Events

Keen on learning more about the innovative research happening at academyEX? Connect with us at Converge!

Designed as a dynamic hub to cultivate the research culture at academyEX, Converge is a safe and supportive environment where students, alumni, staff and industry professionals come together to collaboratively discuss and critique research ideas. It’s a great opportunity to learn and unlearn!

An online event exploring the Master of Contemporary Education (MCE) and the Postgraduate Certificate in Digital and Collaborative Learning (DCL).

Looking for your next meaningful career development? This is your opportunity.

Join us online as we connect with current programme leads, hear about their real-world projects, and visualise how your own ideas could take shape with us.

This welcoming session offers you:
- A clear view of the academyEX learning approach
- Insights from our purpose-focused, collaborative community
- Understanding of how flexible, applied learning integrates with your professional life
- Opportunity to have your questions answered in real time.

Ready to move forward with purpose? We look forward to welcoming you.This programme offers more than academic credentials. It provides practical tools for navigating tomorrow's challenges.

Cheryl leads The Gift Trust and brings 25+ years of non-profit experience in NZ and the UK, focused on philanthropy, social justice, and the environment.

What She Studied

She completed the Leading Change for Good Postgraduate Certificate at academyEX to refresh her leadership approach during a time of organisational growth.

The Impact

The course led to stronger values-based leadership, deeper kaupapa Māori engagement, and new initiatives like the Gift Collective—helping The Gift Trust grow and distribute over $110M.

Why You Should Listen to Cheryl

• Discover how values-based leadership drives real change

• Hear practical insights from a seasoned, impact-focused leader

• Learn how small teams can scale big outcomes through collaboration

You're invited to an inspiring and interactive showcase of innovation in education! Join our Masters of Contemporary Education students as they present the groundbreaking findings from their Practice-Based Change Projects, tackling some of the most pressing and exciting challenges in education today.

Ready for a day of groundbreaking ideas and exciting discoveries? 🎓

Join us at Converge Research Symposium 2025, where academyEX's best and brightest come together to share and learn.

Look forward to a day filled with engaging workshops, enriching research presentations, and an inspiring keynote by Ray Everest, former school principle and now entrepreneur.

The symposium will include an evening poster showcase, Pecha Kucha presentations of projects and networking opportunities – perfect for sparking conversations and making connections. Click here for the full agenda.

Emerging from our Converge community, the Converge Research Symposium was created to build the academyEX research culture, support emerging researchers and to feed our collective curiosity. Join us to critically engage, ask questions and have robust discussion amongst a group of curious, open minded critical thinkers.

Join us for the full day, or just part of it - Sign up now and let's celebrate curiosity and creativity together!

If there is one event to add to your business calendar - this is it. In our fast paced world the only constant is change. You can either move with it, or let it pass you by. Join academyEX founder and renowned futurist, Frances Valintine for the popular Quarterly Briefing to keep ahead of groundbreaking trends in Business and Technology Disruption.

With her expertise in global trends, Frances will unpack the future of technology, sustainability, and education, and introduce you to the game-changing AI tools you didn’t even know you needed.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired, challenged, and equipped for what’s about to change the world (it's not what you think!)

We're so very proud of what you have achieved, and it’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of your journey. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Eligible candidates: please apply to graduate in person or in absentia during our upcoming graduation ceremony on the 19th of September 2025.

Check out the essential details below and get ready for a memorable day!