Three days in Denver left me with one clear takeaway: AI is fundamentally changing who gets to compete in technology.
I just returned from Pax8 Beyond 2025, and I’m still processing everything I experienced. As Program Director of FEDC TechStart, I went expecting to learn about industry trends. What I discovered was something much bigger.
The Microsoft Moment
Travis Walter from Microsoft delivered a keynote that perfectly captured this shift. His exploration of AI’s transformative power for small and medium-sized businesses wasn’t just about technology adoption – it was about democratization. The tools and capabilities that were once exclusive to enterprise companies are now accessible to anyone with vision and determination.
This resonated because it validates something I’ve believed for years: geography no longer determines your ability to serve global markets or access cutting-edge technology.
Security in an AI World
What made this insight even more compelling was how it played out across the smaller breakout sessions. Chris Roberts’ session, cryptically titled “This Title Has Been Redacted,” dove deep into cybersecurity needs in our AI-driven world. Roberts made it clear that as AI capabilities expand, so do security challenges – but also opportunities.
The demand for cybersecurity expertise is exploding, and this work can be done from anywhere with reliable internet. It wasn’t just the technical content that caught my attention, but the business implications of what he was describing.
The Art of the Sale
This theme continued in Keith Marchiano’s session on sales strategies, which reinforced that success in the modern tech landscape isn’t about having the biggest office or the flashiest location. It’s about understanding your customers, building genuine relationships, and delivering real value.
These fundamentals matter more than ever when technology removes traditional barriers to competition.
Our Local Impact
I wasn’t the only one from Fremont County making connections at the conference. Four local MSPs – We Build Staxx, Second 61, PPMC, and ASG – also attended Pax8 Beyond, demonstrating the growing strength of our tech ecosystem. Even more exciting was seeing our high school nonprofit training partner CCubed recognized as the Pax8 social impact partner for the event – a testament to the innovative workforce development happening in our community.
Technology Without Borders
Throughout the vendor demonstrations and breakout sessions, I kept hearing variations of the same message: companies are rethinking everything about how and where work gets done. The solutions being showcased – cloud platforms, AI tools, cybersecurity systems – all work just as effectively regardless of location.
What matters is having the infrastructure, talent, and vision to use them effectively.
Community Still Matters
Despite all the focus on AI and automation, what struck me most was how much emphasis the conference placed on community and partnership. Even as technology advances, human connections drive business success.
The networking opportunities reminded me that authentic relationships remain the foundation of sustainable growth, regardless of what industry disruptions come next.
Closing with Style
The conference wrapped with an unforgettable performance from Snoop Dogg – a perfect reminder that innovation happens when you bring together diverse perspectives and unexpected combinations.
It was an unexpected way to close three days of intensive learning, but somehow it fit perfectly with the conference’s theme of going beyond traditional expectations.
Looking Forward
As I implement the strategies and connections I made at Pax8 Beyond, I’m convinced we’re at an inflection point. The AI revolution isn’t just changing what’s possible – it’s changing who gets to participate.
For anyone willing to invest in infrastructure, develop talent, and embrace change, the opportunities are tremendous.
