We just returned from Pax8 Beyond EMEA 2025. This was more than just another industry event! It felt like peeking into the future of technology, business, and the way we’ll all be working in the years ahead. Between the inspiring sessions, the thought-provoking conversations, and even a few moments of healthy frustration, our team came home with a clear message: change is not coming, it’s already here.
Here are 5 of the most valuable things we have learnt and the practical changes we plan to make at Lucidica.
1. The Agentic Inflection Point: AI Agents Doing the Work for You
One theme kept coming up again and again: AI agents. These aren’t science fiction characters. They’re digital tools that can take on repetitive, time-consuming tasks, so humans can focus on the work that really matters.
The conference called this moment the agentic inflection point, a tipping point where these tools become so advanced that they can handle meaningful parts of daily business operations. Some are pre-packaged agents, ready to go out of the box. Others can be custom-built agents, designed to fit a company’s unique needs.
Why is this important to us? Because when agents take over the routine work, people get to spend more time on strategy, creativity, and innovation. It means fewer errors, faster response times, and the ability to scale without burning out staff. One MSP leader even said they believe they’ve hired their last first-line engineer—because agents will fill that role moving forward.
2. Learning with Pax8 Academy
Technology is powerful, but only if people know how to use it. That’s why Pax8 Academy stood out to us. It’s a goldmine of resources, from job description templates for engineers to in-depth technical training and even sales and operations courses.
The best part is how accessible it is. Whether you’re part of a large IT team or a small business just starting to scale, the Academy helps democratise learning. For us, it’s not just about improving technical skills, it’s also about creating a culture of continuous learning that keeps our team motivated, adaptable, and ready for the future.
3. Budgets: The Backbone of Smart Growth
One session reminded us that you can’t build a strong business on guesswork. Too many companies, especially in fast-moving industries like ours, operate without strict budgets. That can lead to overspending, missed opportunities, or sudden financial shocks.
We’re making it a priority to set department-specific budgets for marketing, operations, sales, and other departments, and review them annually. Clear budgets don’t just keep spending on track. They also help us plan strategically, allocate resources wisely, and hold ourselves accountable.
4. From MSP to MIP: The Future of IT
Traditionally, IT providers like us have been known as Managed Service Providers (MSPs): the people who keep systems running and step in when something breaks. The conference challenged us to think differently. The future is about becoming Managed Intelligence Providers (MIPs).
That shift means moving from reactive problem-solvers to proactive partners. As MIPs, we can use AI and agents to analyse data, optimise processes, and deliver insights that help businesses not just survive, but thrive. It positions us as collaborators in innovation, not just technical support.
5. Marketing & Lead Generation with Google Ads
Another highlight for us was a practical session on Google Ads. Instead of abstract theory, the speakers walked us through real-world examples of how businesses set up, test, and refine ad campaigns to reach the right audience.
What we loved was that these strategies are approachable even for non-technical team members. That means marketing doesn’t have to sit on one person’s desk. Everyone can contribute ideas, test campaigns, and track results. The bottom line: Google Ads isn’t just about spending money; it’s about smart investments that bring measurable returns.
Talks Highlight: Creating Safe Spaces for Women in Tech
We particularly enjoyed this conversation about women in tech and what it really takes to create safe, supportive environments. For us, this topic needed to be part of the agenda, because let’s be honest: IT has long been seen as a male-focused industry. But we’re also seeing more and more women step in, make their mark, and achieve incredible things.
What resonated with us was how powerful it can be to look beyond a CV. Some of the most successful stories came from hiring people for their skills, drive, and mindset rather than a “perfect” career path. It reminded us that potential often matters more than linear experience.
Another point that struck a chord was the call for women to support each other more. Too often, we see hesitation in celebrating our own or each other’s successes. The reminder was simple but important: when women amplify women, the whole industry benefits.
For us, the biggest takeaway was this: allyship isn’t optional, and it isn’t limited to women. Everyone in tech has a role to play in speaking up, ensuring diverse perspectives, and creating space for all voices to thrive. And as we listened, it made us reflect on how we can continue building that culture inside our own teams.
The Practical Steps We’re Taking Now
It’s one thing to come back from a conference inspired. It’s another to actually put the lessons into practice. Here’s what we’re committing to as a team:
- Integrate agents into our daily workflows, starting with repetitive tasks.
- Test different types of agents to find the ones that fit best.
- Upskill our staff through Pax8 Academy, keeping our skills sharp.
Looking Ahead
Walking out of Pax8 Beyond EMEA 2025, we felt a mix of excitement and responsibility. Excitement for the possibilities agents and intelligent systems bring. Responsibility to make sure we don’t just watch the future happen, we actively shape it.
We believe the companies that will thrive are the ones that embrace new tools, invest in people, and stay disciplined with strategy. And that’s exactly the path we’re taking.
