Everything IT leaders need to know about HexCon26

Enterprise IT is changing fast. Endpoint management is expanding beyond device configuration into security, identity, automation, employee experience and AI-assisted operations. For IT leaders trying to make sense of that shift, HexCon26 brings many of those conversations together in one place.

HexCon, Hexnode’s annual user conference, returns to Atlanta on September 9 and 10, 2026, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. This year marks the seventh edition of HexCon, which started as a virtual event in 2020 and has since evolved into an in-person conference bringing together IT leaders, experts and practitioners.

HexCon26 spans two days with 30+ sessions, hands-on experiences, certification opportunities and networking. 

So, what is HexCon26 all about?

HexCon26 is designed around three things IT teams increasingly need: practical knowledge, visibility into what is coming next and conversations with people facing similar challenges.

The agenda covers areas including AI in device management, the future of UEM, Zero Trust, automation in IT operations, IT-security alignment, cybersecurity and the future of work.

For IT admins and security leaders, that means the conference goes beyond high-level predictions. Sessions dig into areas such as endpoint security, identity and device trust, patching and automation, digital employee experience, Windows management and AI-assisted administration.

Two days packed with IT conversations

Day one begins with the opening keynote, followed by featured sessions from Allie Mellen and Dr. Chase Cunningham.

The agenda then moves into Hexnode-focused sessions. These include Genie in the Console, Detect, Triage, Isolate, Orchestrating Identity and Endpoint Trust, Securing Your Device Fleet and Driving DEX through Hexnode Self-Service.

Customer stories and the Hexnode Partner Growth Roundtable round out the day before the evening reception.

Day two continues with sessions including Navigating the Autonomous Frontier, Next-Gen Windows Management, Hexnode in 2026 and Destination 2027, followed by certification exams and the HexCon26 closing keynote.

For attendees, the result is a mix of strategic discussions and product-level conversations rather than two days of presentations around a single theme.

Hear from people shaping IT and security

HexCon26 brings together Hexnode leaders and external experts with perspectives spanning cybersecurity, AI, managed services and enterprise IT.

The speaker lineup includes:

• Apu Pavithran — Founder and CEO of Hexnode.
• Allie Mellen — Principal Analyst at Forrester, covering security operations, nation-state threats, and the use of AI and automation in security tools; a frequent speaker at RSA Conference and Black Hat.
• Dr. Chase Cunningham — Strategic Advisor at Cyberbridge Partners, known as “Dr. Zero Trust,” and a retired Navy Chief Cryptologist with 20+ years in cyber forensics and operations.
• Ramy Nassar — Speaker, futurist and author; former Head of Innovation at Mattel and AI strategy advisor to organizations including Apple, Disney and Verizon.
• Erick Simpson — CEO and Chief Strategist at Channel Mastered, recognized as North America’s #1 resource for MSP advice and author of four best-selling books on managed services.

Alongside Hexnode product and technical leaders, this lineup brings together some of the sharpest minds in endpoint management and security. For CISOs, security teams and IT administrators, that means real perspectives on where the industry is heading — and what those changes mean on the ground.

Get early access to unreleased Hexnode products

One of the more hands-on parts of HexCon26 is Hexnode Labs.

Open throughout September 9 and 10 in Room M101, Hexnode Labs gives attendees access to pre-release builds of upcoming versions of Hexnode XDR, IdP, DEX and Genie AI. Attendees can explore dedicated live environments, try guided scenarios or bring questions from their own endpoint environments.

More importantly, the engineers working on those releases will be in the room. Attendees can discuss architecture, ask technical questions and provide feedback while the products are still taking shape.

For an IT administrator evaluating future workflows, that can be more useful than simply watching a product demonstration.

Turn two conference days into professional growth

HexCon26 also includes a dedicated certification program.

Attendees can pursue Hexnode UEM Professional, Specialist and Mastery certification paths. At HexCon26, attendees can go directly to a Specialist certification without completing the Professional-level prerequisite first. That applies across all four platforms — Android, iOS, Windows and macOS.

The platform-specific programs cover practical areas ranging from enrollment and remote management to compliance, security, application management and automation. The certification bundle combines training, the certification exam and access to the two-day event.

And, of course, talk to other IT people

Not every useful HexCon conversation happens on stage.

HexCon26 includes discussions, opportunities for 1:1 meetings and networking with Hexnode experts, partners and fellow attendees.

Previous attendees have highlighted that combination of product and industry learning.

Should HexCon26 be on your calendar?

Managing endpoints, securing enterprise access, automating IT operations — these are the questions HexCon26 is built around. If any of that is on your plate, the conference offers two days to explore those challenges from several angles.

You can hear from security and IT experts, see where Hexnode is heading and work directly with unreleased technology in Hexnode Labs. Strengthen your technical skills through certification and compare notes with people dealing with similar endpoint challenges.

HexCon26 takes place September 9–10, 2026, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

Two days. Plenty of questions to bring. And, hopefully, a clearer idea of what comes next for your IT environment.