Event Speakers + Agenda

  • 23rd July – 24th July, 2026
  • Western Sydney Convention Centre

Thank you to all our 2025 Sponsors

Event summary

  • Start 23rd July 2026 (08:30 AEST), end 24th July 2026 (18:30 AEST)

  • Western Sydney Convention Centre
Next Level 2026 is where ideas meet implementation.

This year’s Next Level Conference brings together Australia’s leading Technology Service Providers (TSP’s) for two days of focused learning, collaboration, and strategic growth.

The program combines keynote sessions, practical workshops, and high-value networking, each designed to help TSPs strengthen capability, deepen client success, and lead industry change.

From emerging technologies to actionable business strategy, every session delivers insight you can apply immediately.

Take the Stage at Next Level 2026

Share your expertise. Shape the industry. Inspire the community.

Next Level 2026 is calling for speakers who bring real world experience, practical insight, and a genuine passion for helping IT businesses grow. Our members are hungry for content that helps them scale, strengthen their cybersecurity posture, adopt AI confidently, and future-proof their operations. If that’s your space, this is your moment.

This is your opportunity to present to a highly engaged audience of IT business owners, TSPs, and technology professionals who come to Next Level 2026 for one reason, actionable value.

Why Speak at Our Conference?

Showcase Your Expertise

Position yourself as a trusted industry voice and deliver insights our members can apply the moment they return to their business.

Expand Your Network

Connect with owners, leaders, vendors, and peers, relationships that often turn into long-term partnerships.

Influence the Industry

Help steer the direction of TSPs across Australia and New Zealand by sharing strategies, lessons learned, and emerging trends.

Boost Your Visibility

Speakers receive elevated exposure before, during, and after the event through our conference promotions and wider community engagement.

Topics We’re Looking For

Our community wants real stories, proven frameworks, actionable strategies, and lessons you’ve learned from the field.

Preference will be given to SMBiT Professionals members who can demonstrate relevant, real world experience.

Submission Guidelines

To apply as a speaker, please include:

  • Presentation title and summary
  • Key takeaways for attendees
  • Your bio and professional background
  • Previous speaking experience (if applicable)
Deadline for submissions: 28th February 2026

Applications must be submitted through the official speaker submission form below.

Keynote Speakers

Gus Balbontin

Speaker, Investor, Explorer, Advisor, Rebel, Thinker, Father, Human.

Rethinking Readiness in a Changing World

Technology and innovation continue to reshape the way businesses operate. In this keynote, Gus Balbontin will challenge attendees to rethink how they approach change, disruption, and opportunity.

Rather than predicting the future, Gus focuses on helping leaders build the mindset, adaptability, and culture required to thrive in uncertain environments. Drawing on his experience working with global organisations and emerging technologies, he will share practical insights on preparing businesses for whatever comes next.

Born in Patagonia and now based in Australia, Gus Balbontin is an entrepreneur, investor, and former Executive Director and CTO of Lonely Planet.

Throughout his career he has worked with companies including Google X, Amazon, and Nokia on innovation, technology, and high-performing teams. Today he invests in ventures across robotics, AI, and climate technology, and is known globally for his engaging and thought-provoking keynote presentations.

Dr Sherman Chan

Chief Economist

Australian Property Institute

The Economic Outlook for the Next 18 Months

Economic conditions play a significant role in shaping business growth and investment decisions. At Next Level 2026, Dr Sherman Chan will provide an overview of the current macroeconomic environment and what the next 18 months may hold for Australian businesses.

Her keynote will help technology service providers understand the economic forces influencing the SMB sector and the opportunities these trends may create.

Dr Sherman Chan is an economist with over 20 years of experience across consulting, Government, and industry. She is currently Chief Economist at the Australian Property Institute, a Lecturer in Economics at UNSW, and runs her own consultancy, Sherman Chan Economics.

Her previous roles include Chief Economist at Business NSW, Senior Manager in Risk and Regulatory Consulting at MinterEllison, and technical roles within the NSW Government. Sherman specialises in translating complex economic trends into insights that help businesses identify growth opportunities.

Agenda

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Track Information

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Ticket Pricing

Join Australia’s leading technology service providers at Next Level 2026. Be part of two days dedicated to growth, innovation, and the connections that shape the future of the TSP industry. Secure your place and take the next step in your professional development.

For registration support, contact [email protected] or call 1300 884 606.

Group Discount Price (3 Tickets min.)

$595
  • SMBiT Professionals Members
  • All sessions
  • Awards dinner

Full Members Only (1st February > Conf)

$895
  • SMBiT Professionals Members
  • All sessions
  • Awards dinner

Non-Member (includes membership)

$995
  • All sessions
  • Awards dinner
Terms and conditions + other info
  • Attendees must be 18 years or over
  • Should you wish to bring someone to the dinner, please contact [email protected]

Get in touch

AU: 1300 884 606

NZ: +64 9 873 4380