The Hive 2027
Description
The HIVE is where Christian communicators, marketers, fundraisers and leaders come together to be inspired, equipped, and energised for purpose-driven work.
Curated and hosted by Wild Hive—a transformational marketing agency with over 10 years serving Christian organisations through its unique embedded team approach—the HIVE is designed for those working at the intersection of mission, message, and media.
Held alongside the CMAA CONNECT27 Media Conference, Wild Hive invites you into a vibrant learning community of mission-minded professionals ready to grow their vision and strengthen their voice.
You’ll experience:
Inspiring presentations from industry leaders
Hands-on workshops and masterclasses tailored to your role
Shared sessions with Christian media creatives from CONNECT26
Practical insights from the Wild Hive team’s work across the sector
Opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals over coffee and conversation
Whether you’re leading strategy or delivering on the ground, the HIVE offers fresh perspectives, practical tools, and meaningful connections.
Feature topics this year will include
-Best practice digital marketing
-
-Creative Diversification for Digital Advertising
*ALL SESSIONS are subject to change
Sessions
The Culture Advantage
Behind every strong marketing and fundraising campaign, thriving brand and meaningful community connection, is something deeper than strategy alone—culture. This thought-provoking session explores the relationship between organisational culture, communications and fundraising performance, revealing how internal health and alignment directly influence external impact. Attendees will gain fresh insights into how culture shapes trust, engagement, leadership effectiveness and organisational outcomes, and discover practical ways to strengthen the foundations that enable people and organisations to thrive.
Panel Discussion: What Changed While You Were Busy
Digital marketing is changing fast—but what actually matters? Meet the specialists behind Google, Meta, digital strategy and performance for an honest conversation about what’s working, what’s changing and what’s surprised us along the way. A practical, jargon-light conversation with the techy team about connecting channels, data and user experience to achieve better results.
Welcome to the Andromeda Era
As META's advertising platform becomes increasingly driven by AI, automation and machine learning, campaign success depends on far more than targeting and budget allocation. This practical, multi-presenter session will explore how creative strategy, design, copywriting, content and paid social execution work together to drive stronger results. Through real-world examples from schools, ministries and not-for-profit organisations, attendees will gain actionable insights into creating high-performing META campaigns in the Andromeda era, with practical takeaways they can apply to their own marketing efforts.
Google, AI and building a digital experience that get results
Google is evolving rapidly, with AI transforming how people search, discover and engage online. This practical session will explore how schools, ministries and not-for-profit organisations can build a connected digital strategy that goes beyond individual campaigns to create meaningful engagement and measurable results. Attendees will gain insights into the role of Google Search, AI-powered search experiences, audience development, measurement and optimisation, along with practical examples and strategies they can apply immediately to improve their digital performance.
Navigating the Metaverse in 2026
The META landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with AI, automation and changing user behaviours reshaping how organisations connect with their audiences. This practical session will provide an up-to-date look at what's working across Facebook and Instagram in 2026, including organic content trends, paid advertising strategies, audience engagement and campaign optimisation. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of where to focus their efforts, what tactics are losing effectiveness, and how to adapt their marketing approach to achieve stronger results in the year ahead.
How to Grow Your Audience: Building a Loyal and Engaged Social Media Community
Building an engaged audience requires more than simply posting content—it requires a clear understanding of what resonates, what drives meaningful interaction and how to create value for your community over time. In this practical and interactive session, delegates will explore current approaches to content creation, audience engagement and digital community building, drawing on real-world examples and lessons learned from organisations across the sector. Through a combination of presentation, discussion and hands-on activities, attendees will leave with practical ideas and actionable strategies they can apply immediately to strengthen their content and grow engagement.
Plan the Year. Win the Quarter.
Annual plans provide direction, but execution is what drives results. This practical session introduces a simple framework for connecting long-term vision with quarterly priorities and weekly action. Drawing on the principles of the 12 Week Year, attendees will learn how to create greater focus, accountability and momentum by breaking annual goals into achievable 12-week execution cycles. Participants will leave with practical tools to bridge the gap between strategy and action, helping them make meaningful progress on their most important priorities.
Did the Campaign work?
Traffic is up. Leads are flowing. But is marketing succeeding? This practical session explores the critical difference between metrics, targets and goals, helping marketers and leaders better understand what marketing measures, what marketing owns, and how marketing contributes to broader organisational outcomes. Through real-world examples from enrolments, fundraising, events and membership growth, attendees will gain practical frameworks for evaluating performance, clarifying accountability and having more effective conversations about results. Participants will leave better equipped to answer one of the most common questions in marketing: "Did the campaign work?"
Content Masterclass
Great content does more than fill a feed. It builds relationships, sparks conversations and inspires people to take action. But if social media feels like a tick box for your organisation, it’s time to unpack the 'why' and move from content for content’s sake, to content with purpose. In this interactive session, we’ll get laser focused on why and how your organisation should exist on social media and how that purpose can transform the content you create. Then, we’ll put it into practice through creative storytelling, using real-world examples and hands-on activities to uncover fresh perspectives, tell stronger stories and create content that genuinely connects.
Is hospitality one of your greatest opportunities?
Inspired by Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara and grounded in the example of Jesus, this interactive session will explore how small, intentional acts of welcome can transform the way people experience your organisation. Through conversation and practical activities, you'll leave with fresh ideas, a new perspective on hospitality, and one simple experiment to put into practice.
10 ways to work faster with AI
AI is transforming the way we work, Hear practical stories from across Wild Hive as our team share what's working, what they've learned, and how AI is helping them create more time for strategy, creativity and relationships. the session will feature short demonstrations from team members showing the tools, prompts and workflows they’re actually using day to day. Attendees will leave with 10 practical AI use cases, the tools we’re using, and ideas they can put to work immediately—without needing to become an AI expert.
Presenters
Alison (Ali) Cooke | CEO
An entrepreneur at heart and a passionate philanthropist. She has the solid foundation of a theological degree, international mission theology work, plus two decades of marketing, comms, fundraising and sales experience. Wild Hive grew out of Ali's passion to see the faith-based, not-for-profit sector grow in impact and efficiency, combined with a desire to create an agile marcomms agency that valued people’s lives and ministry, not just their productivity. For all her business acumen, Ali says her greatest achievement is having a family that gets along (yep, even the pets). When not on the phone or laptop buzzing about, you can find Ali on the back deck of her home in the Blue Mountains with her family, forest bathing. (That’s the fancy Japanese way of saying enjoying nature.)
Kathy Elliott | Head of Strategy & Associate Director
Bringing more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and business leadership to the Hive, Kathy is a skilled strategist able to 'think outside the box' creatively when considering the individuality of each organisation she works with. She is an articulate communicator and intuitive, which serves to strengthen the teams she works with. Kathy loves working with clients who have a clear purpose, are open and collaborative, and are willing to try new ideas. Her favourite part of her job? Taking time out of the day-to-day to sit down and creatively talk strategy so clients can achieve their goals. Kathy loves nothing better than to whip up a feast for friends, with at least two deserts and probably a couple of cocktails. She’s a fan of AFL (go Swans!) and would still be playing netball if her knees were up to it. Yet, of all Kathy’s talents, perhaps her most outstanding is creating unforgettable themed birthday parties for her kids. (Seriously. Ask her about the pirate party.)
Kylie Beach | Head of Media & PR
Lead Wild Hive's Media and Public Relations team and is a Senior Writer in our Content Collective. Most recently, Kylie spent four years working as a journalist and social media coordinator at Eternity News – a national Christian news outlet that was part of the Bible Society Australia Group. In the past, Kylie has worked as a freelance writer, Communications Coordinator at the Whitlam Institute, and as the founding Communications Director at Common Grace. Kylie has three “babies” – the youngest of whom is (devastatingly) 17. Kylie is also mum to a greyhound rescue called 'Darling' who is the real love of her life (after Jesus). Kylie was raised Baptist, educated Anglican, adopted by the Pentecostals, dabbles in Catholicism and now attends a Uniting Church Mission. She is a poetry-trained “words girl” and a lifelong, die-hard Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs supporter (and unapologetic about that).
Ben Holman | Website Developer and Google Specialist
With a career spanning the faith-based, not-for-profit, and corporate sectors, Ben has worked extensively across digital marketing, user experience, and digital strategy. His experience includes leading digital initiatives at organisations such as Bible Society Australia and HammondCare, alongside more recent work helping organisations improve their digital performance through strategy, data, and technology. Equipped with a Diploma of Christian Studies, a Bachelor of Design Computing and Marketing, and an MBA nearing completion, he brings a blend of creative, technical, and commercial thinking to his work. He specialises in helping organisations simplify complex digital challenges, bringing together strategy, websites, paid advertising, data, and emerging technologies such as AI to deliver clear, practical outcomes. He is known for his thoughtful approach and ability to turn big ideas into meaningful action. Outside of work, his competitive drive finds an outlet at the Gordon Rugby Club. He is also deeply involved in his local church community, where he has spent many years mentoring young people and serving in leadership.
Paula O'Sullivan | Social Media Specialist
With more than 20 years of communications, marketing and campaign experience in the Government and non-profit/charity space, Paula has worked in various roles including as a Social Media and Meta Advertising Strategist and Digital Marketer. She brings a highly analytical and strategic mind to the digital environment, to the great benefit of our partners. Among Paula’s many attributes is her ‘behind the scenes’ understanding of how the major social media platforms work, both technically and organisationally—knowledge she complements with exceptional data analysis and requisite agility. The result is that Paula not only capably guides Wild Hive’s partners through the complexities of social media account management but also positions them to achieve outcomes that impact their bottom line. Her standout quality? Paula has a unique ability to break down complex analytics so others can grasp the learnings they need to succeed.
Emma Holmes | Head of Design
Head of Design, Emma capably oversees Wild Hive’s tribe of creatives, inspiring them to create powerful narratives that connect with targeted audiences. Emma is adept at leading an organisation’s key team through a creative process to reveal its product’s distinctives and brand identity. One of Emma’s greatest skills is carefully balancing a campaign's key messages with its desired audience. She takes distilled workshop ideas away and returns just a few weeks later with a range of stunning visual concepts designed to captivate the eyes and the heart. Despite possessing the skills to potentially intimidate the most seasoned of creatives, Emma is guaranteed to be the most welcoming, fun person in any room she’s in. She also has the inimitable skill of weaving cats and pottery – and even cats on pottery – into almost conversation. (#Iconic).
Joel Cooper | Video Content Specialist
As a video content specialist and storyteller, Joel brings years of experience creating content across tourism, fashion, the arts and the not-for-profit sector, including work with some of Australia’s most recognised tourism bodies, fashion houses and purpose-led organisations. With a love of storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Joel specialises in finding the human story at the heart of an organisation and translating it into video content that feels authentic, engaging and purposeful. His experience spans the full creative process, from developing concepts and shaping narratives through to directing, interviewing, producing and bringing stories together in the edit. With a background in theatre and performance, Joel brings a strong understanding of people, emotion and audience to his work. He is particularly passionate about helping organisations move beyond simply creating content, instead using video to communicate with clarity, build connection and tell stories that genuinely resonate.
FAQs
- When and where is the event?
15th - 16th September 2027.
The Hive - alongside CONNECT27 Media Conference - Held at the QT Gold Coast
Wednesday September 15th: Sessions 8.45am - 3.30pm
Thursday September 16th: Sessions 8.45am - 3.30pm
- When should I arrive?
If flying - we recommend arriving into the Gold Coast Airport or Brisbane Airport by 2pm on Tuesday the 14th September to check in and be ready for Wednesday morning sessions. Both public transport or hire car/taxi/uber options are less than an hour transfer time to the QT Hotel.
If driving - there is parking available for a fee and we recommend arriving by 8am to be able to register and grab a coffee before the conference starts. - What is the dress Code?
We are a relaxed event - and recommend business casual - it is just a block from the beach after all!
- Is Accommodation Included?
Registration does not include accommodation.
A group rate is available at the QT Gold Coast and can be booked via the conference registration page.
The Gold Coast also boasts a variety of accommodation options suitable for any budget so feel free to book anywhere that suits you.
If you select accommodation other than QT, transfers to and from the conference will be at your own expense.
- What can I expect from the combined CONNECT27/The Hive conference experience? ?
CONNECT is a celebration, a voyage and a transformative experience with the truth-seekers and story-tellers of the Christian Media and Arts community of Australia and New Zealand.
Together, we gather for courage and encouragement. To glean and to impart. To celebrate and to foster.
You’ll leave refreshed and equipped with new ideas to help you and your team continue to think, create and speak well into the lives of others.
- What meals are included?
Your registration includes morning teas and lunches on both Wednesday and Thursday of the conference.
If you book accommodation with the QT Gold Coast via the discounted group rate, the room rate includes breakfast daily for 1 guest. Extra Breakfasts can be booked during the registration process.
- T&Cs:
Full details on ticketing refunds, exchanges and replacements, available here.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
