Kate McKenzie Named ENTECH CEO, Unveils EnTalks 2026
▼ Summary
– Kate McKenzie has become ENTECH’s new CEO and launched EnTalks for the 2026 roadshows in Australia and New Zealand.
– ENTECH is a 32-year-old, internationally recognized trade show and roadshow for AV professionals, visiting all major population centers in Australia and New Zealand.
– EnTalks are free educational seminars held on the trade show floor using silent disco headphones, featuring four simultaneous sessions on products and industry topics like Career Pathways.
– McKenzie previously managed ENTECH’s roadshows for eight years, and her promotion coincides with founder Julius Grafton moving to focus on his other business, Sydney PA Hire.
– The 2026 ENTECH roadshows will heavily feature expanded EnTalks, including sessions on professional video and PTZ cameras, and will visit multiple cities between May and August 2026.
With the official appointment of Kate McKenzie as the new Chief Executive Officer of ENTECH, the company has announced the launch of its groundbreaking EnTalks initiative for the 2026 ENTECH roadshows across Australia and New Zealand. ENTECH stands out as the exclusive trade show and roadshow dedicated to audiovisual and entertainment technology professionals, reaching every major population hub in Australia and extending its presence to New Zealand.
Celebrating its thirty-second year, ENTECH ranks among the world’s longest-running trade exhibitions. It has earned international acclaim for its forward-thinking approach, particularly its adaptable and cost-effective roadshow model that brings the event directly to industry professionals.
EnTalks represent a fresh educational component—free, city-by-city seminars held right on the ENTECH tradeshow floor. Using silent disco headphones, attendees can choose from four simultaneous presentations without distracting noise. Beyond product demonstrations by exhibitors, these sessions cover vital industry subjects such as Career Pathways, designed to draw new talent into the professional AV sector.
McKenzie’s promotion to CEO follows eight years as Event Manager overseeing the company’s roadshows. Her advancement coincides with founder Julius Grafton’s shift in focus toward managing his recent acquisition, Sydney PA Hire, after establishing ENTECH in 1993.
Future ENTECH roadshows will feature four adjacent theatre areas on the exhibition floor. Each participant wears a headset tuned to a specific presenter, ensuring clear audio without interference. Given ENTECH’s specialization in professional AV, operating four distinct frequencies for separate presentations is both simple and effective. Large screens beside each speaker help maintain audience engagement with visual support.
Building on their popularity at recent events, EnTalks have been expanded and refined. Sessions and topics are promoted in advance, though attendees are welcome to join spontaneously on the day. In addition to exhibitor-led product overviews, past sessions have included TAG discussing Allen & Heath solutions, Motley sharing insights from lighting KISS concerts in Australia, along with important workshops on workplace safety and radio frequencies. Due to strong feedback from visitors and exhibitors, the upcoming roadshows will place significant emphasis on professional video and PTZ camera technologies.
The 2026 ENTECH Roadshow schedule includes stops in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth during May, followed by Auckland and Wellington in July, and Christchurch in August. Exhibition space is limited and prioritized for national exhibitors—typically distributors—with freight transported via dedicated trucks. A limited number of spaces are reserved for video distributors and resellers who confirm their bookings early.
Interest and early registrations for ENTECH 2026 have surpassed all previous years. Stakeholders are enthusiastic about the latest enhancements, especially the upgraded EnTalks program, contributing to growing momentum as the event approaches.
(Source: ITWire Australia)
