Ballarat Tech Week wrapped up last week, and it was the strongest program yet. Attendance was up, the quality of speakers improved, and the conversations felt more mature than previous years.

Here’s what stood out.

The Remote Work Session Was Standing Room Only

The panel on distributed teams and regional employment drew the biggest crowd of the week. Not surprising—this is the issue that most directly affects our community.

Key points that resonated:

Companies are past the experimentation phase. The speakers (representing companies from Melbourne to San Francisco) made clear that regional hiring isn’t a trial anymore. It’s standard practice for forward-thinking employers.

The talent competition has shifted. Regional workers now compete globally for remote roles, not just with Melbourne candidates. This is both opportunity and challenge.

Communication skills matter more than ever. When you’re not in the office, your ability to communicate clearly in writing, on video, and asynchronously becomes critical.

AI Discussions Were Practical, Not Hype

Unlike last year’s sessions heavy on futuristic speculation, the AI content this year focused on implementation.

A local accounting firm shared how they’ve integrated AI tools for document processing. A manufacturer from Ballarat North showed their predictive maintenance system. A retail business owner demonstrated her AI-powered customer service.

These weren’t hypotheticals—they were working systems from local businesses.

The common theme: start small, solve a specific problem, measure results, then expand.

The Skills Gap Conversation Got Serious

Multiple sessions addressed the persistent gap between regional tech demand and supply.

Federation University announced expanded offerings for 2026, including new certifications aligned with industry needs. Local businesses committed to internship and graduate programs.

But the honest assessment from several speakers: the gap won’t close through training alone. Attracting skilled workers to relocate remains essential.

Startup Showcase Impressed

The startup pitch session featured seven local ventures. Quality was notably higher than previous years.

Standouts included a livestock monitoring platform designed specifically for Australian conditions, a booking system for regional tourism operators, and a supply chain visibility tool for agricultural products.

Several attracted investor interest. The regional tech startup ecosystem is maturing.

Networking Felt Different

The informal conversations were as valuable as the formal sessions. What struck me was the diversity—not just developers and IT managers, but business owners, farmers, healthcare workers, educators.

Regional tech has moved beyond a niche community. It’s now relevant to almost every industry and business.

Key Takeaways

Remote work is permanent. Companies aren’t reverting. Regional workers who position themselves well have unprecedented opportunities.

AI adoption is accelerating. Not because of hype, but because practical tools now exist that solve real problems.

Community matters. The connections made at events like this create support systems, opportunities, and collaboration that don’t happen in isolation.

Ballarat is a genuine tech hub. Not trying to be Melbourne—something different and valuable in its own right.

What’s Next

Tech Week happens annually, but the community events continue year-round. Meetups, informal gatherings, collaborative projects.

If you’re working in tech regionally and not engaged with the community, you’re missing opportunities. Not just career opportunities—support, learning, and connection with people who understand your context.

I’ll see you at the next event.

For businesses wanting to explore how AI could work in their specific regional context, team400.ai can help translate the concepts discussed at Tech Week into practical implementations.