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.
Details
- Date: Wednesday 13 May 2026
- Location: Orakei Bay, 231 Orakei Rd, Remuera, Auckland
- Time: 8am-5pm
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.
Key topics
The SME Summit will feature expert-led sessions on:
- Smart scaling
- Financial management
- Talent retention
- Client relationships
- Succession planning
- Insurance
- Practical AI adoption
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 2024 SME Summit video and hear about the value you’ll get out of it.
Register
Registration coming soon! We’ll share the link with you in early 2026, but for now, please save the date.