About Us

Welcome to Ascend '26.

Who We Are

Ascend '26 is the premier gathering for founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders driving the future of technology and startup innovation. Built by Produced By and activated by Google Cloud, Ascend '26 brings together visionaries, creators, and builders to foster high-impact connections, explore emerging technology frontiers, and accelerate growth across the ecosystem.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower the Australian startup community by creating dynamic platforms for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic investment. Through curated meetups, inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, and collaborative networking, Ascend '26 provides founders and investors with the insights and relationships needed to scale transformational companies.

Event Logistics & Registration

To streamline entry and ensure security across all venues, event registrations are managed through two designated pathways:

• Google Hosted Events: Sessions hosted at Google locations require registration via Google RSVP.
• Ecosystem & Partner Events: All other official sessions, workshops, and gatherings require registration via Luma.

Privacy & Data Processing

Registration details are processed securely and handled in accordance with Google and Event Partner policies:

• Information collected via Google RSVP is managed under Google's Privacy Policy.
• Information collected via Luma for partner-hosted events will be shared with the respective Event Partner(s) for the selected sessions to facilitate venue access, badge printing, and event communications.

Terms & Conditions (T&Cs)

Effective Date: 11 August 2026

Please read these Terms & Conditions ("Terms") carefully before registering for or participating in Ascend '26. By accessing this website or registering for any associated event, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms.

1. General Overview

This website and the Ascend '26 event series are operated by Produced By (ABN 12 615 186 368) ("the Organiser"), activated by Google Cloud, in collaboration with participating Event Partners. These Terms govern website usage, event registration, data sharing, sponsorship, and event participation.

2. Registration & Access

• Registration Platforms: Attendance at events hosted on Google premises requires registration via Google RSVP. Attendance at all other events requires registration via Luma or, where indicated, a third-party ticketing provider.
• Accuracy of Information: Participants must provide accurate and complete registration details.
• Eligibility: Events are intended for attendees aged 18 years and over. Photo identification may be requested at venues where alcohol is served.
• Registration is personal: Registrations are issued to a named individual and may not be resold. Transfers are at the Organiser's discretion.
• Admission Discretion: Organisers and Event Partners reserve the right to approve, reject, or revoke registration or venue admission at their discretion.

3. Tickets, Fees & Refunds

• Free sessions: Most Ascend '26 sessions are free to attend. Free registrations carry no refund entitlement, and a registration request is not confirmed until you receive confirmation from the relevant host.
• Paid sessions: Some sessions are ticketed and sold through third-party platforms. Those purchases are governed by the terms, fees, and refund policy of the relevant ticketing provider, not by these Terms.
• Cancellation or postponement: If a session is cancelled or postponed, the Organiser will notify registered attendees. For paid sessions, refunds are handled by the relevant ticketing provider.

4. Event Partners & Sponsorship

• Session submissions: Partners who submit a session warrant that they have the rights to the content, images, and speaker details they provide, and that the information is accurate. All submissions are reviewed and may be edited, declined, or removed by the Organiser.
• Expressions of interest: Submitting an expression of interest in an activation space places a provisional hold on that space. The hold is released only by agreement with the Organiser, or if the sponsorship is withdrawn or declined.
• Deposits: Confirmation of a space requires payment of the stated deposit. Deposit refundability and cancellation terms are set out in the sponsorship agreement issued to the partner. [Deposit refund terms to be confirmed.]
• Partner accounts: Partners are responsible for keeping their account credentials secure and for all activity carried out under their account.

5. Privacy & Data Handling

• Policy Compliance: All participant registration details are processed and secured in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles and the privacy policies of Google and participating Event Partners.
• Data Sharing: By registering for specific partner-hosted sessions on Luma, you acknowledge that your registration information (such as name, job title, company, and contact details) will be shared with Produced By and the designated Event Partner(s) managing those sessions.
• Google RSVP: Registrations completed via Google RSVP are subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
• Marketing communications: Opting in to news, product updates, and offers is entirely optional and is not a condition of attendance. You can withdraw consent at any time using the unsubscribe link in any marketing email.
• Retention, access & deletion: Registration data is retained only as long as needed for event delivery, reporting, and legal obligations. You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information using the contact details in section 13.

6. Code of Conduct

Ascend '26 is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all attendees, speakers, sponsors, and staff. Unacceptable behaviour, including harassment, discrimination, or disruption, will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the event without refund or recourse.

7. Health, Safety & Venue Rules

Attendees must comply with the conditions of entry, security requirements, and emergency procedures of each venue, including any Google site access requirements. Where alcohol is served, responsible service of alcohol laws apply and service may be refused. Attendees are responsible for advising organisers of any accessibility or dietary requirements in advance where possible.

8. Media & Content Release

By participating in Ascend '26, you acknowledge that events may be photographed, recorded, or broadcast. You grant Produced By, Google Cloud, and official Event Partners permission to use your image, voice, and likeness in post-event summaries, media coverage, and promotional materials. If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please notify event staff on arrival and we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

9. Intellectual Property & Website Use

All content on this website, including branding, logos, copy, imagery, and event materials, is owned by the Organiser, Google, or the relevant Event Partner and may not be reproduced without permission. You agree not to misuse this website, attempt to gain unauthorised access to it, or submit unlawful, misleading, or infringing content through any form on the site.

10. Assumption of Risk & Limitation of Liability

Attendance at Ascend '26 events is at your own risk. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Produced By, Google Cloud, and Event Partners shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential loss or damage resulting from website usage or event attendance. Participants are responsible for their personal belongings and safety during event activities.

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any guarantee, right, or remedy you have under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot be lawfully excluded. Where liability can be limited, it is limited to resupplying the relevant service or paying the cost of resupply.

11. Changes & Cancellation

Organisers reserve the right to modify event schedules, speaker lineups, venue locations, or event formats at any time, and to cancel or postpone any session. Any updates to these Terms will be posted directly on this website and take effect on publication.

12. Governing Law & General

These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia, and you submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that state. If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force. These Terms, together with the registration and privacy notices presented at sign-up, form the entire agreement between you and the Organiser regarding Ascend '26.

13. Contact Information

For enquiries regarding registration, event logistics, privacy requests, or these Terms, please contact the Ascend '26 team at ascend@produced-by.com.au.