We live in the future-now and that provides plenty of disruption and fast-paced change. In the lead-up to Survive & Thrive in Auckland over the next two days, we asked some of the guest speakers ‘it’s the future already – are you ready?’

#SurviveThrive: Join the action in Auckland on September 13 & 14.

Survive & Thrive is New Zealand’s smart-thinking event for artists, creators, innovators and entrepreneurs - brought to you by The Big Idea and Arts Regional Trust.

See more details below for what's on and where to go. Also see below a storify of Survive & Thrive - curated by Transmedia NZ's Fiona Milburn.

Keiko Hagihara Bang - If you think in a borderless way and you pick and choose the values and the mores, the customs and the rituals that you like, you end up creating your own destiny. I’ve been lucky enough in that what I’ve chosen has ended up being ahead of the curve.

Marianne Doczi - I stay 'ready' by tuning into weak signals and data, and being prepared to be 'surprised'. By being flexible and adaptive. I know that despite understanding the futureNOW, I can't assume longevity about what I know at the moment.

Alex Hillman - While I think many people correlate the future with technology, I correlate it with relationships and deeper, more meaningful work.

Paora Joseph - It’s about having no doubt in your creative vision and potential, then you are already in the future.

Dr Ralph Kerle - To live in the future, you need to be fearless about living with ambiguity, uncertainty and paradox because at regularly intervals these elements will appear and provide epiphanies.

• ‘Do it your way’ at Survive & Thrive

On Friday 13 September you can choose from one of these four strands.

• Going Global – Destination Asia
• Site Pacific – Distinctive voices
• For a Better World – Audacious dreams
• Resilience rules – Embracing disruption

Be inspired by our speakers, get the nitty gritty in our workshops, work with your hands, not your head, get advice from our Sounding Board or even POP Upclose and personal in small sessions with our keynote speakers.

On Saturday 14 September we're provoking open provocation. Talking about the big issues; money and making the most of it and where to find it, working together - the need for community and many things digital, not to mention Auckland becoming a more resilient, vibrant and prosperous city.

• Key Information

Where: AUT University’s Sir Paul Reeves [WG] Building
Auckland University of Technology
Mayoral Drive / Governor Fitzroy Pl | Auckland City

When: 13 - 14 Sep 2013, Registration starts 8.00am

Tickets: Register and buy tickets here. Door sales are available.

On the day: Here's some key information to make your day go smoothly.

Programme: See the e-version [PDF].

Further information: Find out more about Survive & Thrive 2013.

• Live at #SurviveThrive

If you’re at the event please join the thread by including the hashtag #SurviveThrive.

Keep an eye-on live updates from Arts Regional Trust (@artsregtrust) and The Big Idea (@thebigideanz)