Mana

If you're thinking hard about your 2026 strategy, this one's for you. The sector is feeling the pressure. With occupancy concerns rising and competition intensifying, early childhood services are asking: how do we demonstrate our value and keep families choosing us?

Join **Ash Sachdev**, **CEO** of [**Care for Kids**](https://www.careforkids.com.au/), and **Karen Mills**, **Head of Operations** at [**AMIGA Montessori**](https://amiga-montessori.com.au/), for an honest conversation about what's working right now. Ash will share the macro trends his team are seeing across the sector around occupancy, plus what top-performing services are doing differently. Karen will bring it to ground level with the operational strategies that help centres communicate the real value children derive from quality early education, and the importance of sharing why we do what we do to help families connect with your service on a deeper level.

When families are weighing their options more carefully than ever, the centres that thrive are the ones who can elevate the conversation beyond cost to what quality ECE actually means for children's development, wellbeing and future. This isn't about adding more to your plate. It's about focusing on what actually moves the needle when budgets are tight and parents are asking harder questions about where their children spend their days.

**What we'll cover**

• The occupancy trends shaping 2026

• What high-performing centres are doing well right now

• How to clearly show families the real value of quality ECE

• Simple ways to boost tour bookings and tour impact

• How to create genuine connection on every tour

• Why quality practice is your strongest business lever

• The marketing approaches families actually respond to today

Walk away with actionable strategies from operators who are navigating this environment right now, not theoretical advice from the sidelines.
