--- title: techpartner.news - Kickstarter 2026 image: https://pages.techpartner.news/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-12-01%20170120.png --- ![Digitalnation_2021_logo_white-1](https://pages.techpartner.news/hubfs/Digitalnation_2021_logo_white-1.png) [![CRN logo](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/CRN%20logo.png?width=104&height=45&name=CRN%20logo.png "CRN logo")](https://www.digitalnationaus.com.au/) [Agenda](https://pages.techpartner.news/techpartner.news-kickstarter-2026#Agenda) [REGISTER NOW](https://pages.techpartner.news/techpartner.news-kickstarter-2026#register) ![Untitled design (64)-1](https://pages.techpartner.news/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(64)-1.png) ![7 (2)](https://pages.techpartner.news/hubfs/7%20(2).png) **Wednesday, 25th February, 2026** ![9 (1)](https://pages.techpartner.news/hubfs/9%20(1).png) Establishment, 252 George St, Sydney NSW 2000. ![8 (1)](https://pages.techpartner.news/hubfs/8%20(1).png) 3:30pm - 8:00pm [REGISTRATIONS CLOSED](https://pages.techpartner.news/techpartner.news-kickstarter-2026#Registration) [CONTACT TO SPONSOR](mailto:SMcDonald@nextmedia.com.au) ## **Proudly sponsored by:** ![RingCentral (2)](https://pages.techpartner.news/hubfs/RingCentral%20(2).png "RingCentral (2)") ![digital team (1)](https://pages.techpartner.news/hubfs/digital%20team%20(1).png "digital team (1)") ![RingCentral (1)-1](https://pages.techpartner.news/hubfs/RingCentral%20(1)-1.png "RingCentral (1)-1") ![Checkpoint](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsor%20logo%20(300%20x%20175%20px)%20(26).png?width=300&height=175&name=Sponsor%20logo%20(300%20x%20175%20px)%20(26).png "Checkpoint") ![crayon-logo-rgb-original](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/crayon-logo-rgb-original.png?width=300&height=99&name=crayon-logo-rgb-original.png "crayon-logo-rgb-original") ![4-Apr-12-2023-12-06-40-3620-AM](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/4-Apr-12-2023-12-06-40-3620-AM.png?width=310&name=4-Apr-12-2023-12-06-40-3620-AM.png "4-Apr-12-2023-12-06-40-3620-AM") ![5-1](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/5-1.png?width=310&name=5-1.png "5-1") ![2-Apr-12-2023-12-09-38-7326-AM](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/2-Apr-12-2023-12-09-38-7326-AM.png?width=310&name=2-Apr-12-2023-12-09-38-7326-AM.png "2-Apr-12-2023-12-09-38-7326-AM") ![MicrosoftTeams-image (178)](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/MicrosoftTeams-image%20(178).png?width=1500&name=MicrosoftTeams-image%20(178).png "MicrosoftTeams-image (178)") ## Kickstarter Event **Kickstarter** is an exciting event designed to kick off the year ahead. The event will explore key topics and trends shaping 2026 through a series of insightful panel discussions and debates. Led by the editorial team, the agenda includes three deep-dive sessions on pivotal themes. Editor-In-Chief William Maher will open the event with an overview, setting the stage for an evening of valuable insights and forward-looking discussions. ![0_540_960_0_70__Galleries_20230228013155_wider_event_shot-1](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/0_540_960_0_70__Galleries_20230228013155_wider_event_shot-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=0_540_960_0_70__Galleries_20230228013155_wider_event_shot-1.jpg) ## Attend our event to see the techpartner.news team, partners plus sponsors discussing the following areas:   ![1-Nov-24-2025-05-50-23-1734-AM](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/1-Nov-24-2025-05-50-23-1734-AM.png?width=200&height=200&name=1-Nov-24-2025-05-50-23-1734-AM.png "1-Nov-24-2025-05-50-23-1734-AM") SMB Profitability  A look at which SMB business models and specialisations are paying off in 2026, where efficiency and automation gains are real, and how AI is reshaping cost structures. A grounded snapshot of what's working, what isn't, and where profitability wins are emerging. ![2-Nov-24-2025-05-50-41-7783-AM](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/2-Nov-24-2025-05-50-41-7783-AM.png?width=200&height=200&name=2-Nov-24-2025-05-50-41-7783-AM.png "2-Nov-24-2025-05-50-41-7783-AM") Growing your security business  An overview of the security areas driving real demand in 2026, from rising compliance pressures to the growing focus on identity and cloud protection. Clear insight into what customers are prioritising and where the strongest new opportunities sit for partners. ![3-Nov-24-2025-05-50-54-6720-AM](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/3-Nov-24-2025-05-50-54-6720-AM.png?width=200&name=3-Nov-24-2025-05-50-54-6720-AM.png "3-Nov-24-2025-05-50-54-6720-AM") From MSP to consult & advisor - expanding your service offering  How MSPs are shifting beyond traditional support to become strategic advisors, the steps partners are taking to move up the value chain, and the skills reshaping customer relationships in 2026. #### Speakers # Speakers ![Natalia Scheidegger headshot](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/Natalia%20Scheidegger%20headshot.png?width=300&height=300&name=Natalia%20Scheidegger%20headshot.png "Natalia Scheidegger headshot") **Natalia Scheidegger** CEO 3rdmill ![Elliot Seeto](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/Elliot%20Seeto.png?width=300&height=300&name=Elliot%20Seeto.png "Elliot Seeto") **Elliot Seeto** MSP Security Engineering Manager - APAC Check Point ![Lee-ann Dias](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/Lee-ann%20Dias.png?width=300&height=300&name=Lee-ann%20Dias.png "Lee-ann Dias") **Lee-ann Dias** Director and Founder Sasbri Consulting ![Ehsan Hakimi](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/Ehsan%20Hakimi.png?width=300&height=300&name=Ehsan%20Hakimi.png "Ehsan Hakimi") **Ehsan Hakimi** CEO and Founder 365 Digital Consulting ![Anita Sheridan-Roddick](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/Anita%20Sheridan-Roddick.png?width=300&height=300&name=Anita%20Sheridan-Roddick.png "Anita Sheridan-Roddick") **Anita Sheridan-Roddick** National Sales Director Baidam ![Neill Campbell](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/Neill%20Campbell.png?width=300&height=300&name=Neill%20Campbell.png "Neill Campbell") **Neill Campbell** Channel Account Manager NinjaOne ![Ben Swanson](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/Ben%20Swanson.png?width=300&height=300&name=Ben%20Swanson.png "Ben Swanson") **Ben Swanson** Regional VP, Partner Sales RingCentral ![Victoria Young](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/Victoria%20Young.png?width=1200&height=1200&name=Victoria%20Young.png "Victoria Young") **Victoria Young** Director **Germane Advisory** ![Pedro Carrilho headshot (2)](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/Pedro%20Carrilho%20headshot%20(2).png?width=300&height=300&name=Pedro%20Carrilho%20headshot%20(2).png "Pedro Carrilho headshot (2)") **Troy Vanderplas** COO Infotrust ![Brad Howarth](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/Brad%20Howarth.png?width=240&height=240&name=Brad%20Howarth.png "Brad Howarth") **Brad Howarth** Contributing Editor techpartner.news ![1_240_240_0_95__Assets_Will_Maher](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/1_240_240_0_95__Assets_Will_Maher.png?width=240&height=240&name=1_240_240_0_95__Assets_Will_Maher.png "1_240_240_0_95__Assets_Will_Maher") **William Maher** Editor-in-Chief techpartner.news ![More to be announced](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/More%20to%20be%20announced.png?width=250&height=250&name=More%20to%20be%20announced.png "More to be announced") **More speakers to be announced**   ## CRN Re-launch Event ![IMG_4196](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/IMG_4196.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=IMG_4196.jpg) ![CRNPipeline-Wednesday-435-1](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRNPipeline-Wednesday-435-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRNPipeline-Wednesday-435-1.jpg) ![CRNPipeline-Tuesday-213](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRNPipeline-Tuesday-213.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRNPipeline-Tuesday-213.jpg) ![CRNPipeline-AwardsNight2024-443](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRNPipeline-AwardsNight2024-443.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRNPipeline-AwardsNight2024-443.jpg) Following the Kickstarter event, Nextmedia will host an exclusive party to map out the year ahead for our B2B brands CRN, iTnews and Digital Nation.  Join us to hear about the strategic plans for the business in the year ahead, including exciting **opportunities and offerings available for Channel Partners**. This event promises to mark a **transformative shift in the channel**, bringing fresh initiatives and a renewed focus to help you capitalise on the changing landscape of 2025. | **7:45am** | Arrival, networking and breakfast | | --- | --- | | **8:30am** | Welcome address by Digital Nation Australia editor – Athina Mallis & commercial editor – Velvet-Belle Templeman | | **8:45am** | **Panel 1** – Impact of digital on Marketing/CX + audience Q&A | | **9:15am** | **Panel 2** – Impact of digital on HR/EX + audience Q&A | | **9:45am** | **Panel 3** – Impact of digital on Finance + audience Q&A | | **10:15am** | Closing remarks & networking | | **10:30am** | Finish |   ## Agenda ![Screenshot 2026-02-16 165253](https://pages.techpartner.news/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-02-16%20165253.png "Screenshot 2026-02-16 165253") ## Event details: ![calendar](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/calendar.png?width=150&height=150&name=calendar.png "calendar") **Wednesday, 25th February, 2026** ![map](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/map.png?width=150&height=150&name=map.png "map") Establishment, 252 George St, Sydney NSW 2000. ![clock](https://pages.techpartner.news/hs-fs/hubfs/clock.png?width=150&name=clock.png "clock") **3:30pm - 8:00pm** ![CRN Channel Meet 19 July 2022 by Homepix Photography 0036](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200036.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200036.jpg) ![CRN Channel Meet 19 July 2022 by Homepix Photography 0110](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200110.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200110.jpg) ![CRN Channel Meet 19 July 2022 by Homepix Photography 0126](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200126.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200126.jpg) ![CRN Channel Meet 19 July 2022 by Homepix Photography 0133](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200133.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200133.jpg) ![CRN Channel Meet 19 July 2022 by Homepix Photography 0164](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200164.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200164.jpg) ### I have read and accept the [privacy policy](https://www.nextmedia.com.au/privacy-policy/?__hstc=35208958.01c13df8ce1613ae41a0f3748092d95b.1646712918093.1689555972126.1689559006501.373&__hssc=35208958.1.1689559006501&__hsfp=3768605290), [terms and conditions](https://www.nextmedia.com.au/terms-conditions/?__hstc=35208958.01c13df8ce1613ae41a0f3748092d95b.1646712918093.1689555972126.1689559006501.373&__hssc=35208958.1.1689559006501&__hsfp=3768605290), and [event registration terms](https://www.nextmedia.com.au/nextmedia-event-registration-terms/?__hstc=35208958.01c13df8ce1613ae41a0f3748092d95b.1646712918093.1689555972126.1689559006501.373&__hssc=35208958.1.1689559006501&__hsfp=3768605290) and by submitting my email address I agree to receive the Digital Nation Australia newsletter and receive special offers on behalf of Digital Nation Australia, nextmedia and its valued partners. ### *Please note: attendance is not guaranteed due to limited available seats.*   [CONTACT TO SPONSOR](mailto:SMcDonald@nextmedia.com.au) ## Register your interest to attend                               Please note, due to venue capacity not all entries are guaranteed attendance. A member of the CRN team will be in touch regarding your attendance.