Find out more about our speakers, events, and dress codes by clicking the links below:
Events & Dress Codes | Speakers

Please note: the programme is subject to change and will be updated on this page

DAY 1 - TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2026

2:00pm - 5:00pm

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DESK OPEN
@ Movenpick Hotel 
6:30pm - 9:30pm 

ROOFTOP CONNECTIONS - WELCOME FUNCTION
@ So Hotel Rooftop Bar
Cnr Customs Street & Gore Street, Auckland

 

DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2026

8:30am

Welcome
9:00am

Day 1 Keynote Speaker 
Speaker | Sara-Jane Elika
Strategic business leader, governance expert, and Executive Director of ECG, known for delivering transformational impact across Aotearoa and the Pacific
10:00am MORNING TEA | TRADE
10:30am

Optimising the end-of-life business: A strategic conversation from the outside in
Speaker | Bruce Sheppherd
Gilligan Sheppard; Founder, Partner, Board Member 
11:30am

The Silence is Over
Speaker | John Adams
NAFD UK Past President, podcast host, bereavement educaton campaigner, author, industry advisor

12:30pm LUNCH | TRADE
2:00pm - 9:30pm

FORENSICS, FAIRWAYS & FUN
@ Remuera Golf Club

 

Thursday 26 February 2026

8:30am  NOTICES
8:35am

Association News
Funeral Directors Association NZ | Gillian Boyes CEO & Andrew Malcolm President 

Australian Funeral Directors Association | Dale Gilson CEO & Asha Dooley President 
9:05am

Day 2 Keynote Speaker 
What Support Do Grievers Need Most? Findings from Modern Science
Speaker | Dr Lucy Hone
Grief researcher, best-selling author and TED speaker
10:05am MORNING TEA | TRADE
10:35am DIA UPDATE
Speaker | Russell Burnard
General Manager Operations and Registrar General of Birth deaths and Marriages 
10:50am LUCENTT SPOTLIGHT
Speaker | Mark Chaafe
11:20am

Future ready funeral professionals: The power of online learning
Speaker | Greg Shorland
Funeral Learning Hub
12:00pm LUNCH | TRADE
1:00pm

Futureproofing your funeral business with AI
Speaker | Bruce Ross
AI-Enabled Leadership Coach
2:00pm  PANEL DISCUSSION - TBC
3:00pm FREE TIME
6:30pm - late

BOLLYWOOD GALA DINNER
@ Maritime Room
Princes Wharf, Central Auckland