Melbourne - SMBiT Professionals April Meeting (29 Apr 2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

SMBiT Professionals

Melbourne Chapter

Next meeting

Wednesday

29 April 2026

SMBiT Professionals Melbourne Chapter meets on the last Wednesday of the month

Dinner

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Main Event

7:00pm-9:30pm

Stay a while afterwards and have a drink and a chat

Location

Bells Hotel

Main Hall, Level 2,
157 Moray Street,
South Melbourne

Parking along Tope Street or Coventry Street

Map

Registration

Register NOW using the link below (at left if you're on the Web page)

GitHub Copilot demo

David Nicholls

In this session, David will give a practical, high‑level introduction to using GitHub Copilot to actually get things done as an MSP. He’ll demonstrate how Copilot can be used to rapidly create and refine scripts for common real‑world tasks Microsoft 365 admin jobs without needing to be a professional developer. The focus is on using AI as a productivity accelerator, not a replacement for technical judgment.

We will also look at how it can help MSPs produce better reports across Microsoft 365 and even local file systems. This will be a demo‑driven, approachable talk aimed at getting you comfortable enough to start experimenting straight away, with clear examples you can adopt.

Why SMB Security Is Changing - and Why MSP Profitability Depends On It

Zayed Alji & Andrew Younger

In this session, we’ll explore the current MSP landscape and the challenges shaping the market as we head into 2026. MSPs are under pressure from rising customer expectations, tighter margins, skills shortages, and an increasingly complex threat environment. Yet demand for managed security and scalable IT services continues to grow, creating strong opportunities for MSPs who can evolve their offerings.

We’ll challenge a common perception: Is WatchGuard still just a firewall company? WatchGuard has evolved into a unified cybersecurity platform designed for MSPs, covering network security, secure Wi-Fi, endpoint protection, MDR, MFA, and centralised visibility — all managed through a single platform.

From a business perspective, we’ll discuss how MSPs can leverage WatchGuard’s unique strengths — simplicity, integration, predictable pricing, and ease of management — to improve profitability and build recurring revenue. From a technical lens, we’ll highlight how this reduces operational complexity while delivering stronger security outcomes.

The session will share practical ways to grow your business with WatchGuard in 2026 and beyond.

Watchguard is a Silver sponsor of SMBiT Professionals

The joys and pitfalls of running in-person events using Vendor Marketing and Development funds

Paul Barge

Having helped organise and present at over 70 events over the last year and a half, I’ve gained strong, practical insights into what truly works — and what to avoid — when it comes to delivering high‑impact partner events.

The session will focus on how events can be planned and executed effectively, how to maximise MDF investment, and how to differentiate partner events so they stand out in a crowded market. I will also share proven tips and practical tactics that help partners create engaging, memorable experiences that genuinely drive attendance, pipeline, and new business outcomes.

Kaseya is a Gold sponsor of SMBiT Professionals

Round Table Discussion

Open Forum

... issues, ideas, highs, lows, great tools you have found, bring them to the table!

Registration

Next Level 2026 - SMBiT Professionals National Conference (23 Jul 2026)

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT

SMBiT Professionals Limited upcoming events

Melbourne - SMBiT Professionals April Meeting (29 Apr 2026)

Next Level 2026 - SMBiT Professionals National Conference (23 Jul 2026)