Leadership that drives impact today and shapes success tomorrow
For business leaders in consulting, the real challenge isn’t choosing between priorities –it’s managing the constant juggle between what needs attention right now and what will secure the future.
Immediate demands like client delivery, team performance and operational efficiency often compete with long-term goals such as innovation, resilience and sustainable growth. Both matter, and both require leadership.
In an industry where decisions shape communities and environments for generations, this balance is critical.
The SME Summit 2026 recognises this tension and is designed to help leaders navigate it with confidence and clarity – providing practical tools for today and strategies for tomorrow.
The SME Summit is ACE’s commitment to supporting leaders who shape the built and natural environment for generations to come.
Delegates will leave the SME Summit with:
- Practical tools for immediate impact
Ready-to-use templates, checklists and frameworks that can be implemented straight away to strengthen operations and improve resilience.
- Strategies for future readiness
Insights and action plans to prepare their businesses for sustainable growth, leadership succession, and long-term success in a changing market.
- Confidence to lead change
Clarity and confidence to balance today’s demands with tomorrow’s opportunities – and empower their teams to do the same.
Who should attend this event?
This event is designed for business leaders and senior decision makers in small and medium firms, as well as regional or divisional leaders in larger firms who have influence over strategy and operations.
You might be a chief executive, business owner, director, manager, business development professional, practice manager, client relationship manager, emerging leader or marketing manager.
If you’re a business leader who wants to empower your team, set your organisations up for success and drive the business forward – the SME Summit is for you.
Details
- Date: Wednesday 13 May 2026
- Location: Orakei Bay, 231 Orakei Rd, Remuera, Auckland
- Time: 8am-5pm
Programme
> Opening keynote session: Leadership that drives impact today and shapes success tomorrow
An inspirational first session exploring how leaders can balance immediate performance with future readiness.
> Stream one: Right now
- Smart scaling
Practical strategies for growing sustainably without compromising quality or cash flow
- Cash flow in a tight market
Tools for managing liquidity and financial resilience under pressure
- Talent retention and recruitment
How to attract and keep the right people in a competitive market
- Managing client relationships through difficulties
Handling claims and disputes while maintaining trust
> Stream 2: Future ready
- Succession planning
Preparing your business for leadership transitions and continuity - Restructuring insurance for success
Aligning risk management and insurance strategies with future growth - Principles for long-term client relationships
Embedding the ACE Engagement principles for consultants and clients for enduring success - Embedding AI for practical impact
Governance frameworks that ensure responsible, ethical and future-ready AI adoption
> Closing panel session: Why “right now” decisions shape the future
A panel session on strengthening client relationships and governance using the ACE Engagement principles for consultants and clients.
Format
Presentations will be followed by interactive workshops to help you apply the learning in your business immediately. Dedicated facilitators will guide you through the process, ensuring you leave with actionable strategies and tools.
The event also offers valuable networking opportunities to connect, learn and grow with industry leaders and peers.
To get a glimpse of what to expect, check out the 2025 SME Summit video and hear about the value you’ll get out of it.
Early bird tickets until Friday 20 March
- Members (early bird) $379 + GST
- Members (standard) $399 + GST
- Non-members $599 + GST