Next Level 2026 Conference secures Coro as main sponsor and announces keynote speakers Australia’s leading Technology Service Provider (TSP) conference continues to build momentum as Next Level 2026 announces two keynote speakers and welcomes Coro as the main sponsor for this year’s event.
The TSP and managed services landscape is evolving at extraordinary speed, with increasing pressure on providers to deliver stronger security, smarter strategy, and scalable services to meet growing client expectations. For many, the challenge is not just keeping up, but staying ahead.
Next Level 2026, hosted by SMBiT Professionals, brings the industry together to meet that moment. Taking place on 23–24 July 2026 at the Western Sydney Convention Centre, the conference will gather technology leaders, TSPs, vendors, and innovators for two days focused on growth, strategy, and the future of the IT industry.
Coro joins as main sponsor
SMBiT Professionals is proud to announce Coro as the main sponsor for Next Level 2026, reinforcing the organisation’s ongoing support for the Australian TSP community.
This creates a strong alignment with the SMBiT Professionals community, enabling members to deliver consistent, high-quality protection across their client base without the need for deep in-house security specialisation. With automation, multi-tenant management, and ease of deployment at its core, Coro supports partners in scaling their services while maintaining simplicity and control.
Beyond the technology itself, Coro contributes to the broader industry conversation around practical and accessible cybersecurity. Their focus on partner enablement, education, and long-term success reflects SMBiT Professionals’ commitment to strengthening capability across the sector.
Demetrios Georgiou, Vice President for Sales, Coro, said the company is excited to return and continue building relationships within the SMBiT Professionals community.“We are incredibly excited to return as main sponsor for Next Level 2026. What makes this community special is the strength of collaboration. It brings together people who genuinely want to support each other, share knowledge, and move the industry forward. At Coro, we are passionate about helping the Australian SMB community grow and progress, and this conference is one of the most powerful platforms for that.”
Keynote speakers bring global perspective and economic insight
Next Level 2026 will feature two keynote speakers who will challenge attendees to rethink both the future of technology and the broader economic environment shaping the industry.
Gus Balbontin, entrepreneur, investor, and former Executive Director and CTO of Lonely Planet, will take the keynote stage to challenge how leaders think about disruption, innovation, and adaptability.
Gus has built businesses, hitchhiked across continents, and worked with global technology leaders including Google X, Amazon, and Nokia. Today, he invests in emerging technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to climate innovation and robotics.
Rather than predicting the future, Gus focuses on helping organisations develop the mindset required to thrive within it. His keynote will challenge attendees to rethink assumptions, embrace change, and lead with confidence in an increasingly uncertain world.
Joining him on the keynote stage is Dr Sherman Chan, Chief Economist at the Australian Property Institute, Lecturer in Economics at UNSW and Principal at Sherman Chan Economics.
With more than two decades of experience across consulting, Government, and industry, Dr Chan specialises in translating complex economic trends into practical, business-relevant insight.
Her keynote will explore the current macroeconomic environment and the outlook for the next 18 months, equipping TSPs and IT business leaders with a clearer understanding of how economic conditions may shape opportunities across the SMB market.
A conference built for industry progress
Next Level 2026 continues SMBiT Professionals’ mission of strengthening the technology services sector through knowledge sharing, leadership, and community.
“Our members are ready for deeper capability, stronger partnerships, and practical strategies that drive real impact. Next Level 2026 will bring together leaders from across the industry to share ideas, challenge thinking, and help our community continue to grow.” said Vivien Dehamer, Executive Officer of SMBiT Professionals.
Scott Atkinson, Board Chair of SMBiT Professionals, said the conference plays an important role in shaping the future of the TSP ecosystem.
"Next Level is where the conversations that shape our industry begin. Bringing together experienced leaders, innovative vendors, and forward-thinking speakers creates a powerful environment for growth.
With speakers like Gus Balbontin and Dr Sherman Chan joining us this year, alongside partners like Coro, Next Level 2026 will deliver insights and connections that help our members lead with confidence.”
Building the future of the TSP community
Next Level 2026 will feature keynote sessions, industry panels, workshops, and networking experiences designed to help attendees translate insight into real business outcomes.
As the TSP sector continues to expand across cybersecurity, AI, automation, and digital transformation, the conference remains a central gathering point for the community driving that change. Grounded in collaboration and shared progress, SMBiT Professionals continues to play a critical role in helping members build stronger, more resilient businesses through connection, education, and real-world support.
More information about the event, speakers, and registrations is available at the official conference website: https://nextlevel.smbitpro.org/
For organising an interview with our keynote speakers, please reach out to Vivien Dehamer, Executive Officer, SMBiT Professionals on [email protected], or Nicolette Baker, CMO, Inception Marketing, on [email protected]