5,895 + GST
Incl. accom & food
Enquire Now
Programme overview
Exclusive to Owner Manager Programme and Agribusiness Alumni, The Owner Manager Exchange (OMX) is your chance to step away from the business, gain fresh ideas, perspectives, inspiration and confidence, and connect with Icehouse Alumni who understand what you’re going through.
Each year, we refresh the content to ensure it reflects market changes and business trends, so those who have completed the Owner Manager Exchange (OMX) before can join again. Besides new content, returning participants tell us they come back for the interaction with old and new associates and the interactive ‘exchange’ of information and ideas.
The Icehouse Owner Manager Exchange is the perfect opportunity to tackle these challenges (and opportunities) head-on.
- ‘Clinic’ Sessions - bring a real business challenge and a possible solution you’re exploring. Your fellow Alumni and our expert facilitators will dig in with insights, feedback, and real-world suggestions - much like your OMP business panel.
- Speakers and Expert Panels - gain perspectives from those tackling complexity.
- Interactive Site Visits to Local Businesses - see how others are innovating in their space, up close. Gain access to operational and production facilities that are truly world-class.
- Reboot your personal leadership and communication techniques - Leading in uncertain times requires a different approach.
- Recharge in the beautiful Hawke's Bay - because stepping out of the day-to-day helps you step up as a leader for your team.
The programme consists of three consecutive days spent as a group. You'll stay at accommodation organised by us to help fully immerse yourself in the learning experience.
As is the case with all Icehouse programmes, we encourage the sharing of ideas and challenges amongst participants, so come with a list!
To ensure this feels like the Icehouse experience you're all too familiar with, the directors of the Owner Manager Programme are the ones who lead this 3 day programme.
For 2026, our lead facilitators will be Rachel Stoddard (Head of Learning and Innovation, Icehouse) and Liz Wotherspoon (Programme Director and Former CEO, Icehouse).
There will also be a selection of guest speakers, owner-managers and subject matter experts that join us on programme.
You'll be joined by a small group of fellow Owner Manager Programme alumni from different programmes over the years. Some will be first-time Exchange participants, many will be returning participants.
What will you get from joining this programme?
Past, Present & Future
Revisiting where you were at the end of your Programme and paving the way ahead
Be Inspired
Plan Ahead
Grow Yourself
Participate in a session around well-being and resilience
Confide In Your Cohort
Share reflections, thoughts and advice with business owners and mentors
Relax & Refresh
Do this all in a serene location away from your business.
Don't just take our word for it...
"As a returning OMX attendee, I always enjoy connecting with other business owners and sharing our issues as well as celebrating our successes"
Shaun McPherson
Boulevard Services"I felt humbled to go through those businesses. 150% better than last year. Please sign me up for next year. I really appreciated being in a different place in NZ. Those grunty businesses making things happen were so inspiring. I felt proud to be part of NZ business and came away very invigorated with solid plans going forward. Too much fun, too much laughter and connection, too much learning."
Belinda Thomas
Willesden Farms"Everything! The change of location was a great move, the site visits exceptional and the break out time to learn from other participants was spot on. Loved it!
Nick McDonald
Likeable LabsAdrian Spraggs
Spraggs Group"As a returning OMX attendee, I always enjoy connecting with other business owners and sharing our issues as well as celebrating our successes"
Shaun McPherson
Boulevard Services
"I felt humbled to go through those businesses. 150% better than last year. Please sign me up for next year. I really appreciated being in a different place in NZ. Those grunty businesses making things happen were so inspiring. I felt proud to be part of NZ business and came away very invigorated with solid plans going forward. Too much fun, too much laughter and connection, too much learning."
Belinda Thomas
Willesden Farms
"Everything! The change of location was a great move, the site visits exceptional and the break out time to learn from other participants was spot on. Loved it!
Nick McDonald
Likeable Labs
Adrian Spraggs
Spraggs Group
Payment Plans
To help share the load across a longer period of time, payment plans may be available.
Regional Business Partner Funding
Management Capability Development funding may be available through your Regional Business Partner. To explore if your business is eligible for support, please contact your Regional Business Growth Advisor directly. Please email us for an introduction.