Connection
Time with the people behind the emails — Australia and the Philippines in one room.
30 November – 4 December 2026Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Xin chào · Welcome to Vietnam
Ready to lead the future of audit, together.
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Ho Chi Minh City
OUR TEAMS · AUSTRALIA · PHILIPPINES
Dates
30 November – 4 December 2026
Venue
Lotte Hotel Saigon
Rooms
One room per person — everyone has their own space to unwind.
Travel
Flights, transfers & visas
Xin chào
Welcome to Vietnam
This conference is an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with colleagues, challenge our thinking, share ideas and invest in our future as one firm.
Across the week we'll learn together, celebrate together, explore together and create stronger connections that will continue long after we return home.
Why we're gathering
Why We're Gathering
The platform we're building isn't software or systems — it's our people, our culture, our leadership and the relationships that hold the firm together.
This conference is designed to bring together our people from across Australia and the Philippines to strengthen connections, share ideas and align around our future direction.
Collaboration
One firm, not separate teams. Working side by side across offices and services.
Leadership
Building confidence, accountability and leadership at every level of the business.
Innovation
Fresh thinking and smarter ways of working that give our people time back.
Client Experience
A consistent, high-trust experience wherever a client meets NAG.
Wellbeing
Space to breathe, recharge and look after each other through a busy week.
Personal Growth
New skills, new perspectives and the confidence to put your hand up.
Shared Future
Leaving Vietnam aligned on where we're heading and what each of us will own.
Who's coming
One Firm, In One Room
This is the week our whole firm comes together — colleagues from Australia and the Philippines, meeting in person in Ho Chi Minh City. For many of us, it's the first time the names in our inboxes become handshakes.
All
Colleagues, from every team and every office
2
Countries — Australia & the Philippines
5
Days together in Ho Chi Minh City
1
Firm, one shared future
Sydney, Wagga & Philippines
Every auditor in one place — our Sydney, Wagga and Philippines teams are flying in, many meeting their colleagues face-to-face for the very first time.
People, Operations & Marketing
Our directors across our offices joining the full leadership team — people and operations and marketing in one room, shaping where the firm goes next.
Wherever you're flying in from, you belong in this room — you're one of us.
What you'll take home
Conference Highlights
Seven threads running through the week — each one built around what you'll walk away with.
AI & Future of Work
Walk away with practical ways to use new tools in your everyday work — no jargon required.
Personal Branding
Understand how you show up, and how to build a reputation that opens doors.
Service Excellence
Sharpen the way we look after clients so every interaction feels like one firm.
Leadership & Collaboration
Learn how to lead conversations, projects and people across offices.
Team Experiences
Shared challenges, competition and celebration that build real relationships.
Vietnam Experiences
Culture, history, food and city discovery — a week you'll actually remember.
Reflection & Future Planning
Turn the week into commitments you can act on the moment you're home.
The week
Conference Agenda
Five days built around connection, learning and shared commitments.
NAG Awards Night — Tuesday 1 December, outdoors at the hotelMonday 30 November — Welcome to Vietnam
Arrive, settle in and ease into our first evening together at Lotte Hotel Saigon — the NAG Awards Night follows on Tuesday.
Arrivals and transfers to the hotel
4:15pmFree time to settle in
5:00pmOptional poolside drinks and snacks
7:30pmLotte Hotel Saigon
Tuesday 1 December
NAG Awards Night
Outdoor area at Lotte Hotel · Tuesday 1 December · Gala — formal dress code
A gala evening celebrating the people whose actions make NAG stronger — through collaboration, client impact, growth, contribution, innovation, supporting others and leadership. Formal outfits on, awards in hand, and a band to finish the night.
Seven awards. Seven people. One winner each. Here is what each one celebrates — the winners are revealed on Tuesday 1 December.
One Firm Award
Recognises someone who demonstrates strong collaboration across teams, helping bring people together and contributing to a genuine “one firm” approach.
Client Impact Award
Recognises someone who has made a meaningful difference for a client, with a clear example of the impact or outcome they helped create.
Rising Star Award
Recognises someone who has shown impressive growth, initiative and impact, stepping up and making a positive contribution.
Outstanding Contribution Award
Recognises someone who has made a significant contribution to NAG or their team, going above and beyond in a way that has made a genuine difference.
Innovation Award
Recognises someone who has introduced an idea, improvement or different way of doing something that has created a positive change or made things better.
People Champion Award
Recognises someone who consistently supports, encourages or develops others and contributes positively to the experience of the people around them.
Leadership Award
Recognises someone who demonstrates leadership through leading by example, providing clarity, building trust and supporting others.
Nominate a colleague
Nominations are open now. Think about the colleague whose work stands out and tell us who and why — each award goes to one person.
Nominate a colleagueThe evening, in order
- 7:30 pmArrival — canapés & welcome drinks
- 7:45 pmWelcome & opening remarks
- 8:00 pmGala dinner served
- 8:15 pmAwards 1–4
- 8:30 pmShort break
- 8:35 pmAwards 5–7
- 8:45 pmGroup photo of award recipients
- 9:00 pmLive band & dancing
- 11:00 pmEvening wraps up
Your part in the week
Making the Most of the Week
A conference like this only happens because we've invested significant time, effort and resources to bring everyone together in one place.
The real value isn't just in the sessions. It's in the conversations, connections and experiences we create throughout the week.
Meet Someone New
Make an effort to spend time with colleagues you don't normally work with.
Mix It Up
Avoid sitting with the same people every day. Use the week to broaden your network across the firm.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Join discussions, ask questions and contribute your ideas.
Be Curious
Learn about other teams, services, challenges and opportunities across the business.
Practise Your Networking Skills
Introduce yourself, start conversations and build relationships that help you long after the conference ends.
Put the Phone Away
Be present in the moment. The best conversations often happen between sessions.
Share Your Experience
Capture photos, stories and moments throughout the week.
Have Fun
Enjoy the experience. This is as much about connection and relationships as it is about learning.
Challenge yourself to leave Vietnam having built at least five new connections and learned something unexpected about a colleague, a team or yourself.
Beyond the sessions
Featured Experiences
The moments people will still be talking about next year.
Saigon Scavenger Hunt
Cross-office teams race through District 1 with clues, photo missions, local challenges and street-food stops — Ben Thanh Market, hidden alleys and city landmarks along the way.
Wellness & Recharge
Spa, massage and quiet time. An optional rotation for anyone who wants to slow the week down.
Vietnamese Culture
Food, markets and local experiences — the flavours and stories of Ho Chi Minh City.
Team Connections
Cross-office networking and relationship building between NAG employees worldwide.
Mekong Delta
Boats, riverside life and palm-lined waterways — a full day out on the Mekong, a world away from the city traffic.
Inside the Scavenger Hunt
Teams explore Ho Chi Minh City with a mobile app as their guide — uncovering clues, snapping photo missions and solving location-based puzzles through Saigon's busiest districts. It is the loudest, most competitive few hours of the week, and the fastest way to get our Australian and Philippine teams working shoulder to shoulder.
- Duration
- 3 – 4 hours
- Format
- Outdoor, app-guided discovery
- Teams
- Mixed cross-office groups
CollaborationCommunicationCreativityHealthy competitionTeam alignment
See the full program
Special guest
Stanley Henry
CEO of attn:seeker
We're excited to welcome Stanley Henry, CEO of attn:seeker, to One Firm. Future Ready. Known for making AI, innovation and the future of work practical and accessible, Stanley will join us for a day of presentations, conversations and workshops focused on helping us think differently about how we work, learn and adapt in a rapidly changing world.
Rather than simply delivering a keynote and leaving, Stanley will spend time with the NAG team throughout the day. There will be opportunities to engage with him during sessions, ask questions, share ideas and continue conversations during breaks and informal networking throughout the conference.
His focus is practical, real-world application rather than theory, helping all of us better understand the opportunities ahead and how we can continue to grow as individuals and as a firm.
Stanley will also help us with personal branding, running several interactive, real-life workshops. Be sure to check out his content before we go.
AI AdoptionPersonal BrandingFuture of WorkProductivityInnovation
The host city
Why Ho Chi Minh City?
Saigon is a city on the move — ambitious, fast-growing and full of energy. It's a place where old and new sit side by side, where people build, hustle and welcome you in.
That momentum is exactly the mindset we want for NAG: curious, connected and building something bigger together.
Energy
Ho Chi Minh City moves. Streets, markets and rooftops buzz from early morning to late night.
Growth
One of Asia's fastest-growing cities — ambition you can feel on every corner.
Culture
History, food and craft traditions that reward anyone willing to explore.
Connection
A shared adventure away from the office creates conversations that never happen at a desk.
New Experiences
From the Mekong Delta to the Saigon River, the week offers things none of us do at home.
Momentum
A city building its future fast — exactly the mindset we want for NAG.
Before you fly
Travel Information
Everything you need to arrive relaxed and ready — all summarised here, no attachments to chase.
Flights
Sydney and Wagga cohorts travel together, with Wagga flying to Sydney the day before and overnighting at the airport hotel. Your own flight numbers and times will be sent to you directly.
Hotel
Lotte Hotel Saigon — 5-star, overlooking the Saigon River at 2A–4A Ton Duc Thang, District 1. Everyone has their own room, with breakfast included for the full stay.
Airport Transfers
Group transfers run from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to the hotel on arrival, and back to the airport at the end of the week.
Visas
Not everyone needs the same visa. Requirements depend on your passport, and some attendees have different entry arrangements. It should all be sorted already — if anything is missing or unclear, talk to Kasey straight away. Bring a printed copy of your visa/entry approval and check your passport has at least six months' validity.
Emergency Contacts
Kasey Burton and Janeela Regacho are your first call, plus local emergency services and the Australian and Philippine consulates in Ho Chi Minh City.
What to Pack
The full checklist is below — the essentials, plus a few Vietnam-specific extras so nothing catches you out.
Lotte Hotel Saigon
5-star luxury on the Saigon River
2A–4A Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
One room per person — everyone has their own space to unwind.
Visit the hotel website- Outdoor pool and sun deck
- 24-hour fitness centre
- Legend Healing Spa and sauna
- Multiple restaurants and a lobby lounge/bar
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
- Riverfront location, walking distance to District 1 landmarks
On the ground in Vietnam
Weather
Warm and humid — around 26–33°C with occasional short tropical showers. Pack light, breathable clothing.
Currency
Vietnamese dong (VND). Cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants; carry small notes for markets and taxis.
Local Customs
Vietnamese people are warm and friendly. Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes when asked, and a smile goes a long way.
Dress Code
Tropical business casual for conference days, smart casual for group dinners, comfortable and cool for activity days.
Transport
Group transfers cover airport and organised activities. Grab is the easiest way to move around the city otherwise.
Staying Connected
Hotel and conference venue Wi-Fi is included. An eSIM or local SIM is handy for Grab and maps while you're out.
Packing checklist
Tick these off before you zip up your bag.
- Passport (6+ months validity) and printed visa/entry approval
- Work laptop and charger
- Tropical business casual for conference days (Tue, Wed, Fri)
- Smart casual outfit for the group dinner (Wed night)
- Comfortable walking shoes for the scavenger hunt and city exploration
- Swimwear for the hotel pool and spa
- Hat, sunglasses and a refillable water bottle for outdoor days
- Light, breathable clothes for the Mekong Delta day (Thu)
- Light rain jacket or compact umbrella (tropical showers)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Universal power adapter (Vietnam uses A, C and F sockets, 220V)
- Small daypack for the scavenger hunt and the Mekong Delta day
- Any personal medication, plus a small first-aid kit
- Cash for markets (VND) — small notes are best
- Space in your bag — a welcome pack with merch and goodies is waiting for you
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my laptop?+
Yes. Bring your work laptop and charger — sessions include working time, workshops and hands-on activities.
What power outlets does Vietnam use?+
Vietnam uses Type A, C and F sockets at 220V — different to Australian plugs. Bring a universal travel adaptor (one with USB ports is handy) so you can charge your laptop, phone and devices. Vietnam's 220V works fine with Australian 240V chargers, so no voltage converter is needed — just the plug adaptor.
Are meals reimbursed when I'm not with the group?+
Breakfast, conference meals and organised group dinners are covered. If you eat on your own during free time, keep the receipt and claim it through the usual expense process within reasonable limits — alcohol outside group events isn't reimbursed.
Can I extend my trip before or after the conference?+
Yes. You're welcome to extend either side of the conference. You'll need to arrange the flight changes yourself and cover any fare difference, plus any extra accommodation nights. Let Kasey or Janeela know your final dates so records stay accurate.
What about my visa?+
Visa requirements vary by passport. Most attendees need a Vietnam e-visa, while others have different entry arrangements. Everything should already be sorted for you — if you're not sure, or haven't received confirmation, talk to Kasey as soon as possible. Bring a printed copy of your visa/entry approval and make sure your passport has at least six months' validity.
What's the dress code?+
Tropical business casual for conference days, smart casual for the group dinner, and comfortable clothes and walking shoes for activity days.
How do I get from the airport?+
Group transfers are arranged from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Lotte Hotel Saigon and back again at the end of the week.
Will photos be taken during the week?+
Yes. We'll be using this week together to capture natural photos of the team — including genuine shots of us working, collaborating and enjoying Vietnam — to use on our website and in NAG branding. Nothing staged or awkward; just be yourself. If you'd prefer not to appear in any marketing photos, have a quiet word with Kasey before we fly.
See you in Vietnam
Hẹn gặp lại ở Việt Nam — see you again in Vietnam
30 November – 4 December 2026 · Ho Chi Minh City
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