BTEX 2026 Recap: Game On: The Future is in Play

Across the BTEX floors, leading technology vendors showcased interactive activations, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with technology. From gaming-inspired experiences to collaborative networking spaces and personalized tech showcases, the activations brought energy and excitement to every part of the event.

This year’s Tech Brief sessions delivered practical insights into the technologies organizations are prioritizing right now, with participation from CDW Canada experts and partners including APC, Apple, AWS, Cisco, HPE, Intel, Juniper, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Palo Alto Networks.

One of the most talked-about sessions focused on supply chain modernization and the growing role data, automation and AI are playing in helping organizations improve resilience, visibility and operational efficiency. The popularity of the session reflected the increasing pressure businesses face to build smarter, more agile operations in an unpredictable global environment.

Artificial intelligence remained a hot topic throughout the event, with attendees eager to explore how organizations can move beyond experimentation into implementation. A standout moment was the live agent-building demonstration, which gave attendees a hands-on look at how AI-powered agents can streamline workflows, improve productivity and support more intelligent decision-making across the enterprise.

Sessions explored how organizations can unify data, analytics, governance and security within a single scalable platform to reduce complexity and support responsible AI adoption. As organizations continue accelerating their AI initiatives, the conversations reinforced the importance of building flexible, secure infrastructure capable of balancing innovation with governance and long-term business growth.

The Women in Tech networking session brought together innovation, creativity and connection in an energetic, game-inspired atmosphere designed to celebrate the leaders shaping the future of technology. From high-energy networking opportunities to interactive experiences like the “Choose Your Game Character” icebreaker and magazine-cover photo booth, attendees had the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, share perspectives and expand their networks in a fun and engaging environment.

The session highlighted the power of community and collaboration, creating space for meaningful conversations around leadership, innovation and the evolving role of women across the tech industry.

Another meaningful highlight of BTEX 2026 was the Ampere activation, which invited attendees to support a Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education through technology, creativity and play. Working alongside rural, remote and Indigenous communities, Ampere continues to create opportunities for youth to build digital skills and explore pathways into technology and innovation.

Attendees came together to help pack educational kits designed to support hands-on learning and increase access to STEAM resources for Indigenous youth and Northern Canadian communities. The activation encouraged collaboration among attendees and reinforced the importance of making technology education more accessible and inclusive across Canada.

By spotlighting organizations like Ampere, BTEX 2026 demonstrated that innovation extends beyond business transformation. The initiative reflected CDW Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting community-driven impact, expanding access to technology and helping empower the next generation of Canadian innovators.

One highlight of the event was a Formula 1 race car simulator, which immersed attendees in the high-speed world of performance analytics and real-time decision-making. The attraction showcased how advanced data insights are transforming the way organizations measure performance and optimize operations.

BTEX 2026 made one thing clear: the future of technology in Canada is being shaped through collaboration, innovation and bold thinking. From immersive activations and industry-leading insights to meaningful conversations around AI, data and digital transformation, the event brought together the people and technologies driving the next chapter of business innovation.

As organizations continue navigating an evolving technology landscape, BTEX remains a place where ideas become action and where the future of Canadian technology comes to life.