More than 600 Seventh-day Adventist communication and media leaders from around the world gathered in Auckland, New Zealand, from 8-11 July for the 2026 Global Adventist Innovation Network (GAiN) Conference. The event formed part of the wider Digital Strategy for Mission (DSM) Convention, which also included the Hope Channel Network Leadership Conference and the Adventist Technology Summit. Held under the theme, ‘Building Bridges’, the conference challenged communicators to strengthen collaboration while exploring emerging technologies for mission.
Welcoming delegates, General Conference Communication Director Alyssa Truman said that hosting the event in the South Pacific recognised a region making significant contributions to Adventist communication and media ministry while highlighting innovative work that is sometimes overlooked on the global stage.
A New Identity for GAiN
One of the major announcements during the conference was the introduction of a new meaning for the GAiN acronym.
Originally known as the Global Adventist Internet Network, GAiN will now be known as the Global Adventist Innovation Network, reflecting the broader scope of innovation across communication, media and technology.
The change signals the Church’s commitment to remaining relevant and effective in communicating the everlasting gospel in an increasingly digital world.
Communication at the Heart of Mission
Workshops, panel discussions and a Fireside Chat with General Conference leaders emphasised communication as a strategic ministry rather than simply a technical function. Delegates were encouraged to integrate communication into mission planning from the outset and to strengthen collaboration between communication leaders and church administrators.
A Call to Become Bridge Builders
General Conference President Pastor Erton Köhler challenged communicators to become ‘bridge builders’, remaining faithful to the Church’s prophetic identity while using communication to bring clarity, truth and hope.
Drawing on the contrast between Babel and Pentecost, he called communicators to overcome division and proclaim the everlasting gospel to every nation, tribe, language and people.
Embracing Innovation for Mission
Throughout the conference, delegates explored the effective use of radio, television, social media, artificial intelligence and digital platforms to advance the Church’s mission.
Trans-European Division (TED) Communication & Media Director Vanesa Pizzuto said, “GAiN conferences always provide a fantastic opportunity to network and learn. What inspired me most about GAiN Global in New Zealand was the wholehearted welcome and hospitality we received from the South Pacific Division team, and the palpable sense of solidarity. There is nothing more energising than speaking with leaders from around the world and witnessing their willingness to collaborate, share resources, and work together in mission.”
GAiN Impact Award
During the conference, the TED, together with five other world Divisions, received the GAiN Impact Award in recognition of the Cross Media Projects initiative, which has fostered global collaboration since 2015. Receiving the award, Vanesa Pizzuto remarked that, “We are deeply honoured by this recognition. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of my predecessors, particularly Victor Hulbert, who helped lay the foundations for what Global Mission Collaboration Initiative (GMCI) has become today. More than a decade later, this collaborative initiative continues to grow, with more Divisions joining each year. I believe it beautifully reflects the bridge-building spirit at the heart of the GAiN conference. We pray that the books, films, and short videos produced through GMCI will continue to bring hope and shine Christ’s light into people’s lives.”
Delegates also learned more about the forthcoming OneVoice2027 initiative, which is scheduled to launch on 6 September and aims to strengthen global collaboration in mission-focused communication.
BUC Representation
The British Union Conference (BUC) was represented by Pastor Jimmy Botha (Scottish Mission), Pastor Adam Ramdin and Ashriah Karuma from the North England Conference, and Pastor Sam Davies, BUC Communication & Media Director, who joined communication leaders from around the world in exploring new opportunities for digital mission, innovation and global collaboration.
GAiN 2026 reaffirmed that communication remains central to the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, challenging communicators to serve as bridge builders who communicate with clarity, integrity and innovation while sharing the everlasting gospel with a changing world.
