CONNECT 26 | Connections That Count | Alumni Conference & Gala
About this Event
CONNECT 26: Connections That Count
Join INSEAD alumni from across Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne for CONNECT 26: Connections That Count, our flagship annual alumni event.
Across two days, CONNECT 26 will bring together alumni, faculty, business leaders and invited guests for high-quality learning, practical insights and meaningful connection.
The program begins on Thursday afternoon with site visits to leading Melbourne organisations, followed by informal Thirsty Thursday drinks.
On Friday, attendees will experience a full day of INSEAD with 2 faculty masterclasses, expert panels, career development and curated networking, culminating in the CONNECT 26 Gala Dinner all hosted at the InterContinental Melbourne.
Program Highlights
INSEAD Faculty Masterclass with Wojtek Materka
What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do
A highly interactive masterclass exploring leadership, trust and decision-making in times of uncertainty.
Through discussion, reflection and participant engagement, Wojtek will examine how leaders can think and act with greater clarity when the path forward is not obvious.
INSEAD Online Faculty Masterclass with Professor Phanish Puranam
Human Capital in the Age of AI
Drawing on his latest book, Re-Humanize: How to Build Human-Centric Organizations in the Age of Algorithms, Professor Puranam will explore how individuals and organisations can develop the skills, motivation and organisational environments required to work effectively alongside AI.
Panels and Workshops
The day conference will also include:
- Energy sector panel
- Entrepreneurship panel
- Career and market update
- Interactive career workshop
- Extended networking lunch with Global Club and interest-based tables
- Post-conference networking drinks
Join us in Melbourne for two days of learning, leadership and Connections That Count.
The full agenda, speakers and optional activities remain subject to final confirmation.
Event Details
📅 Thursday 10 September 2026
🏢 12:00 pm Onwards Site Visit(s)
Further details and capacity limits to be announced.
🍸 5:00 pm Onwards Thirsty Thursday alumni drinks
An informal opportunity to reconnect with local, interstate and international alumni before the main conference.
📅 Friday 11 September 2026
📍 InterContinental Melbourne
495 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
🕗 7:45 am–5:00 pm - Day Conference
🍸 5:00 pm–6:00 pm - Networking Drinks
🥂 7:30 pm–11:00 pm - CONNECT 26 Gala Dinner
The Gala Dinner will bring the alumni community together for an evening of dining, conversation, entertainment and celebration.
Further details, including the Gala keynote speaker and full program, will be released progressively.
Ticket Types and Pricing
Choose the experience that best suits you.
On the booking page make sure to have your Member promo code available to apply the pricing below for Financial Member prices.
Full Experience - Conference + Gala
Includes the full Friday Day Conference, catering, networking drinks and the CONNECT 26 Gala Dinner.
- Financial Member Early Bird: $375
- Financial Member price: $460
- General (Non Member) price: $585
Early-bird pricing is available for a limited number of tickets and only applies to the Full Experience ticket until sold out or the 31st July.
Day Conference
Includes the full conference program, morning tea, networking lunch and post-conference networking drinks.
- Financial Member price: $220
- General (Non Member) price: $320
Gala Dinner
Includes the CONNECT 26 Gala Dinner, dinner and drinks, keynote program and entertainment.
- Financial Member price: $270
- General (Non Member) price: $315
Financial Member Pricing
Current financial members of the INSEAD Alumni Association Australia & New Zealand will receive a dedicated booking link and promotional code to access member pricing.
Financial member pricing is available for a maximum of two tickets per current financial member. Membership eligibility may be verified.
Not currently a financial member? Join or renew through MyINSEAD before booking.
Note that ticket pricing is before Eventbrite fees and charges.
Travelling to Melbourne?
Limited additional discounts are available for eligible alumni travelling from interstate or overseas.
Please contact [email protected] before booking to request a travel discount code. Travel discounts are subject to availability and eligibility and cannot be applied retrospectively after a ticket has been purchased.
Optional Thursday Activities
Optional Thursday site visits and Thirsty Thursday alumni drinks can be selected as add-ons during registration. Some activities may have limited capacity.
Eventbrite booking fees apply at checkout.
Who Can Attend?
CONNECT 26 is publicly listed but is not a general public event.
Attendance is open to:
- INSEAD alumni;
- partners and family members of INSEAD alumni;
- colleagues, business associates and invited guests attending through an INSEAD alumnus or alumna; and
- approved members of the wider INSEAD community.
Guests will be asked to identify their associated INSEAD alumnus or alumna during registration. The INSEAD Alumni Association Australia & New Zealand reserves the right to confirm eligibility.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
AUD 0.00 to AUD 608.90
