Celebrating Partnership, Innovation, and AI Leadership at QUT with Cisco APJC President Dave West
Energetic. Exciting. Empowering. These three words perfectly capture the atmosphere at QUT last week when Cisco APJC President Dave West visited Brisbane for the first time (in daylight hours)!
Hosted by Terry Weber, the event brought together over 200 customers, partners, Cisconians, and Splunkers for a day of meaningful conversations, collaborative opportunities, and insights into the future of AI and digital transformation.
Exploring the $28 Billion Cisco-Splunk Partnership
The highlight of the day was a lively and thought-provoking panel discussion led by Terry Weber, featuring Dave West, Craig Bates (Splunk Vice-President ANZ), Ken Boal (Cisco Vice-President APJC Software), and Mary Armstrong (Cisco Regional Partner Manager).
The panel explored the transformative opportunities presented by Cisco’s $28 billion acquisition of global AI software leader Splunk. Discussions centred on how AI is poised to drive advancements in capability, capacity, connectivity, and commercial value.
A key takeaway? Partnerships are essential to align, adopt, and activate the potential of AI. By working in collaboration, we can realise these ambitions and unlock new possibilities across industries.
Celebrating Connection and Culture
The energy didn’t stop at the panel! At the staff morning tea, the award-winning “best place to work” culture was on full display. Cisconians and Splunkers came together to sing happy birthday, share fashion tips on ties and T-shirts, and enjoy laughter and camaraderie as new team members were welcomed.
The overwhelming turnout even required a last-minute venue change—thank you to Professor Sarah Kelly and the incredible GSB team for making it happen seamlessly!
Spotlight on Brisbane 2032
In a city preparing for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, it was only fitting for Dave West to share insights from his time leading the Tokyo Olympics Games technology. In conversation with Professor Sarah Kelly OAM, Dave reflected on the role of technology in delivering a seamless Olympic experience and how these lessons could be applied to Brisbane’s preparations.
Reflecting on a Week of Connected Partnerships
The visit to QUT reminded all of us of the immense value connected partnerships bring to innovation and digital transformation. The relationships cultivated between industry, academia, and community are what will drive the next wave of advancements in AI, technology, and beyond.
A special thanks to Dave West, Terry Weber, and Cameron Watson for inviting Innovation Central Brisbane (ICB) to host and participate in this incredible experience. To everyone who contributed and participated, from customers and partners to QUT academics and students—thank you for making this event such a success.
We look forward to accelerating innovation and sharing many more partnership experiences together!
Here’s to a future built on collaboration, innovation, and shared vision.
