Just a taste of this year’s sessions...

Can 7 People Change How You Lead Creative Teams?

Craig Bruce – Talent Development Consultant and former Head of Content, Austereo

Game Changers Radio host and global talent coach Craig Bruce shares powerful lessons from the seven people who changed how he listens to, and interacts with, audio content creators all over the world. Discover how their insights shaped Craig’s approach to unlocking talent and creativity in media.

Innovating at the Crossroads of Faith and Modernity

Leio McLaren – Founder Bible.ai

What happens when biblical wisdom meets cutting-edge AI? Christian, designer, and tech innovator Leio McLaren shares the story behind bible.ai — a world-first AI blending theological depth with intuitive digital design to offer nuanced, faith-filled guidance in a rapidly changing world. With honesty and curiosity, Leio will share the journey of development and offer insights into how AI can be used ethically, helpfully, and courageously in service of people and the gospel. Along the way, this conversation opens up a broader reflection on what it means to innovate faithfully at the crossroads of technology, culture, and spiritual life.

A Call to Belonging and Transcendence

Valerie Ling, Psychologist and Leadership Consultant

Psychologist Valerie Ling joins us to outline current organisational research trends, and explore how Christian media can respond to the deep cultural ache for connection, meaning, and hope. Truth, goodness, and beauty are not abstract ideals – they are anchors of human flourishing. Together, we’ll consider how authentic storytelling in media, grounded in a transcendent summons, can restore belonging and bring the presence of God into the everyday.

Apostles, Algorithms and Avatars: Designing and Navigating Faith’s New Frontier

Nick Jensen, Innovation facilitator

As we enter a new historical moment shaped by the AI industrial revolution, the convergence of faith and technology presents both profound opportunity and significant risk. The potential impact of AI on human relationships, ethics, education, the church, employment, evangelism, and wellbeing remains largely unknown. Nick Jensen – former Director of Government Relations at Alphacrucis, founding director of the Lachlan Macquarie Institute, and now leading innovation at ACTS Education – is one of the first globally to pioneer avatar-based conversational AI for Christian training. In this session, he offers unique insight from the front lines of change and introduces a theological and ethical framework centred on right relationship – helping Christians not only think deeply about AI but actively shape its future.

Thinking Well in Noisy Places

Dave Adamson – Author, Speaker, Aust/NZ Director of YouVersion

How do we think well amid today’s culture of comparison and distraction? Dave Adamson, well-loved in the CMAA community and the Australia & New Zealand Director for YouVersion and Orange, brings decades of experience leading digital ministry and online communities. Known for his warm, engaging style and biblical depth, Dave shares practical strategies to cultivate clear, healthy thinking that cuts through the noise and helps us thrive in our cultural moment.

CEO Diaries: Luke’s First Year in the Hotseat

Luke Weston, CEO Rhema Media NZ

One year in the CEO chair – what could possibly go wrong? Luke Weston, a much-loved member of the CMAA community and now CEO of Rhema Media NZ, returns with stories, surprises, a few scars – and surprising lessons learned. With trademark humour and hard-won insight from years at UCB UK, Rhema and beyond, Luke unpacks what’s gone well, what’s kept him up at night, and what he’s still figuring out. Beneath it all is a deep well of wisdom, strategic clarity, and a genuine heart for shaping the future of Christian media with integrity. Come learn and laugh with one of the very best – Luke Weston.

Beyond Acknowledgement: A Call to Walk Together

Clayton Bjelan, Safina Stewart and Gershon Nimbalker

What does it mean to walk together with First Nations peoples in truth, respect and practical partnership? Join broadcaster Clayton Bjelan, Wuthathi and Mabuiag Island artist and educator Safina Stewart, and Gershon Nimbalker, National Director of Common Grace, for a grounded and hope-filled conversation about Country, culture, and calling. With insights drawn from experiences in community, art, faith, and advocacy, this session invites you into a deeper understanding of why this work matters – and how you can take practical, meaningful next steps in your own context.

The Future is Agentic

Natchi Lazarus – International Marketing and Media Strategist

The future of AI isn’t just smart – it’s agentic. International strategist and best-selling author of ‘The Connected Church’, Natchi Lazarus brings a refreshingly practical take on working with AI Agents to boost productivity, streamline workflows, and amplify your God-given creative calling. With deep expertise in social media and digital ministry, Natchi will show you how to move AI from toy to transformational tool. How can this move the needle for your ministry? Get ready to embrace what’s next, stay ahead and remain on mission.