Two communities. One Conference. Stronger Together.

The inaugural Stronger Together conference brought together almost 500 ICT professionals from across Australia and New Zealand, uniting the CAUDIT and QUDIT communities of practice for three days of learning, collaboration and connection. By uniting the strengths of the CAUDIT Communities Conference and QUESTnet, Stronger Together created a connected space that enabled our shared vision of building resilience, unlocking collective intelligence, and ensuring genuine collaboration underpins our work across the higher-education IT community. The Australasian eResearch Organisations (AeRO) (opens in new tab) also participated in the conference.

Throughout the conference, the strength of our communities was on full display. From packed workshops and keynote sessions to lively discussions in the exhibition hall and networking events, delegates came together to share experiences, exchange ideas and learn from one another. The willingness of community members to openly discuss successes, challenges and lessons learned reflected the collaborative spirit that underpins both CAUDIT and QUDIT, creating an environment where knowledge flowed freely across institutional and functional boundaries. The result was a conference that not only showcased the depth of expertise that exists across our sector, but also reinforced the relationships and trust that make ongoing collaboration possible. 

The conference program reflected the breadth and diversity of the communities it brought together. Delegates explored topics spanning AI, cybersecurity, digital transformation, governance, data, enterprise architecture, strategy, procurement, infrastructure, research technology, leadership and professional practice. Delivered by practitioners for practitioners, sessions provided practical insights, real-world experiences and tangible lessons that attendees can apply within their own institutions. Together, these presentations highlighted both the complexity of the higher education ICT landscape and the power of communities working collectively to share knowledge, build capability and advance the sector. Video recordings provided by JPL Media – Stronger Together 2026 Technology Partner. 

While Stronger Together 2026 has come to an end, the community remains connected. Continue the conversations by joining a CAUDIT Community of Practice, QUDIT Community of Practice, (opens in new tab) or participating in upcoming events and webinars, and connecting with peers online. Our communities provide opportunities to share knowledge, exchange ideas, collaborate on common challenges and stay engaged with the issues shaping higher education technology. 

Stronger Together 2026 was made possible through the generous support of our event sponsors and exhibitors. We thank them for their support.