27 - 28 May 2026
Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre | 58 Waipuna Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland
Beyond the Hype: Applying Artificial and Ancestral Intelligences for Transformative Learning
ACE Conference 2026 moves past trend-chasing and surface-level innovation to focus on what actually works in learning practice. Designed for experienced community and educational practitioners, Beyond the Hype signals a critical and grounded approach that values discernment, integrity and depth. This is a space for people who can spot quality and know the difference between shiny tools and meaningful transformation.
The theme brings artificial and ancestral intelligence into purposeful dialogue. Rather than positioning them as opposites, the conference explores how each can be applied with intention: AI as a tool to extend capacity, improve systems and support learning design; ancestral intelligence as the accumulated knowledge, values, relational practices and ethical frameworks that have sustained communities over generations. Together, they offer powerful pathways for learning that is relevant, humane and accountable.
The 2025 theme, AI | AI – Bridging Artificial and Ancestral Intelligence, was a great start to our sector's discussion about the ethics and theory of AI. After hearing your feedback, we understand that there's still a need to learn how to practically apply that knowledge in your work. In 2026, we're elevating the AI | AI discussion.
Participants can expect practical, hands-on content grounded in real-world contexts – demonstrations, case studies and workshops that show how these intelligences are being applied instead of just the why. Sessions will interrogate assumptions, challenge over-simplified narratives, and foreground questions of quality, impact, ethics and cultural responsibility.
Beyond the Hype is for practitioners who are ready to move from curiosity to confident application – those seeking tools and insights they can use immediately, while staying anchored in values, community wisdom and a clear-eyed understanding of what transformative learning truly requires.
Back-to-Back by Design: Hui Fono and ACE Conference 2026
Following the successful 2025 model, Hui Fono and the ACE Conference will once again be held back-to-back in 2026. Taking place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the two events will share a common theme while retaining their distinct kaupapa and audiences. The bringing together of our signature events will be premised on the whakatauki, he waka eke noa – we are all in this together
Running consecutively at the same venue, Hui Fono (26 May) and the ACE Conference (27–28 May) will create space for deeper connection, continuity of kōrero and cross-sector learning. Together, they bring Māori and Pacific perspectives and wider ACE sector practice into purposeful dialogue — strengthening learning, relationships and collective impact across adult and community education.
IMPORTANT: These are two separate events that require two separate tickets, so please ensure you are registered for both events if you wish to attend both. Hui Fono participants will be receiving an ACE Conference discount – more details soon.
Key details
So you can plan ahead, or start booking your travel, these are the key details for the event:
Day 0: May 26, Tuesday
Pre-conference networking event from 6:00pm
Venue: Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre | 58 Waipuna Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland
Day 1: May 27, Wednesday
Conference: 9:00am to 5:00pm
ACE Aotearoa Awards Dinner: 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Venue: Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre | 58 Waipuna Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland
Day 2: May 28, Thursday
Conference: 9:00am to 3:30pm
Venue: Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre | 58 Waipuna Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland
Click here to register for ACE Conference.
If you need any assistance with regisrations, please email admin@aceaotearoa.org.nz.