Join us for the 2026 ISNZ Conference on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September 2026 at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
The conference is ISNZ's flagship programme and an immense amount of work goes into curating the event. We spoke with Guy Pascoe, Chief Executive, ISNZ about the upcoming event to learn more about how the conference programme has come together.
What has been the biggest consideration when curating the speakers and presenters for the upcoming conference?
More than anything, we’ve been guided by what we think will be of genuine value and interest to our schools. We’ve brought together a vibrant mix of voices; people who will challenge, inspire, and, importantly, equip our delegates with ideas they can actually use. There’s a real blend of big thinkers and grounded practitioners, so whether you’re looking for fresh perspective or practical takeaways, there’s something here that will resonate.
What kind of people is this conference most suited to?
We see a wonderfully diverse group come together each year including Governors, Heads, Principals, Business Managers as well as those stepping into leadership roles. The conference is suited to people who want to be challenged, inspired, and value the chance to connect with others who are passionate about the future of education.
What content can we expect at the conference?
The conference is our flagship programme and every year we put a real emphasis on creating a superlative experience. We are always looking to improve on what we have done the year before. An innovation this year is the introduction of a stream specifically for Business / IT leaders within our schools, recognising the critical leadership role that they play. We have also been more intentional about creating a bespoke stream for school governors.
What is the role of sponsors/exhibitors in the conference and what can they expect from the time allocated to networking?
Our sponsors and exhibitors are a vital part of the ISNZ community, and we love the energy they bring to our conference. They come with ideas, solutions, and expertise that help schools thrive. We’ve designed the networking time to feel natural and valuable, with an emphasis on real conversations rather than transactions. It’s about building relationships, sharing insights, and discovering opportunities to work together in meaningful ways.
At its heart, this conference is about connection. It’s a chance to step away from the day-to-day, lift your gaze and be reminded why this work matters. You’ll leave not just with ideas, but with energy, perspective, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Early Bird registrations close on 31 July, and we’d highly encourage people to take advantage of it. These places tend to move quickly once momentum builds.
