# EDGE 2026 technology conference

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/edge-2026-technology-conference
> Updated: 2026-08-17T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The EDGE 2026 conference in Cairns brought together technology partners, vendors, and distributors from Australia, New Zealand, and other regions to discuss navigating business disruption and innovation.

The event opened with a focus on the global technology partner ecosystem and the shift from traditional channel models toward ecosystems. As the conference progressed, discussions centered on the impact of artificial intelligence, specifically how AI-led security operations are becoming essential to counter modern cybersecurity threats. 

Other key themes included the persistent technical skills shortage, changing customer behaviors in technology marketplaces for small and medium-sized businesses, and anticipated technology demands for Brisbane 2032.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: EDGE 2026 conference highlights AI and cybersecurity trends

At EDGE 2026, industry leaders discussed the transformative role of AI in cybersecurity, the growing technical skills gap, and shifting marketplace dynamics within the A/NZ technology sector.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edge-2026-conference-highlights-ai-and-cybersecurity-trends

### 2026-08-12: EDGE 2026 conference opens in Cairns with focus on tech growth

The EDGE 2026 technology conference opened in Cairns, featuring a keynote by Omdia analyst Jay McBain on the evolution of ecosystems and AI in the global technology channel.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edge-2026-conference-opens-in-cairns-with-focus-on-tech-growth

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Cite as: EDGE 2026 technology conference. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/edge-2026-technology-conference