Created by the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce, the event aimed to provide local professionals with a better understanding of what is happening in the digital world today and what is going to happen in the short term.

“We had a basic concept that we just wanted to bring not only basic tech information to business owners but a more forward thinking concept around what challenges, opportunities and threats there are and how they can take advantage of them today,” Chamber president Matt Wright said.

Mr Wright said hearing from attendees, one of the key messages was that businesses don’t have a choice to be involved in technology because they are.

“So everything that they do anyway has some sort of tech involvement,” he said.

“I think the overarching theme is we’re in it through no choice .. so embrace it and find ways to incorporate it to be more efficient, smarter and cost effective.”

Mr Wright said there was a real spread of businesses who attended, including wholesalers and retailers.

“And I think they all understand that in some way, shape or form technology is going to play a part in what they do,” he said.

As well as hearing from guest speakers, including Xero, Commonwealth Bank, Microsoft, Telstra, nbn and Amazon.

Approximately 15 exhibitors were also on hand to offer advice on how to best apply technology to business.

Xero managing director Trent Innes said it was great to see the Chamber putting on the event for regional Australia.

“You could run a global business from anywhere so it’s really exciting to see that investment going in,” he said.

One of Xero’s specialties is building Cloud accounting for small businesses, so in Mr Innes key note address, he spoke about the opportunities for small businesses, how they can leverage technology and digitisation to expand and become more efficiently.

“Historically the barriers through entry for small businesses have been quite high for technology, whereas now its commoditised,” Mr Innes said.

He said challenges were a mindset.

“If anything technology is at the time where it’s the least scary thing,” Mr Innes said.

“Historically you had to be a technology expert to actually install something whereas now you don’t..it’s much easier now than it’s ever been.”

Mathew Dickerson, from axxis, thanked the Chamber for having the foresight for diga.tech.

“No matter what business you’re in technology is important so having a technology focused expo is, I think, visionary from the Chamber.. and will help businesses be ahead of the game,” he said.

“Technology is so important for any business.”