Gradcut Returns to NAACO 2026

Gradcut Returns to NAACO 2026: Supporting the Next Generation of Commencement Experience 

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Gradcut is pleased to be exhibiting at the North American Association of Commencement Officers (NAACO) 2026 Annual Conference, taking place from 22–25 February at the Westin Boston Seaport.

This marks our second consecutive year exhibiting at NAACO, and we are genuinely looking forward to reconnecting with the commencement and convocation professionals who make these milestone moments possible across North America.

NAACO remains the only professional association dedicated exclusively to the planning and delivery of post-secondary academic ceremonies. Its collaborative community plays a vital role in shaping how institutions honour graduates, families, and academic tradition, while adapting to evolving student expectations.

Building on a Strong First Year

Our first appearance at NAACO was an important milestone for Gradcut. The conversations we had with universities and ceremony teams confirmed a shared priority: enhancing the graduate experience without adding complexity or workload for already stretched teams.

Gradcut was developed specifically to support this goal. The platform works alongside existing video production and live-streaming providers, adding an automated layer that transforms a live ceremony feed into personalised stage-crossing video clips for each graduate. There is no need to change vendors, workflows, or technical setups.

Within one hour of walking the stage, each graduate receives a professionally edited, university-branded video clip, ready to download and share with family and friends. For institutions, this provides an immediate and meaningful extension of the ceremony experience, while strengthening digital visibility and alumni connection.

Designed for Commencement Teams

Universities using Gradcut value the practical benefits:

  • The system is fully automated, requiring no additional work from ceremony or communications teams.
  • Personalised videos are delivered the same day, while the moment is still relevant and emotionally resonant.
  • Clips are branded with institutional visuals, helping extend the university’s reach through organic social sharing.
  • Flexible commercial models allow universities to offer clips as a student-purchased option or as a complimentary, institution-funded experience.

Many institutions also see Gradcut as a faster and more accessible alternative to traditional digital photography, particularly for graduates and families who prioritise video and social sharing.

Looking Ahead to NAACO 2026

At NAACO 2026, we look forward to continuing these discussions, demonstrating how Gradcut fits seamlessly into existing commencement operations, and learning more about the challenges and priorities facing institutions today.

If you are attending the conference, we would welcome the opportunity to meet with you, share insights from recent ceremonies, and explore how personalised graduation video can support your institution’s goals.

We look forward to seeing the NAACO community in Boston.

Gradcut Showcase Innovation at EduTECH 2025

Tech That Connects: University of Sydney and Gradcut Showcase Innovation at EduTECH 2025

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This year, we’re excited to return to Innovation Valley with a live case study presentation alongside our valued partners at the University of Sydney. 

The session, titled “Technologies that Build Communities: The Case Study of Increasing Engagement, Enhancing Student Life, and Boosting Global Outreach,” will be held on 12 June 2025 at 11:00 AM at ICC Sydney.

From Concept to Impact

When Gradcut™ launched its AI-powered solution last year, our goal was simple: help students hold onto one of life’s biggest moments — and make it effortless for universities to deliver.

Partnering with the University of Sydney, we set out to do something new. The results?

  • 23,500 graduates
  • 140 ceremonies
  • 120,000+ instant video clips delivered
  • Branded stage clips formatted for instant sharing across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook

Making graduation work for the Instagram generation

This technology helps universities to connect with students who expect instant results while enhancing student life, strengthening the community, and extending the outreach. With over 60,000 enrolled students and 20,000 graduates annually, USYD needed a solution that could scale without breaking the budget.

Christine Fairchild, Graduations Manager at the University of Sydney, will present the results alongside the Gradcut co-founders at EduTECH 2025 on June 12, sharing how the change has boosted student engagement without adding administrative work.

The software works by plugging into existing streaming setups, meaning universities can add this service without changing their established graduation processes without major infrastructure investments—a key consideration for budget-conscious educational institutions. Each clip maintains the university’s branding and delivers professional-quality content automatically.

Behind the Tech: The Gradcut Platform

Gradcut, powered by Edit on the Spot, leverages AI and automation to transform how graduation ceremonies are captured and shared. The platform captures high-quality video feeds and identifies key moments in real time, generating branded, personalised clips in a range of social media-friendly formats. These clips are then delivered directly to students quickly, securely, and seamlessly. 

Key Features of the Gradcut Solution:

  • Personalised videos delivered within 1 hour
  • Seamless integration with existing livestreams
  • Fully branded for each university
  • Optimised for social sharing
  • 10x faster and half the cost of traditional video production

EDUtech showcase highlights practical innovation

The presentation at EDUtech 2025, Australia’s largest education technology event, will explore how media technology can strengthen campus connections while expanding institutional reach.

The session will cover practical lessons on balancing data privacy with automation, utilising graduation content to enhance institutional reputation, and creating meaningful digital experiences for today’s socially connected students.

The University of Sydney, founded in 1850 and ranked 18th globally, provides a solid case study for how traditional institutions can adapt to modern student expectations without losing their established character.

Join Christine Fairchild, Graduations Manager at the University of Sydney, and Martin Renaud, Co-Founder of Gradcut™, as they walk through this real-world example of how cutting-edge media technology can strengthen connections on campus and beyond.

They’ll cover:

  • How student life was enhanced through meaningful digital touchpoints
  • Why instant, personalised video matters for today’s students
  • Lessons on balancing data privacy, automation, and emotional storytelling
  • Using media to elevate an institution’s reach and reputation

Why It Matters: The Stats Behind the Story

From last year’s pilot to this year’s scaled implementation, the impact has been both measurable and meaningful. Statistics show a noticeable increase in student engagement across social platforms, as graduates eagerly share their achievements with friends and family. 

The technology particularly resonates with students who may be the first in their family to graduate from university. Having an instant, shareable video of crossing the stage creates a powerful moment for families watching from home or celebrating together.

Learn More & Register for Free

Visit EDUtech 2025 Website
GradCut Unveils Groundbreaking Innovations at NAACO 2025 Annual Conference

Reflecting on NAACO 2025: Shaping the Future of Graduations

News

After three inspiring days at the NAACO 2025 Annual Conference, we reflect on the insightful discussions, cutting-edge innovations, and meaningful connections formed with commencement professionals across North America.

Hosted in Long Beach, CA, NAACO 2025 united leaders in higher education to examine the latest advancements in commencement planning, from digital transformation to enhancing the graduate experience. The conference served as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, strategies, and collaborations, emphasizing the evolving nature of graduation ceremonies to align with the shifting needs of universities and their students.

Understanding NAACO

The North American Association of Commencement Officers (NAACO) is a professional organisation that supports commencement officers from colleges and universities in creating meaningful, well-executed graduation experiences. By facilitating knowledge-sharing, best practices, and innovation, NAACO strengthens the collective expertise of professionals responsible for planning and delivering these significant academic milestones.

NAACO 2025 focused on addressing the complex challenges facing commencement officers today. From managing safety in times of activism to risk management, the cultural significance of academic regalia, career progression, and the role of social media in modern ceremonies, the conference delivered essential insights for crafting seamless, engaging, and impactful graduation experiences.

Highlights from NAACO 2025

Sessions such as “More Than Just a Party Planner” underscored the evolving role of commencement officers, while “Slash Manual Work While Improving the Graduate Experience” showcased how AI and automation are streamlining university ceremonies. The conversations throughout the conference reinforced the growing need for enhanced, digital-first, and shareable graduation experiences—an ethos that aligns with Gradcut’s commitment to revolutionising how these moments are captured and shared.

The event also provided excellent networking opportunities, expert-led sessions, and deep dives into the dynamic responsibilities of commencement officers, who balance event management, project planning, alumni engagement, and cross-campus coordination.

Key Takeaways from NAACO 2025

  • Embracing Innovation in Higher Education – Keynote Speaker Ken Okel inspired attendees to adopt innovative approaches and confidently navigate change to create exceptional student experiences in today’s evolving academic landscape.
  • Advancing the Careers of Commencement Officers – A panel featuring Dani Bomgaars, Carmela Arstill, Yvonne Moar, James Cuaresma, and Amber Sega explored professional growth opportunities and emphasised the expertise required to execute flawless graduation ceremonies.
  • Addressing Growing Security Concerns – Kristin McDaniel and Jeff Housman shared insights on how Texas State University revamped its security policies to strike a balance between safety and celebration at commencement events.
  • Maximising Instagram for University Engagement – Jess Leggett provided practical strategies on using Instagram to enhance university visibility, drive engagement, and elevate the student experience.
  • Modernising Commencement While Preserving Tradition – Courtney Buzan highlighted how the University of South Carolina is leveraging technology to enhance graduation ceremonies while honouring long-standing traditions.
  • Real-Time Crisis Management in Commencement Planning – Alanna Vernon and Denise Luong shared expert strategies for responding swiftly to security threats, ensuring that ceremonies proceed smoothly despite unexpected challenges.

Gradcut’s Role in Transforming Graduation Ceremonies

At Gradcut, we believe every graduate deserves an instant, shareable moment to celebrate their achievement. Our AI-powered video solution captures live-streamed ceremonies and delivers each graduate a personalised, branded video clip of their stage-crossing moment—ready for social media within an hour.

Why universities choose Gradcut:

  • Instant, personalised video clips for each graduate 
  • Seamless social media integration to boost engagement 
  • Zero additional workload for commencement teams—just enhanced benefits

Looking Ahead

NAACO conference was an incredible opportunity to connect with universities looking to modernise their graduation ceremonies. As we move forward, we’re excited to continue working with institutions to make every graduate’s moment more personal, shareable, and impactful.