Tech Verge 2026 – Digital & Innovation Summit for the Greater Whitsunday Region, Mackay QLD
Tech for Good // Smarter Business, Stronger Region
About Tech Verge
Driving Innovation That Matters
Tech Verge is the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday (MIW) regions' platform for driving innovation that matters. Focused on 'Tech for Good' as this year's theme, the summit explores how digital tools and emerging technologies can unlock time-saving solutions, reduce costs, and drive sustainable growth, creating real value for businesses and communities alike.
Tech Verge aims to enable people and small businesses to learn, adapt, and grow with current and upcoming tools, workflows and automation to enhance the human experience. The Tech Verge Summit 2026 builds on the momentum of the 2025 pilot to deliver high-impact outcomes before, during, and after the event.
With a strong focus on regional capacity building, school engagement, and practical opportunities for industry, it's a must-attend experience for anyone invested in the future of the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region, the growth of small business, and not being left behind with the digital, tech and AI evolutions.
Two Days of Innovation & Impact
This two-day event brings together SMEs, industry leaders, educators, and community voices to share tools, knowledge, and collaborations that can transform the way we work and live.
Keynote Speakers
Industry leaders sharing real-world strategies and innovations shaping the future.
Technology Exhibition Showcases
Live demonstrations of robotics, automation tools, decarbonisation solutions, and circular economy technologies.
Industry Panel Discussions
Exploring solutions to challenges in MIW's core industries: mining, construction, energy, bioeconomy, and advanced manufacturing.
Impact Networking
Targeted networking opportunities connecting SMEs, sponsors, industry leaders, and government stakeholders.
Schools & Community Engagement
Engaging local high school students and educator leaders with hands-on tech experiences. Building regional capacity and inspiring the next generation of innovators in the MIW region.
Tech Verge 2026 Program
Two days of keynotes, panels, hands-on sessions and networking across the conversations shaping the future of regional innovation.
- WelcomeMC, Fallon Drewett
- Greater Whitsunday InnovationKirra Tully
- Acknowledgement of Country & Regional WelcomeMayor Greg Williamson
- Opening AddressMinister Andrew Powell, Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation
- The Future of Quantum TechnologyClaire Pink, Quantum Australia
- Tea with Mike: What's Coming, What Matters & What's Just Hype?Mike Nedelko, Syncopy
- Where Innovation and Digital Collide: People in FocusFiona Wilhelm, Wilhelm Group
- PanelInnovation in METS & ManufacturingJason Sharam (CSE Linked) · Fiona Wilhelm (Wilhelm Group) · Harry Parker (Forge Engineering)
- Operational Guardrails: Cyber, ESG & Secure SystemsKathryn Giude, ORCA Opti
- Practical Automation: Systems that Drive Efficiency, Scalability & Long-Term SuccessKanji Lowe, SynapzeAI
- Bonus Round: How Does That Work IRL?Live interactive demonstrations
- Live Pitches & Networking Drinks on the Deck
- Welcome BackMC, Fallon Drewett
- Greater Whitsunday InnovationKirra Tully
- Local Buying FoundationKirsty Miron
- Greater Whitsunday AllianceJennifer Emmett
- TRACC ProgramJo Mulcahy, TRACC
- Start Rethinking Connectivity: It's Your Business BackboneSteve O'Rourke, nbn Australia
- PanelConnectivity Infrastructure: You Don't Know What You Don't KnowJennifer Emmett (GW Alliance) · Steve O'Rourke (NBN Co) · Joaleen Headridge (Regional Tech Hub)
- The Power Trio: AI Agents, Digital Twins & a Tech Stack that Works for YouCarly Woods, Ethical Edge Solutions
- PanelAI & Automation: From Hype to Habit. There's an App for That!Sponsored by Frontrow TechnologyCarly Woods (Ethical Edge) · Graeme Lodge (Frontrow Technology) · Simon Harris (Able2) · Jordan Andersen (Hermit Tech)
- PanelCashflow to Capital: Real Talk on Funding, Growth & SustainabilitySaara Jamieson (Cool Beans) · Oriane Juncker (Radium Capital) · Simon Horne (Angelloop) · Kathryn Giude (ORCA Opti) · CJ Fitos (Femco)
- Idea to Impact: Turning Challenge into InnovationSaara Jamieson, Cool Beans Underwear
- Apps & More: Build Your Own Business App in MinutesTom Stevenson (Able2) · Simon Harris (Able2)
- Live Pitches & Networking Drinks on the Deck
Across Both Days
- Local Showcase open during breaks
- Networking sessions held daily
- Live demonstrations and resources library
- Interactive Tech Verge App
The Bonus Round
On the ground demos and real life digital adoption.
Ideas matter, but seeing them in action matters more. Selected vendors and presenters step out from behind the slides for live, hands-on sessions designed for people who want more than theory.
It's practical. It's interactive. Don't just hear about what's possible, experience it.
- Live demonstrations
- Real, usable take-homes
- Your own app or tool (a little pre-work required)
- Time to ask questions, explore, and dig deeper
Meet the Voices of Innovation
Industry trailblazers, tech innovators, and community leaders sharing insights that matter.
Fiona Wilhelm
Wilhelm GroupAI in Action
Steve O'Rourke
NBN Co
Alice Ruddell
A Rehab Diary
Carly Woods
Ethical Edge Solutions
Jordan Andersen
Hermit Tech
Kanji Lowe
SynapzeAI
Kathryn Giude
Orca Opti
Mike Nedelko
Syncopy.ai
Saara Jamieson
Cool Beans Underwear
Graeme Lodge
Frontrow Technology
Emma Murphy
NBN Co
Oriane Juncker
Radium Capital
Quantum Australia
Keynote
Jason Sharam
CSE Linked
CJ Fitos
Femco
Jo Mulcahy
TRACC
Harry Parker
Forge EngineeringTech Verge 2025 Highlights
Our inaugural summit brought together over 140 participants across keynotes, panels, and a live innovation showcase.
Work Smarter, Stronger Region
Exhibition Partners
Connect with leading technology providers and innovative businesses at our exhibition showcase.
Backed by the Region's Best
Tech Verge 2026 is made possible by the generous support of these organisations championing innovation across the Greater Whitsunday region.
The Network Behind Tech Verge
A growing alliance of speaker organisations and regional partners powering this year's summit.
Sponsorship Packages
Get your brand in front of hundreds of people eager to level up. We're talking small business owners, industry leaders, government decision makers, METS businesses, educators and students.
- Exclusive Recognition as a Tech Verge Partner
- High-Impact Speaking Slot
- Premium Exhibition Display showcasing tools, platforms, and solutions
- Workshop Hosting Opportunity
- VIP Access to targeted networking sessions and the VIP after-party
- Discounted Accommodation Rates and Event Perks
- Comprehensive Brand Promotion across event materials, digital campaigns, and social media
- Speaking Opportunity at Tech Verge
- Exhibition Display to connect with attendees
- Prominent Logo Placement on event platforms
- Access to Networking Sessions with regional decision-makers and SMEs
- VIP After-Party Access
- Discounted Accommodation Rates
- Logo Placement on event collateral and digital materials
- Verbal Acknowledgement during the Summit
- Access to Exclusive Networking Events with SMEs and stakeholders
- Sponsor a Keynote Speaker
- Verbal Recognition before and after the session
- Logo Placement on presentation slides and session branding
- Opportunity to Introduce the Speaker
- Sponsorship as a Speaker
- Exclusive Recognition as a Tech Verge Partner
- High-Impact Speaking Slot
- Included vendor showcase stall
- Workshop Hosting Opportunity
- VIP Access to networking and after-party
- Logo Placement on event collateral and digital materials
- Vendor showcase stall for the full 2-day event
Secure Your Spot
Early Bird passes available now. Join hundreds of innovators, business leaders, and change-makers on 28-29 May 2026.
Get Your Tickets NowContact Us
Ready to get involved? Reach out to the Greater Whitsunday Innovation team.