ManageEngine User Conference Bengaluru – Vision 2026, AI Focus & Leadership Connect

I recently had the opportunity to attend this event ManageEngine User Conference in the middle Bengaluru (Feb 19–20), and ours VP of Sales, Sriram.

I went in expecting a typical tech conference – product announcements, feature updates, and tech talks.

I came back with something very meaningful.

An idea.

This was not an event about software. It was about understanding where enterprise IT is headed, how AI is reshaping operations, and why strong relationships and leadership vision are more important than ever.

In two days, the experience has changed learning about products to understanding the future of IT itself.

When Conversations Matter More Than Presentations

One of the most impactful parts of the conference was the opportunity to interact directly with ManageEngine’s leadership team – Bharath, Ananth Babu, Allan, Prasath, and Thiagu.

What made these connections special was their authenticity.

There were no written answers or business constraints. Instead, we had open discussions about:

• Real customer challenges
• Implementation experience from the field
• Product evolution and long-term strategies
• Partner expectations and interactions

It felt less like talking to leadership and more like working with a team committed to solving real problems.

Important observations for me:

A technology ecosystem thrives not only because of strong products, but because of strong relationships and a shared vision.

When leadership listens, partners understand each other better – and customers ultimately benefit.

A Time of Leadership That Really Shines

The highlight of the conference was the meeting Shailesh Daveythe CEO of Zoho Company.

His session was really intense because it wasn’t light.

In a tech world often driven by hype cycles and fast trends, his message was refreshingly grounded. He talked about building technology with patience – focusing on engineering excellence, independence, and long-term thinking rather than short-term market noise.

Highlights:

• Clear long term product thinking
• India-centric innovation with global relevance
• A sustainable and independent growth philosophy
• Deep commitment to engineering excellence

Listening to his opinion was reassuring. It reinforced the idea that lasting innovation comes from consistency, discipline, and purpose – not speed alone.

AI – Finally Explained The Right Way

AI dominated discussions throughout the conference. But unlike most events where the AI ​​feels like an audible voice, here it is presented clearly and usefully.

The focus was simple:

AI should improve operations peacefully, not antagonize them.

Key applications discussed include:

• Automating IT service management workflows
• Predicting events before disruption
• Improving asset visibility and performance information
• Reducing repetitive IT tasks

The biggest takeaway?

👉 AI doesn’t replace people – it empowers teams.

Instead of adding complexity, AI is becoming an invisible layer that helps IT teams move faster, make smarter decisions, and focus on strategic initiatives.

Vision 2026 – Seeing the Way Ahead

Another strong feature of the conference was clarity on the way ManageEngine is heading towards 2026.

Instead of vague future promises, the roadmap showed a structured and confident growth strategy.

Key focus areas include:

• Expansion of property and asset management skills
• First AI enhancements in all solutions
• Focusing on strong growth in the Indian market
• Sustainable investment in ecosystem success
• Business-friendly platform development

For us as a retailer, this early visibility is incredibly important.

It allows us to go from being a solution provider to being strategic advisorshelping customers make technology decisions that stay relevant for years — not just months.

More than a Conference – A Real Learning Experience

Throughout the two days, the environment felt more collaborative than formal.

Instead of passive sessions, the conference encouraged participation, discussion, and learning sharing.

Experience includes:

• Real customer situations are discussed openly
• Depth goes into product strength
• Specific clarification of product challenges
• Open Q&A session
• Cross-partner learning

It really felt less like attending a conference and more like being part of a working community.

The biggest reminder?

Real learning happens through interaction — not slides.

My Big Takeaway

As I reflected on the experience during the return trip, one thought stuck with me:

Technical success comes from alignment.

Alignment between:

• A vision of leadership
• Product development
• Partner cooperation
• Customer needs

The ManageEngine User Conference wasn’t just about understanding what’s out there today. It was about preparing for what was to come.

I came back with:
✅ clear understanding of strategies
✅ strong relationship
✅ deep confidence in the ecosystem
✅ renewed joy in helping customers navigate smart IT jobs

And to be honest, that’s what made this experience truly memorable.

Because sometimes, the most important outcome of a conference isn’t the knowledge you gather — the perspective you gain.

It is exciting to translate these lessons into real value for our customers as we look to the future of IT.

Karthikeyan – QA Manager.