With less than two weeks to go until the Asiera Conference 2026, we’re delighted to unveil the full programme, featuring an exciting mix of speakers, sessions and activities for this year’s event.
The programme brings together the latest ideas, innovations and challenges shaping Ireland’s education and research community. From technical deep-dives and strategic discussions to practical insights and fresh perspectives, there’s plenty to look forward to, along with opportunities to share knowledge, exchange experiences and reconnect with colleagues from across the sector.
The conference gets underway on Tuesday evening with our Welcome Reception and networking dinner, kindly sponsored by TOPSEC Cloud Solutions. A much-anticipated part of the annual gathering, the evening offers delegates, sponsors and exhibitors the chance to catch up with familiar faces, meet new people and strengthen connections across Ireland’s education and research community.
Registration and accommodation – limited availability
Haven’t registered yet? We recommend securing your place as soon as possible, as accommodation at the hotels listed for the Asiera Conference is filling fast.
Register here to book your delegate pass and start planning your conference experience.
Highlights from this year’s programme
This year’s line-up features a range of thought-provoking sessions covering cybersecurity, research, smart infrastructure and online safety. Highlights include:
- Dr. Jonathan McCarthy | Munster Technological University | Head of IT (Cork Campus) – Cyber Attack 2023
- Lindsay Dowling | TU Dublin – EOSC Ireland: Developing the National Node
- Mick Moran | CEO, Irish Internet Hotline – CSAM as a Cyberthreat – The Insider Threat to Academic Networks
- Colm Browning | Smart Docklands – SmartScape: Sensing Dublin Through Its Fibre-Optic Veins
These sessions offer an opportunity to explore emerging challenges, discover new approaches and hear directly from the people working across Ireland’s education, research and technology communities.
Explore the full conference programme to see what’s planned.
Explore the Asiera Services Showcase
The Asiera Services Showcase gives delegates the opportunity to meet members of the Asiera team, ask questions and take part in practical, knowledge-sharing workshops.
Running throughout the conference in the Fredericks Room, the sessions will cover key service areas, including cybersecurity, brokerage and MIS management. Asiera subject matter experts will share their experience, offer practical guidance and explore how these services support the needs of Ireland’s education and research community.
The dedicated showcase will feature:
- Asiera Brokerage Services | Drop-in Q&A
- Security Consultant Services (SCS)
- Turning Networks Green | Discover Asiera’s sustainability journey
- Building Business Continuity Exercises Through the Lens of Dungeons & Dragons
- Management Information System (MIS) Management Team | Management for a changing world
- Services Architecture | A practical look at delivering automation
Whether you’re looking for practical advice, new ideas or a chance to connect with the teams behind Asiera’s services, the showcase is a great opportunity to get involved.
Workshops to Watch Out For
Chris McBride | University of Glasgow & Rachel Noel | Jamf
From Compliance to Chaos| Modern Device Management & Cybersecurity for Higher Education (Wriggle Learning) Register Here:
Diarmuid Collins | Dublin City University – Experiences from an OpenStack-Based Deployment
Joost Reijne | Fox-IT – The Biggest Cyber Threat to Education? A lack of Collaboration
Conor Byrne | Antoine Aladenise | Fortinet – The Automation Platform You Already Have
More Than Just a Conference
Of course, the Asiera Conference is about more than sessions and presentations. It’s also about bringing people together, making new connections and enjoying time with colleagues outside the conference room.
Delegates can look forward to a range of activities designed to encourage networking, wellbeing and the opportunity to experience beautiful Killarney.
- Welcome New Joiners Mingle – New to the conference? Join this relaxed gathering to meet the Asiera team, connect with fellow attendees and start building your network.
- Guided Walking Tour of Killarney – Take a break from the programme and discover some of the beautiful surroundings of Killarney.
- 5K Fun Run – Start Wednesday morning with some fresh air in Killarney National Park. Whether you prefer to run or walk, everyone is welcome.
- Yoga for All Levels with Kelly Ann MacSweeney – Take some time to stretch, unwind and recharge ahead of the evening’s Gala Dinner.
- Asiera Gala Dinner – Kindly sponsored by Aurora Telecom, the Gala Dinner offers a chance to unwind with fellow delegates, sponsors and exhibitors for an evening of fine dining, celebration and great company.
- Make a Weekend Break of It – Planning to stay a little longer? Delegates can take advantage of a preferred overnight rate at the Great Southern Killarney, our host venue. Contact the hotel directly for details of the offer.
Delegates can register their interest in conference activities as part of the registration process.
Keynote Speaker: Mark Little
We’re delighted to welcome Mark Little, with the keynote session kindly sponsored by APOGEE, to the Asiera Conference 2026.
An award-winning journalist, entrepreneur and technology innovator, Mark brings a unique perspective on how technology is reshaping our lives, organisations and society. His keynote will explore themes including technological change, leadership, trust and artificial intelligence, offering fresh perspectives on navigating an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world.
It promises to be a thought-provoking session, encouraging delegates to reflect on both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Asiera Conference 2026 would not be possible without the valued support of our sponsors. Their continued commitment helps bring our education and research community together for this important annual event.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
We look forward to welcoming colleagues, partners, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors from across Ireland’s education and research community to the Asiera Conference 2026, taking place from 3–5 November at the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney.
With a packed programme, opportunities to share ideas and plenty of time to reconnect, we look forward to seeing you there!
Explore the full programme and register today.

