Be inspired, equipped and energised for purpose-driven work
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 Connect 26 conference as an additional stream.
You’ll experience:
Inspiring presentations from industry leaders
Hands-on workshops and masterclasses tailored to your role
Shared sessions with Christian media creatives from Connect 26
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.
The Sessions
Google, AI and building a digital experience that get results
Ben Holman, Digital Strategist
How to Grow Your Audience: Building a Loyal and Engaged Social Media Community
Joel Cooper, Head of Content
Building a High-Performing META Campaign in the Andromeda Era
Kylie Beach, Head of Media & PR, Paula O'Sullivan Social Media Specialist, Emma Holmes, Head of Creative and Ali Cooke Director
Did the Campaign work?
Kathy Elliott, Associate Director
Plan the Year. Win the Quarter
Kathy Elliott, Associate Director
META Marketing in 2026: Where to Invest, What to Ignore, and What's Changing Next
Paula O'Sullivan Social Media Specialist
The Culture Advantage
Ali Cooke, Director
The Hive LEaders
Ali Cooke
Leader of the Hive | Collaborative Bee
Ali Cooke is 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.
Kathy Elliott
Senior Marketing Manager | Busy, Busy Bee
Kathy brings more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and business leadership. She is a skilled strategist able to 'think outside the box' creatively when considering the individuality of each organisation she works with. Kathy is an articulate communicator and intuitive, which serves to strengthen the teams she works with.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. The Hive is a specialist marketing and communications stream that runs alongside the CMAA Conference. As a Hive attendee, you'll have access to both the CMAA Conference sessions and The Hive's dedicated marketing and communications program.
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No. Your registration includes access to both The Hive and the CMAA Conference. There is a single registration fee, giving you the flexibility to attend sessions from either program throughout the conference.
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The Hive is designed for marketers, communications professionals, fundraisers, digital specialists, content creators, and anyone responsible for growing engagement within Christian organisations. Whether you're leading strategy or wearing multiple hats in a small team, you'll find practical, relevant content.
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The Hive features a dedicated stream of marketing and communications sessions, workshops and panel discussions running alongside the broader CMAA Conference. You'll be able to move between Hive sessions and the wider conference program to create an experience that's most valuable for you.
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Not at all. One of the benefits of attending is the ability to access both programs. You're free to choose the sessions that best suit your role and interests across both The Hive and the CMAA Conference.
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Absolutely. Many people working in Christian organisations have marketing and communications as part of a broader role. The Hive is designed to provide practical ideas and strategies that can be applied regardless of your level of experience.
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Yes. Alongside the conference networking opportunities, The Hive creates space to connect with peers who understand the unique challenges of marketing and communications in Christian organisations. It's a chance to learn from others, share ideas and build lasting relationships.
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Absolutely. The Hive is designed for individuals and teams. Many organisations send multiple team members so they can attend different sessions and bring back a wider range of insights and practical ideas.