Chiropractic Assistants

You’re at the Heart of This

The NZCA Annual conference is just around the corner—Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th May—and this year, Chiropractic Assistants have a full weekend of dedicated sessions. Whether you’re looking to grow in your role, connect with others, or get practical tools to take back to your clinic, this is your moment. The CA stream has been developed with your real-world needs in mind.

You’re Not Meant to Do This Alone

Working as a Chiropractic Assistant often means juggling a lot, and doing it behind the scenes. That’s why this conference matters. It’s not just about learning—it’s about connecting.

The CA stream gives you the chance to meet and spend time with others who work in the same role, face similar challenges, and know what the day-to-day really looks like. You’ll have the chance to share insights, swap strategies, and realise you’re not the only one navigating those busy front desk moments or tricky patient conversations.

These connections aren’t just nice to have—they’re part of how you grow. Whether it’s sharing a laugh, an idea, or a tip that changes your whole workflow, this is your chance to build a support network that stays with you long after the weekend.

SATURDAY
08:00 AM	Registration	Kelly and Palmer Theatres
08:30 AM	Conference Opening	Kelly and Palmer Theatres
08:40 AM	The CA has two customers	Ako Tutorial	Shenee Taylor
09:40 AM	Trade Exhibitors Presentations	Kelly and Palmer Theatres	Multiple
10:05 AM	Morning Tea	Barnett Room
10:30 AM	Martin Harvey - Patient Centred Communication	Kelly and Palmer Theatres	Martin Harvey
11:30 AM	New Employee Journey	Ako Tutorial	Mel Unstead
12:30 PM	Lunch	Barnett Room	None
01:30 PM	New Patient Journey	Ako Tutorial	Mel Unstead
02:30 PM	Chiro Speaker TBC	Ako Tutorial
03:15 PM	Afternoon Tea	Barnett Room
03:45 PM	Manager's Session - Big Rocks and Value Adds	Ako Tutorial	Shenee Taylor
04:30 PM	Anticipating the needs of your chiropractor and your patient throughout their journey	Ako Tutorial	Shenee Taylor
SUNDAY
08:30 AM	Manager's Masterclass - The Art of Effective 1:1s	Ako Tutorial	Shenee Taylor
09:30 AM	Martin Harvey - Communicating clearly in difficult situations	Kelly and Palmer Theatres	Martin Harvey
10:30 AM	Morning Tea	Barnett Room
11:00 AM	'Has Anyone Already Solved This?', Workshopping and Projects	Ako Tutorial	Shenee Taylor
01:00 PM	Lunch and Prize Draws	Barnett Room
02:00 PM	'Has Anyone Already Solved This?', Workshopping and Projects #2	Ako Tutorial	Shenee Taylor
03:00 PM	Conference Close	Dobson and Stinear Wings - Chiropractic Centre

SOME SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Two Customers. One CA. Clearer Focus.

We kick off Saturday’s CA stream with a powerful session from Shenee Taylor: The CA Has Two Customers. With her background in supporting and developing CAs nationally, Shenee will help you reframe your role so you can better support both your chiropractor and your patients, without burning out or losing clarity.

What You Say—and How You Say It—Matters

Dr. Martin Harvey joins the CA stream with two essential sessions—on patient-centred communication and how to handle difficult conversations. Whether you're new to the role or years in, these sessions are packed with insights that make a real difference in day-to-day practice life. You’ll also see how these tools align with the broader support CAs receive through NZCA’s development programme.

Make the Journey Smoother—for Everyone

Leadership and development expert Mel Unstead is bringing her insight to two key sessions focused on creating stronger systems around the new employee experience and the new patient journey. With an emphasis on aligning team culture and values, Mel will help you create clarity and flow in the parts of clinic life that often feel messy or overlooked.

Be the CA Everyone Can Count On

Saturday afternoon is all about stepping into your next level as a CA. Shenee will guide you through two back-to-back sessions designed to bring more clarity and confidence to your role.

The first session, Big Rocks and Value Adds, helps you identify what truly matters in your day-to-day and how to bring more intention to the way you work. The second session focuses on Anticipating Needs Throughout the Journey—equipping you with practical tools to stay one step ahead for both your patients and your chiropractor.

If you’ve ever felt like you're spinning plates and want a clearer sense of purpose and flow in your work, these sessions are for you.

SOME SUNDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Not Just Another Session—This One’s for You

For CAs who want to really hone their skills, we’re offering an optional Masterclass session on Sunday morning. It’s your chance to dig deeper into one of Saturday’s key topics, ask questions, and work through practical scenarios with others in the same role. Shenee and the wider CA development team have created this with real-world growth in mind.

From Theory to Practice—Let’s Build It Together

Sunday afternoon is all about putting what you’ve learned into action. With guided workshopping and individual project time, you’ll leave the conference not just inspired—but equipped. These sessions tie directly into the development resources Shenee and the NZCA team have been building to help you thrive in practice.

AND THE BEST THING....

Return to Practice Recharged & Re-inspired

This year’s NZCA Conference is your chance to hit pause, refocus, and return to work with fresh energy. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience behind you, this weekend is designed to reconnect you with the deeper purpose behind your role.

You’ll walk away not just with new tools and insights, but with a stronger sense of confidence, connection, and clarity. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do for your team—and yourself—is to step back, reset, and come back stronger.