Cyber guns join forces to tackle emerging threats
Cybersecurity experts will examine emerging threats and how best to respond to them in a fascinating event coming to our region.
The Sunshine Coast Cybersecurity Conference, or Sun Con for short, will be held at the UniSC Innovation Centre on Saturday, 9 May 2026.
Being held for the second time, it will bring together around 200 participants from industry, government, education and the student community for a full day of learning, collaboration and connection.
This year’s conference will focus on cyber leadership and cyber technology, with keynote presentations from national and international experts, practical discussions on emerging threats, artificial intelligence, threat intelligence and incident response.
The Sunshine Coast is rapidly emerging as a premier Australian cybersecurity hub, driven by world-class digital infrastructure, including international broadband connectivity.
Limited Student and Early Bird General Admission tickets now available.
Powering up careers of the future
Sunshine Coast Council is a proud supporter of the region’s premier cybersecurity event.
Through the Council initiative, Study Sunshine Coast, it will support 10 local students with an opportunity to attend Sun Con 2026 and gain exposure to real‑world cybersecurity challenges, industry leaders and career pathways.
Sunshine Coast Resilient Economy Councillor Terry Landsberg said cybersecurity was a critical industry, one that was becoming increasingly vital as threats became more sophisticated.
“Our region is well positioned to play a significant role and events like these help inspire future cyber talent, foster careers, showcase local capability, and strengthen collaboration between education providers, industry and government,’’ Cr Landsberg said.
Explore the impact of generative AI
The first keynote speaker announced is the Sunshine Coast’s Jana Dekanovska, Counter Adversary Operations Practice Lead at CrowdStrike, who will explore the impact of generative AI on cyber operations and what it means for defenders.
Ms Dekanovska said that Cybersecurity required a team effort.
“No single organisation or individual has the full picture — especially as adversaries adopt AI at speed,
“Bringing professionals together on the Sunshine Coast to share knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned is critical to strengthening our collective defence.”
With more speakers still to be announced, Sun Con 2026 will showcase innovation, collaboration and connection across the Sunshine Coast’s thriving cybersecurity community.
This event is proudly supported by the University of Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Council.
Sun Con - Sunshine Coast Cybersecurity Conference - 2026
Date: Saturday 9 May, 2026, 10am-5pm
Location: Uni SC Auditorium - University of the Sunshine Coast Innovation Centre Building, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs QLD 4556 (Parking free)
About Study Sunshine Coast
Study Sunshine Coast connects students, educators, industry and employers to help ensure people can study, train and build meaningful careers locally — strengthening the Sunshine Coast’s digital capability while supporting the region’s long‑term economic resilience.