Introducing New Zealand Online ADHD Conference 2026 - it reflects our growing community and the commitment to bringing you quality insights and support. This day is specifically designed for parents, educators, carers, family members, professionals, and individuals living with ADHD across New Zealand.
Building on community connection, this dynamic conference brings together world-renowned and respected experts in the field of ADHD. Each speaker offers versatile, evidence-based insights from a wide range of professional and lived perspectives. Over the course of the day, they will share practical tools, research, and real-world strategies to deepen your understanding of ADHD - empowering you with the confidence and knowledge to better support the neurodivergent individuals in your life.
About The Online New Zealand ADHD Conference
The New Zealand Online ADHD Conference 2026
Join us for an inspiring, empowering, and informative day designed for parents, educators, carers, family members, professionals, and individuals living with ADHD.
Built on a foundation of a fantastic, supportive community, this conference brings together practical insights and meaningful connection to help you navigate the ADHD journey with confidence.
At 10am, our MC will officially welcome everyone, opening the conference and introducing our first speaker to set the tone for a day filled with learning, shared experiences, and inspiration.
Whether you are seeking professional development, personal insight, or practical day-to-day strategies, the Online ADHD Conference offers a warm and engaging space to learn from leading voices, feel supported, and celebrate how far our community has come together.
The Conference will be a highly valuable and informative day for parents, educators, professionals, family members and friends of an individual with ADHD or suspected ADHD.
Please Note:
Lunch is NOT included, however there are eateries at the venue.
Alternatively you are welcome to bring a packed lunch to avoid long queues or delays.
Due to insurance and topics covered, children under 14yo are not able to attend.
During the break times, as well as between 8:30am and 10am before speakers commence, you are invited to look around at the amazing exhibitors.
Meet Our Expert Speakers
Kadon Captain
Educator | Founder | Family Practitioner
Kadon Captain is the preemptive authority for neurodiverse progress, coaching neurodiverse students, individuals, and women in business to new confidence through Open Minded, the practice she founded. She holds a Bachelor of Liberal Studies from a Californian university, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and completed certified life coaching training through The Coaching Institute in Melbourne. With over 25 years as a teacher and nearly a decade running her neurodiverse coaching and educational advocacy business, she helps neurodiverse individuals across New Zealand and overseas gain new confidence and awareness of how to operate to their strengths, using her Awareness → Acceptance → Action approach.
Mel Phillips
Author | ADHD Speaker & Coach
Mel Phillips is the creator of Wonderfully Made World, a story-driven resource that helps children with ADHD feel seen, understood, and proud of who they are.
Through engaging narratives, practical tools, and an empowering strengths-based approach, Mel equips schools, families, and pastoral care workers to build emotional literacy, confidence, and belonging.
Mel Phillips is an author, speaker, and ADHD advocate with lived experience as both a neurodivergent adult and parent. She is the creator of Wonderfully Made World (WMW), a story‑driven children’s book series designed to help children with ADHD feel seen, understood, and confident in who they are.
Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Mel brings a compassionate, strengths‑based perspective to conversations around neurodiversity, emotional regulation, identity, and belonging. Her work bridges storytelling, education, and wellbeing offering practical tools for children, families, educators, and chaplains to support neurodivergent kids without shame or stigma.
Mel works across schools, communities, and professional spaces, delivering author visits, parent talks, and professional development sessions. Her heart is to help every child discover their value and to create communities where difference is understood, supported, and celebrated.
Lauren Quirke
Neurodevelopmental Consultant
Lauren is a neurodevelopmental consultant and the founder of Somenté, a neuroscience-led practice supporting neurodivergent children and their families. With a background spanning rehabilitation, mental health, and paediatrics, she brings an integrated perspective that connects brain, body, behaviour, and environment.
She is recognised for her ability to shift the way people think about neurodivergence. Rather than focusing on behaviour as the problem, Lauren’s work centres on understanding the underlying neurological experience—how the brain interprets sensory input, demand, safety, and connection—and how this shapes regulation, learning, and daily life.
Through her work, she challenges traditional behaviour-driven models and offers a more effective, neuroscience-informed approach that is both practical and deeply human. Her ability to translate complex science into clear, actionable insights has made her a trusted voice for parents and professionals seeking clarity in an often overwhelming space.
Lauren’s work extends beyond individual families. She is building a broader movement to reshape how neurodivergent children are understood and supported—equipping adults with the knowledge, language, and confidence to create environments where children can genuinely thrive.
Event Agenda
Registration opens & Exhibits open for perusal
Welcome & Introduction
Break
Main Break
Break
Thank you & Close
Ticket Pricing
TryBooking tickets
View available tickets and complete your booking securely via TryBooking.
As well as the incredible line-up of speakers, there will also be a large range of exhibitors for you to look around during the breaks and registration period.
We are unable to refund tickets once they have been purchased. However, tickets are transferable and you are welcome to re-sell or gift your ticket to someone else.
Do you offer a discount for concession card holders? →
We have worked to keep ticket prices as affordable as possible and are therefore unable to offer discounted rates. However, complimentary entry is available to those who volunteer with us. In exchange for their assistance on the day, volunteers receive free entry, a certificate of attendance, and a workbook. Please email us if you would like to enquire about volunteering.
Are there any childcare facilities at the Conference? →
Unfortunately, our conferences are unable to provide childcare services.
Can I receive a professional development certificate for attending? →
Yes, 7-10 days post event you will receive an email with a certificate of attendance you are able to use for Professional Development
Do you allow free entry to companion card holders? →
Companion card holders may be eligible for a discounted ticket, please email our team at hello@myspiritedmind.com and they will be able to assist you.
Has this event been held before? →
Yes! This conference was first held in Victoria in 2019. In 2022, we expanded to Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales, in 2023 we added North Queensland and Tasmania. In 2024, the conference went international for the first time, with events held in Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealand.
Can I bring my child to the Conference with me? →
This is an adults only event, children under the age of 14 years are unfortunately not permitted at the Conference.
Is there any food included in the ticket price? →
Food and drinks are NOT included for any event. You are welcome to bring food and drinks with you, or you can purchase from the eateries nearby.
Can I just turn up on the day and pay for my Conference entry then? →
Our Conferences are expected to sell out prior to the date, so we recommend purchasing tickets early to avoid disappointment as we can never guarantee. door sales.
Will I need to bring my tickets with me on the day? →
Yes, to enter the Conference you will need to present your ticket to our team. This can be either printed out or displayed on a mobile device.
Do I have to pay extra to see speakers? →
No, all speaker presentations are included within the price of your Conference entry ticket.
