AI-Enabled office excellence:
From support to strategic leadership
17-18 September 2026 | AHA Gateway Hotel, Durban
Why attend Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC)
This two-day conference is meticulously designed for office professionals operating within higher education institutions, governmental agencies, corporate environments, and a diverse array of organisations seeking to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their everyday functions. Throughout the conference, participants will engage in comprehensive explorations of innovative methodologies that can significantly augment efficiency and effectiveness across a range of tasks.
By the end of the event, attendees will have gained invaluable insights and practical tools for seamlessly integrating AI into critical domains, including project management, time management, travel planning, and minute-taking.
This conference aims to equip professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in an increasingly dynamic technological landscape. The emphasis will be on the practical implementation of AI to optimise and enhance administrative functions, helping professionals thrive in their dynamic roles.
Two-Day Conference
This two-day conference is meticulously designed for office professionals operating within higher education institutions, governmental agencies, corporate environments, and a diverse array of organisations seeking to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their everyday functions.
Discover Trends
Discover latest trends! Improve your skills set and learn new technology trends to improve efficiency. Learn how to start conversations with your peers during EAC breaks and at the gala dinner. Show curiosity about what others are doing. Engage and discover new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to use this time to tell your peers about your career aspirations, interests and most importantly, pay attention to what they are doing.
Registration
The registration fee is R4 400 which includes a two-day conference and gala dinner only.
We will provide contact details of near-by hotels to registered delegates only.
DATE & VENUE
17-18 September 2026
AHA Gateway Hotel, Durban
ATTENDEES
Office Administrators
Business Professionals
SPEAKERS
Industry &
Topic Experts
From the desk of EAC Founder and Convenor, Mbali Mkhize
“Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is thrilled to announce that it will proudly host the Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC) 2026, a groundbreaking event designed to transform administrative and support staff into dynamic leaders of the future! Building on the remarkable success of past EAC events, which have empowered countless skilled and tech-savvy office professionals, this year’s conference promises to take things to an extraordinary new level. Under the captivating theme, “AI-Enabled Office Excellence: From support to strategic leadership”, EAC 2026 will dive deep into the revolutionary impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on higher education and business environments. As AI reshapes the workplace, office professionals are called to move beyond traditional roles and embrace strategic responsibilities, mastering digital workflows, championing data protection, and steering their institutions toward innovation and success. Recognising that many administrators lack the essential skills and tools to navigate this fast-evolving landscape, EAC 2026 will deliver immersive, hands-on training in cutting-edge AI applications, cybersecurity essentials, and crafting consistent, powerful brand identities. This conference is about leading the charge as influential, forward-thinking leaders at the heart of their organisations. Join MUT in shaping a new era of empowered professionals ready to conquer challenges, ignite innovation, and drive excellence in an exciting digital world. EAC 2026 is a launchpad for the future of strategic leadership
in administration! Don’t miss this transformative opportunity to be part of the revolution.”
Zama Sishi, director, Stakeholder Relations Management, EAC Co-founder
Transforming Educational Administration: A Call for Lasting Change
This year, our activities are aimed at catalysing a shift in how we perceive administrative engagements, transitioning the Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC) into a vibrant, sustained professional movement. The foundation of this initiative lies in a two day conference designed to foster learning and innovation. Inspired by insights from the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) and led by expert facilitators, the conference will include interactive sessions and leverage digital tools to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills. We envision a series of experiential and collaborative sessions that directly address the challenges faced within our institutions. Masterclasses focusing on artificial intelligence in visual communication and brand consistency promise to open new avenues for innovation, while cross-departmental challenges aim to tackle administrative bottlenecks head-on. Additionally, practical clinics on compliance and cybersecurity will ensure that participants not only learn but also apply crucial insights to their respective roles.
Our Patrons
Commendations
‘A very BIG thank you for an exhilarating, adrenaline-charged conference experience of empowerment for us office administrators….I see Brenda strutting her stuff down the passage very confidently these days.’
‘We thoroughly enjoyed all sessions with such cutting-edge speakers which we could identify ourselves in similar scenarios.’
‘Was definitely worth the drive to and from Pietermaritzburg.’
‘Looking forward to 2026 EAC Conference.’
Contact Us
Nganele Dube
General queries
DubeN@mut.ac.za
031 907 7348
Jade Mthiyane
Conference Coordinator
Payments & Invoices
MthiyaneJ@mut.ac.za
031 819 9302
060 753 2476
Mbali Mkhize
Conference Convener
mbali@mut.ac.za
031 907 7347