Taking IT to the Next Level
The SMBiT Professionals National Conference #NextLevel2025 has come to an end and what an incredible few days it was. From powerful keynotes and thought provoking panels to an exhibition floor buzzing with innovation, this year’s conference truly delivered next level energy.
With 165 business members, growing chapters, and a record 211 conference attendees, the energy and engagement across every session reflected what makes the SMBiT Professionals community so unique. SMBiT Professionals are a collective of passionate, collaborative, and forward thinking TSPs dedicated to elevating each other and the industry.
From the moment delegates arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Conversations sparked new collaborations, members reconnected with peers from across Australia and New Zealand, and every speaker, sponsor, and session reinforced that great things happen when this community comes together.
The Big Ideas That Defined #NextLevel2025
The conference opened with a keynote from Steve Vamos, who challenged us to rethink transformation itself. With experience leading some of the world’s most influential technology companies, Steve reminded us that “change is the only constant and its accelerating.” His insights set the tone for two days of leadership, innovation, and reflection on how TSPs can lead with purpose and clarity.
Day two featured Mark Iles, one of Australia’s most respected analysts and strategic advisors. Backed by exclusive market research prepared specifically for the SMBiT Professionals community, Mark explored how partners must adapt to shifting customer demands and seize new opportunities in the evolving SMB sector. The TSPs that embrace change, data, and collaboration will define the next chapter of our industry.
Conversations That Shaped the Future
Throughout the event, panels and workshops delved into topics that matter most to today’s TSP community, from AI and cybersecurity to sales, marketing, and business strategy.
Our Sales and Marketing Playbook Panel brought together leaders Steve Vamos, Nicolette Baker, James Davis, and Ryan Spillane, who shared practical frameworks for scaling growth. Their message resonated deeply, growth starts with mindset from the CEO down.
The Working Better Together: Neurodiversity & Psychological Safety panel, moderated by Mitchell Colton and featuring Diana Drury, Nel Fulloon, and Aaron Jervis, reminded everyone that strong businesses are built on strong cultures. The conversation underscored the importance of creating environments where every individual feels valued, safe, and empowered to contribute their best.
To close the conference, members packed the Tech Mega Panel and Business Mega Panel, two back-to-back power sessions that captured the essence of Next Level 2025.
Meanwhile in the Huntress Room, the Tech Mega Panel featured experts Robert Crane, Kelvin Tegelaar, Ben Verschaeren, Alex Tilley, and Richard Magalad, diving into the latest shifts in cybersecurity, compliance, and the future of managed services.
Meanwhile, the Business Mega Panel, hosted by Demetrios Georgiou (Coro) and joined by Nicolette Baker, Jai Dametto, Ryan Spillane, James Davis, and Aaron Smith, tackled the realities of scaling, leadership, and resilience, with actionable takeaways that members could put into practice immediately.
Celebrating Excellence in Our Community
Of course, no SMBiT Professionals Conference would be complete without a night of celebration, connection, and laughter. The Awards Dinner, proudly sponsored by Atmos Group, was full of energy.
We recognised the members and partners who continue to drive the TSP community forward, including:
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- Member of the Year: Sean Dendle, honoured for his leadership, mentorship, and ongoing contribution to the SMBiT Professionals network.
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- Sponsor of the Year: Manage Protect, recognised for their outstanding support of SMBiT Professionals by inviting potential new members to chapter meetings. They had the highest number of new member referrals.
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- People’s Choice Award: Atmos Group, voted by members as the sponsor who best supported, engaged, and contributed across the conference.
We were also proud to induct Shannan Jones, Michael Crocombe, Don Tibbits, and Ben Verschaeren as Honorary Members, recognising years of dedication, leadership, and community impact.
The Awards Dinner was a reminder of what makes SMBiT Professionals so special, a community built on shared success. From the trivia, live music to the awards the room was filled with laughter and community spirit, a perfect close to an unforgettable first day of conference.
Powered by Our Sponsors and Driven by Community
This year’s record-breaking conference was made possible by the support of our incredible sponsors. On exhibition floor every conversation was strengthened by partners who believe in the power of collaboration and the future of Australia’s TSP industry.
To our sponsors, thank you for your ongoing commitment, thought leadership, and engagement. Your contribution enables SMBiT Professionals to continue delivering meaningful events, valuable resources, and opportunities that help members grow their businesses.
Looking Ahead to #NextLevel2026
To everyone who joined us, delegates, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers, thank you for bringing the energy that defines this community.
Each conversation, each session, and each shared idea took our collective knowledge further and cemented why SMBiT Professionals remains the leading voice for Australia’s TSPs.
Missed out this year? Don’t make the same mistake twice.
We’ll see you in Sydney, 23–24 July 2026, for #NextLevel2026 and trust us, it’s already shaping up to be even bigger.