NDF’s biennial conference
Whiringa-ā-rangi November 23-25, 2026
Pōneke Wellington
This year we’re focusing on our roots as the National Digital Forum – a place of connection and discussion. Kanohi ki te kanohi, we’ll be tackling our digital challenges through our collective energy and wisdom.
Together, we’ll explore hononga (connections) within and beyond the digital. We’ll confront our limits and strengths. Many of the dilemmas we face as cultural organisations are intertwined with the challenges of our communities.
How do we deal with AI? What is happening to our information spaces, and what can or should we do about it? How does digital help us create meaningful places and experiences? How can we find connections and stay grounded while navigating technological change?
Join us for our conference in Pōneke, November 23-25, as we dive deep into the digital and weave connections throughout the GLAMIR sector. Tuia te hono e tatou.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
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Ash Mann has spent most of the last couple of decades inside the world of digital in cultural organisations - in-house, as an agency director, and now as an independent consultant. He works with leaders, teams, and organisations across Europe and North America on challenges that usually involve a messy combination of people, strategy, technology, and change.
He spends a lot of time thinking about the conditions that surround digital work and each year he explores a question about what makes digital work, or not. Last year it was failure, this year it’s the invisible labour that nobody budgets for or understands.
He hosts the Digital Works podcast, writes a weekly newsletter, and lives in Göteborg on the west coast of Sweden with his wife and their new baby.
More to be announced soon!
Photo: Mark Beatty
REGISTRATION & PRICING
Earlybird pricing is from available now until August 16.
Start the process early with one of our PD request templates.
PROGRAMME
The first release programme is out now. Workshops are also being announced.
We can consider late proposals - learn more here.
NDF KAURI PARTNERS
Our partners make NDF26 possible. Show them your support by clicking on their logos to learn more about their work.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT NDF26
NETWORKING & CONNECTION
Connect with old colleagues, and make connections across the sector that shed new light on your digital mahi. This includes guided networking opportunities - suitable for introverts and extroverts alike.
CREATIVE, PRACTICAL
INSPIRATION
See examples of successes and failures: pragmatic but inspiring case studies, experimental thinking, and practical take homes reflecting innovation in our sector.
Photos: Mark Beatty
BIG IDEAS & CHALLENGES
From our AI-obsessed world to data sovereignty, examine the big challenges and trends in digital culture and how they influence our everyday mahi with collections and communities.
FEEDBACK FROM NDF25 ATTENDEES
"I really enjoyed hearing the really practical solutions different people undertook for their mahi.'"
"Great to meet with people (and catch up with some I know)."
"AI isn't going anywhere—we need to work out how to use it as a tool, not let it take over. AI should be approached with caution, a strong ethical framework and healthy skepticism."
"A useful reminder that everything in tech is political and some structures and interactions need to be considered adversarial. The talk completely changed the way I view digital spaces."
"I found the message of experimenting, making mistakes, and then forgetting lessons very relatable. Always enjoy learning things that go well and not-so-well."
"We are all in the same boat…"
“People and relationship building are the most important thing (rather than technology)."
Photos: Mark Beatty
TIMELINE
Early May: Call for proposals open
May 31 June 5: Call for proposals closes
June 2: Earlybird tickets go on sale, scholarships open
June: Keynote and workshop announcements
July: Programme announcement
July 15: Scholarships close
August: Final programme released
August 16: Early bird tickets close
Nov 23-24: NDF26 Conference
Nov 25: NDF26 Workshops
VENUE
Harbourside Function Venue, 4 Taranaki Street, Te Aro, Wellington
SPONSOR NDF26
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We love our sponsors and we love making them a part of the event.
