XLabs: Future of Food 2024

XLabs

XLabs is Aotearoa’s circular innovation program, designed to show New Zealand businesses how sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand.

EVENT MANAGEMENT | H&S MANAGEMENT | PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

Lobby area of a modern building with a sign that reads 'Co-creating the future to be circular,' a reception desk with a vase of yellow flowers, and a staircase with glass railings leading to an upper floor.

Uno Loco was brought in to make sure the event ran smoothly from start to finish — delivering an experience that was seamless, inspiring and, of course, completely circular.

Group of five people gathered around a table working on a project with LEGO bricks and paper sketches, indoors near a window.
A woman with long reddish-brown hair and glasses, wearing a black blazer, gestures with her left hand on her chest and holds a wooden stick or pointer in her right hand, standing in front of a blackboard or presentation board.
Two women looking at a smartphone together in front of a yellow sign that has blurred text.
A group of people attending a conference or workshop in a meeting room, with a woman standing and speaking to the audience, and various posters and a presentation screen in the background.

Opportunity

This wasn’t your average conference. The challenge was to create an event that embodied circular thinking at every touchpoint — from venue to catering to every interaction along the way. Guests needed to leave feeling inspired about the future of food and sustainability, without feeling like they were being lectured.

Our response

We joined forces with the Circularity team to bring XLabs to life. That meant runsheets, venue scouting, supplier coordination and catering organisation, all handled with an eye for efficiency, sustainability and a touch of flair. The Plant and Food Research Centre in Nelson provided a stunning backdrop, while locally sourced, plant-based food kept energy levels high and consciences clear. Every detail — from menus to messaging — reinforced the circular ethos.

What made it special

XLabs was a lesson in doing more with less, and doing it beautifully. Every bite, every interaction, every carefully choreographed moment reflected sustainability without being preachy. Guests left full, inspired and maybe even a little smug about just how delicious circular innovation can be.

Two men are sitting at a table, engaged in conversation, with one gesturing with his hand. A third man is standing in the background, preparing something on the table. There are art supplies and a large fish photograph on the wall behind them.
Woman with glasses smiling and holding a tray with LEGO models of a food truck, trees, and other objects, in a classroom setting.
A man with a bald head and freckles, wearing a gray button-up shirt, is holding a small paper with handwritten notes and a diagram of a leaf, while speaking or explaining. In the background, there is a banner with the words "Smart Materials."
Group of seven smiling people standing outdoors near water, wearing casual and outdoor clothing.