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ELEVATE Melbourne

The IT leaders forum for growth and resilience

📅 03 March 2026 · 📍 Melbourne Cricket Ground, VIC

800+ IT Leaders | 7 Cities | 40 Years of IT Experience

Growth & Resilience: How IT Strategies Are Shifting in Australia

IT leaders are under pressure to deliver growth across AI, security and skills while strengthening resilience and reducing cost.

ELEVATE brings together Australian IT leaders across Commercial, Education and Government sectors, to share what’s actually working right now.

What you’ll gain from the day:

  •  Clarity on 2026 IT priorities
  •  Practical, real-world ideas
  •  Peer insight across AI, security and skills
  •  Stronger industry connections

Meet your MC

Clint Stanaway
Australian sports and news journalist and broadcaster.

Clint Stanaway is a familiar voice to Melbourne mornings as part of Jase & Lauren, Melbourne’s #1 breakfast radio show on Nova.

A key member of the on-air team, Clint brings his trademark wit, warmth, and sense of humour to the show each day, whether it’s delivering the news or diving headfirst into the team’s unpredictable antics.

His quick wit and easy charm have made him one of Australia’s most popular and versatile broadcasters.

Keynote Speakers

Jelena Dokic

Former world number 4 tennis player, Jelena Dokic embodies resilience and strength.

Her awe-inspiring journey on the court includes making the semi-finals of Wimbledon at 17 years of age and being a doubles Grand Slam finalist at 18. Yet, beyond the spotlight, she endured adversity, including abuse from her father for 15 years. This trauma shadowed her success, affecting her mental health.

At 22, she faced a breaking point, but chose resilience. Dokic emerged as a survivor, determined not just to survive, but to thrive.

Michael Barnes

Chief Analyst, Omdia

Michael helps senior decision-makers across Asia Pacific rethink their business and technology strategies to become more sustainable and compete more effectively in the digital age.

He is a globally recognised speaker and author with over 25 years of research and consulting experience.

Michael’s coverage areas include:

  • Digital transformation to drive business innovation.
  • CxO and CIO technology and business strategy.
  • Sustainability strategies, solutions and trends.
  • Customer and Employee experience strategies and technologies.
  • Vendor and service provider go-to-market strategy and approach.

Panel Discussion

Ryan Neville

ICT Lead at Catholic Education Sandhurst

Graeme Torrance

Senior Manager Procurement – End User Computing, MFDP Services, Stationery, & Print Management Services Government Procurement

Paul Jurman

Chief Information and Digital Transformation Officer at Mercy Health

Breakout Session

Digital skills, security and the human factor

Led by Brett Gilbertson, Productivity Specialist | ASI Solutions
Brett is passionate about closing the digital skills gap and helping people embrace new ways of working with technology. With over 15 years’ experience enabling change through Microsoft technologies like M365, Surface, Teams, and Copilot, he blends insights from human–computer interaction, social science, and neuroscience to make technology more intuitive and impactful.
In this session, we’ll explore

  • How everyday digital habits impact productivity, risk and security
  • Why “digital debt” builds up even in modern environments
  • Where targeted skills enablement can unlock better outcomes

Cyber incident postmortems: lessons every IT leader should apply

Led by Zach Amos, Security Services Manager | ASI Solutions
Zach brings over 15 years of hands-on experience helping organisations build stronger, more resilient cybersecurity postures. An ARN Technical Innovation Award winner and Sophos Cyber Elite member, Zach combines deep technical expertise with a passion for bridging the gap between technology and human behaviour to create safer, smarter workplaces.
In this section, we'll explore:

  • What recent cyber incidents reveal about where organisations remain exposed
  • Why people and process failures continue to undermine security investments
  • How lessons from past incidents can be applied to strengthen resilience today

From Copilot to agentic AI: turning intent into impact

Led by Troy Waller, CoPilot & Modern Workplace Practice Lead | ASI Solutions
Explore where AI is delivering real value today, why initiatives stall, and how governance, change, and automation turn AI ambition into measurable impact.
In this session, we'll cover:

  • Where organisations are seeing real value from AI — and where initiatives stall
  • The role of governance and change in sustainable AI adoption
  • Practical ways to think about chatbots, agents and automation

Don’t Miss Melbourne's Most Anticipated IT Strategy Event

Join hundreds of IT leaders gaining the insights, connections, and confidence to lead transformation in 2026.
Seats are limited for each city. Secure yours before registration closes.

Inside Microsoft Surface Innovation

Where human-centred design meets engineering excellence!

Join us for this rare and exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience that brings the innovation of Microsoft’s Redmond Engineering Labs directly to you.

This immersive showcase brings Surface innovation to life, offering a hands-on look at the craftsmanship, prototyping, testing, and cutting-edge technology behind every device.

*Attendees are required to select and book their preferred session via the event app.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT ELEVATE

A full-day immersive experience combining keynote insights, interactive breakout sessions and networking with peers facing similar IT challenges.

 

All Day

Inside Microsoft Surface Innovation

Join us for this rare and exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience that brings the innovation of Microsoft’s Redmond Engineering Labs directly to you.

8:00 — 8:30

Registration & Morning Coffee

Network with peers, explore sponsor activations, and collect your event materials.

8:45 — 9:00

Welcome

Event overview and introduction to the day’s themes.

9:00 — 9:45

Keynote Session: 2026 Market Trends

A market-wide view of how IT strategies are evolving, where leaders are under pressure, and what this means for investment and capability decisions, presented by Michael Barnes.

9:45 — 10:15

Panel Discussion

Hear from leading executives as they share how they’re driving resilience, growth, and digital transformation across sectors.

10:15 — 10:45

Morning Tea

10:45 — 12:15

Breakout Sessions

Break into sector-based rooms as we explore:

  • What real-world incidents reveal about organisational exposure — and how leaders can respond
  • How capability gaps and human behaviour shape productivity and security outcomes
  • Moving from AI experimentation to practical, governed impact.
12:15 — 13:15

Lunch

13:15 — 14:00

Celebrity Guest Speaker

Be inspired by our celebrity guest speaker, sharing insights on leadership, mindset, and performance.

14:00 — 15:30

40 Year Celebrations & Networking Reception

Join us for drinks, prizes, tours and informal conversations with ASI experts and fellow attendees.

From 15:30

*Network & Book Signing with Jelena Dokic

Join Jelena Dokic at Sanctum Club for post‑event networking and a book signing, with the opportunity for one‑to‑one chats.

VENUE AND GETTING THERE

Melbourne Cricket Ground
18 Brunton Ave, Richmond VIC 3002

Public Transport
The MCG is centrally located and easily accessible via Melbourne’s public transport network, including train, tram and bus services.

  • Train: Jolimont Station (5-minute walk) or Richmond Station
  • Tram: Routes 48, 70 and 75
  • Bus: Services along Punt Road and surrounding streets

Accessibility
The MCG is a fully accessible venue, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances and lifts, accessible parking bays and accessible bathrooms and facilities

Register Now

Proudly supported by global technology leaders

 

Platinum Sponsor
Microsoft Surface Logo Intel Badge
Gold Sponsor
HP logo Clevertouch Logo
Lenovo Logo Snapdragon Logo
Power Technologies Logo
Silver Sponsor
ASUS logo Philips logo
Extreme Networks logo ergotron logo
CHG logo STM logo
logitech logo

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend?
IT leaders, CIOs, IT managers, and business owners responsible for technology decisions in organizations with 50-500 employees across government, education, and commercial sectors.

Is there a cost to attend?
No, ELEVATE Melbourne is complimentary for qualified IT decision-makers and business leaders, but places are limited.

What’s included?
Full-day conference access, catered breakfast and lunch, networking reception with drinks, Microsoft Surface Lab tours, and all event materials.

Can I bring a colleague?
Yes! We encourage you to bring a colleague. Please register each attendee separately to ensure accurate catering and materials.

Accessibility and dietary requirements?
We’re committed to making ELEVATE accessible and inclusive for everyone. Please share any requirements during registration, and our team will ensure you’re fully looked after on the day.

Can I transfer my ticket?
Yes, simply contact the ASI events team to transfer your registration.

What are the estimated costs and inclusions for disclosure purposes?
For disclosure purposes, the estimated cost per participant is $119.09 (ex. GST), which includes food and beverages (morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea/canapés, and networking drinks) and arrival gifts. The estimated value of gifts is $96.99 (ex. GST)

For all other enquiries, please contact us at hello@asievents.com.au

Ready to Elevate Your IT Strategy?

Join Melbourne’s IT leadership community for a focused, practical forum on growth and resilience.

Seats are limited. Register to secure your spot today!

Register Now