Learning Without Limits: Highlights from the 2026 Maple Bear Global Conference

From October 21 to 23, 2026, the Maple Bear Global Conference brought more than 160 people together in Montréal, Canada. Global partners, school owners, educators, and colleagues all made the trip.

The theme was Learning Without Limits. For three days, our global community shared ideas, celebrated achievements, and explored new opportunities for the future of education.

Today, Maple Bear has more than 500 schools across 38 countries and about 74,000 students. As a result, the event was also a chance to reflect on our journey. Just as important, we celebrated the people who continue to shape it.

Inspiring New Perspectives at the 2026 Maple Bear Global Conference

Thamila Zaher, Chair of the Board of Maple Bear Global Schools, opened the conference with a thought-provoking question. If we cannot predict the future, how can we prepare our students for it?

First, she shared a story about a young child’s curiosity. Then, she invited participants to reflect on why a lifelong love of learning matters. She also stressed the value of spaces where students feel free to question, explore, and discover.

Next, José Henrique Melo, Chief Executive Officer, focused on the people behind Maple Bear’s growth. He encouraged the network to keep defying gravity and to challenge what seems impossible. Above all, he asked everyone to move forward together, with human connection at the heart of education.

Martine Lewis, Chief Academic Officer, then highlighted Maple Bear’s commitment to academic excellence and student-centred education. In addition, she underlined the need to support educators through professional learning as our global network grows.

Exploring Innovation and Embracing Change

Two keynote speakers brought fresh ideas to the conversation about the future of education.

To begin, Jay Kiew explored how people and organizations can navigate uncertainty and embrace change. In particular, he spoke about building the adaptability needed to thrive in a changing world.

Later, Dr. Cindy Gordon delivered her keynote, The AI Precipice: Balancing Innovation and Safety in Education. She examined the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence. At the same time, she encouraged educators to use technology to support learning. However, she stressed the need to keep a strong focus on human skills and responsible innovation.

Meanwhile, breakout sessions at the Maple Bear Global Conference gave participants space to share experiences. Topics included education, technology, marketing, and business growth.

Celebrating Key Milestones for Maple Bear

The conference also featured two major announcements. Both reflect Maple Bear’s ongoing investment in education and in its global network.

First, Maple Bear announced a new collaboration with the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). The partnership is with OISE’s Continuing and Professional Learning division. It will expand professional learning for Maple Bear educators. For example, it includes leadership development, collaborative inquiry, and future research opportunities.

Second, Maple Bear shared news of its acquisition of Pretty River Academy in Collingwood, Ontario. This marks a new chapter for the organization in Canada, the country where Maple Bear was founded.

In addition, this step connects a Canadian school community with Maple Bear’s international network. Consequently, it opens new possibilities for students and educators alike.

Together, these milestones show how Maple Bear continues to grow while strengthening learning opportunities.

Maple Bear Global Conference 2026: A Community Connected by Education

Beyond the talks and announcements, the event was a chance to reconnect with colleagues from around the world.

During the Conference Dinner, the network also recognized members for their dedication and their contributions to Maple Bear’s success. These moments showed the people and relationships that bring our shared educational philosophy to life.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, the ideas shared in Montréal will continue to inspire our work across the network. For more on this year’s theme, read what Learning Without Limits means for the future of education.

Finally, thank you to everyone who joined us, including our speakers and sponsors. We also thank the team members who made the 2026 Maple Bear Global Conference possible.

Together, we will keep learning, growing, and creating new opportunities for students around the world.

Interested in joining our global network? Learn how to open a Maple Bear school.