Tech Trends 2026

Exploring the Future of Technology, Leadership, and Innovation

November 19, 2025 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Description

Tech Trends 2026 brings together technology and business leaders for a forward-looking conversation on how innovation, leadership, and human-centered design will shape the decade ahead. The program is designed to balance big-picture insights with practical takeaways, giving participants a clear view of the forces reshaping their organizations.

This year’s themes explore the fast-changing technology landscape from multiple dimensions:

The Future of Tech in a Rapidly Evolving World
How global trends in data, AI, and automation are reshaping industries and what leaders must do now to prepare their organizations for constant change.

The Death of Software? and the Rise of Dynamic UI
Why traditional software models are being disrupted, and how dynamic, adaptive user experiences are redefining the relationship between humans and technology.

The Future Tech Leadership Role
A candid conversation with executives on the skills, mindsets, and leadership approaches needed to thrive in an environment where agility, resilience, and continuous reinvention are the new baseline.

Beyond content, Tech Trends 2026 is designed for connection through networking, breakout conversations, and collaborative discussions that allow participants to compare challenges, share stories, and gain peer-driven insights.

Learning Outcomes

• Recognize emerging technology trends and understand their potential impact on business strategy.
• Evaluate the implications of adaptive and dynamic user interfaces on customer and employee experiences.
• Identify how leadership roles in technology are evolving and what capabilities will be critical in the coming years.
• Gain practical strategies to align technology priorities with business needs in an environment of rapid change.
• Build meaningful connections with peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.

Tech Trends 2026 isn’t just about forecasting the future, it’s about equipping leaders with the perspectives and tools to shape it.

Participate in Customizing the Agenda: You’ll have the opportunity to play an active part in shaping the agenda for this session – and to maximize its relevance for you – by suggesting and selecting topics for breakout discussions. Once the agenda is complete, you choose the discussions you want to join. This will be a highly interactive session so come prepared to share your questions, challenges and insights!

Virtual Attendance Available: If you can't make it to the event in person (or if in-person registration has reached capacity), you can still register to attend online. To attend virtually, click the "Register for virtual" button on this event's homepage. You will receive a confirmation email with the link to join a week before the meeting, and you can find the link to join on this page as well.

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Please note that adding the event to your calendar is not the same as registering. Please also use the button above to register for this event.

Agenda Items

8:30 AM	Networking & Continental Breakfast (In Person)
9:00 AM	Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00 AM	Adjourn (In Person)
9:20 AM	The Future of Tech in a Rapidly Evolving World
10:00 AM	The Death of Software? and the Rise of Dynamic UI
10:40 AM	Break
10:50 AM	Panel Discussion: The Future Tech Leadership Roles
11:30 AM	Lunch & Networking (In Person)
11:30 AM	Member to Member Breakout Conversations (Virtual)
11:50 AM	Wrap Up & Closing Remarks (Virtual)
12:00 PM	Adjourn (Virtual)
12:30 PM	Member to Member Breakout Conversations (In Person)
1:50 PM	Wrap Up & Closing Remarks (In Person)
2:00 PM	Networking & Social at Smitty's Pub (In Person)
	Join us for light appetizers and drinks sponsored by Baker Tilly & QTI.
3:30 PM	Adjourn (In Person)

Additional Information

Location: Fluno Center, UW-Madison (In-person); Zoom (Virtual)
Location Address: 601 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53715

Contact: Events Team, events@uwebc.wisc.edu