ACRAA Conference 2026

Australian War Memorial
4 - 6 August 2026

That's a wrap on ACRAA Conference 2026

What an incredible two days at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. From powerful conversations about Indigenous art, Toi Māori Aotearoa and First Nations, to deep dives into cultural commerce and visitor experience. The conversations, connections, and ideas flowing through every session reminded us exactly why this community is so special.

Highlights included hearing from Gabrielle Sullivan on the value of Indigenous Art Code signatory membership, a moving Wreath Laying & Last Post ceremony, Moira Lomas's session on Toi Iho and Laura Cull's standout session on delivering retail at scale for Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip - attracting an extraordinary 323,223 visitors against an initial forecast of 180,000. A masterclass in what's possible when retail rises to meet a blockbuster moment. With the National Museum of Australia hosting the exhibition next, even more Australians will get to experience this remarkable piece of history.

It was wonderful to connect with so many passionate retailers and suppliers from across Australia and Aotearoa, The energy in the room was something special.
Huge thank you to our speakers, sponsors, and every delegate who made the trip to Canberra. 

Building on that wonderful sense of community, we are excited to take the ACRAA Conference across the Tasman for the first time. In 2027, we will gather at Auckland War Memorial Museum | Tāmaki Paenga Hira in Aotearoa New Zealand, from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 September 2027.  So don't forget to save the date!

Discover the Conference 2026 Program