Last Friday and Saturday, our team had the privilege of sponsoring and participating in the SMBiT Professionals 2024 National Conference. It was an honour to be part of such an engaged and supportive community, one dedicated to advancing the IT landscape for small and medium businesses across Australia. Events like this remind us that running a business is not just about products and services—it’s about finding a place where you belong, learning from others who share your challenges, and working together to shape the future.
Navigating the complexities of business ownership in the IT sector is no small feat. There are the daily challenges of managing clients, keeping up with technological shifts, and staying competitive in a fast-paced environment. It can often feel isolating, but being part of a community like SMBiT Professionals demonstrates just how much strength there is in coming together.
SMBiT Professionals represents a network of like-minded individuals who understand the unique pressures and joys of our industry. The conference highlighted the power of this community—people coming together to share insights, learn from each other, and inspire one another for the next steps in their journeys. In many ways, it mirrors the support system that employees enjoy within an organisation: a place of belonging, the drive to grow, and the security of knowing you’re part of something greater. For business owners, that support often comes from associations like SMBiT Professionals, where we find a network just as robust and empowering.
An agenda packed with insights
The conference agenda was packed with sessions critical to our sector, covering cybersecurity, MSP strategies, new technologies, and tools designed to equip members with knowledge to stay ahead. SMBiT Professionals curated an impressive range of topics that underscored the association’s commitment to holistic professional development.
During the association update session, our founder, Kayla, was honoured to get up on stage to present the SMBiT marketing strategy and plan for 2025, as well as lead a session titled “Why Marketing is Like Compound Interest.” Kayla shared insights on how sustained marketing efforts can drive long-term business success. Much like compound interest, strategic marketing compounds over time, turning small, consistent actions into significant pipeline growth. Kayla’s session focused on practical steps that members can take, including patience and persistence, to realise steady gains over time. If you’d like to learn more, you can check out Kayla’s LinkedIn post on her presentation here.
One of the most impactful moments of the conference was the locknote session, delivered by Diana Drury from Pax8, who provided attendees with an inspiring look forward. Diana’s session reminded us not only of how much progress we’ve made as an industry but also how much potential lies ahead. Her insights resonated with many, especially her emphasis on embracing innovation and change—not just in technology, but also in the diversity and representation within the sector.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was diversity. There is a shared understanding within SMBiT Professionals that the IT industry can only reach its full potential if it truly reflects the society it serves. The conversations around inclusion and representation were refreshing and underscored the collective commitment to shaping an industry where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Community: The heart of the SMBiT Professionals experience
The energy at the conference was infectious, with members sharing successes, challenges, and personal stories. This spirit of camaraderie is what makes SMBiT Professionals so unique. The IT world can sometimes feel competitive, but within this community, there’s a genuine desire to uplift one another, learn together, and celebrate each other’s successes. It’s a space where collaboration takes precedence over competition, where we see ourselves not as individual business owners but as part of a larger ecosystem.
In many ways, this feeling of belonging makes all the difference. Business owners don’t always have the same structured support system as employees, but associations like SMBiT Professionals fill that gap, providing a community that fosters both personal and professional growth. The opportunity to learn from peers and work towards shared goals creates an environment where everyone can thrive.
Reflecting on the conference, we’re reminded of the power of collective effort. The IT industry is constantly evolving, and staying competitive requires collaboration. The SMBiT Professionals conference highlighted the immense value of this collaboration. When we work together, share insights, and support each other, we’re not just building better businesses—we’re strengthening the entire industry.