Futurespace 2026: ACE New Zealand's leadership conference returns to Auckland's Shed 10

Futurespace 2026 returns to the Auckland waterfront

ACE New Zealand will hold its annual Futurespace conference on 4–5 November 2026 at Shed 10, Queens Wharf, in central Auckland. The organiser confirms the two-day programme on its official event page, where registration is already open. The 2026 edition carries the theme "Lead with impact. Partner with purpose. Deliver with confidence." The listed directory entry carried no venue; ACE New Zealand confirms the gathering will take place at Shed 10 on the waterfront.

Who runs it

Futurespace is the annual conference of ACE New Zealand (Te Ao Rangahau), the Association of Consulting and Engineering New Zealand. ACE describes itself as the voice for consulting and engineering in Aotearoa — a non-profit membership organisation that, by its own account, represents around 270 member firms and some 15,000 professionals working across the built and natural environment, from engineers and planners to scientists, surveyors and architects. The association is the New Zealand member body of FIDIC, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers.

Who it is for and what is on

ACE New Zealand positions Futurespace 2026 at mid to senior leaders — those who play a key role in running their business, are new to the C-suite or on their way there, or progressing toward business ownership. The programme, per the organiser, combines presentations, workshops and discussions on communicating value, identifying overlooked opportunities and navigating complex scenarios. Broadcaster Mike McRoberts is confirmed as MC, with speakers including Dr Siouxsie Wiles, Trina Tamati and Precious Clark, alongside a client panel.

Venue and logistics

Shed 10 is a Category 1 heritage building at 89 Quay Street on Queens Wharf, built in 1910 and the last original building on the wharf. As reported by Auckland Conventions, the venue spans about 4,400 square metres over two levels, with the ground floor seating up to 1,575 theatre-style and Level 1 up to 1,000 theatre-style. It sits within Auckland's city centre, adjacent to the downtown ferry terminal and opposite the Britomart Transport Centre, and is within walking distance of numerous CBD hotels, dining and shopping. Auckland Airport lies roughly 20 km to the south. These are neutral context points for a waterfront conference venue.

Why it matters in NZ MICE

Futurespace is a recurring, sector-anchored association conference — the kind of predictable annual business event that underpins New Zealand's MICE calendar. Backed by a body representing hundreds of consulting and engineering firms and a workforce in the thousands, and staged at one of Auckland's flagship waterfront venues, it draws a concentrated professional audience into the city centre for two days, with the associated accommodation and hospitality footprint that comes with it.