The Rise of Agentic AI
This year’s Identiverse was undeniably dominated by one theme: Agentic AI. From keynotes to corridor conversations, the buzz was inescapable. What struck me most was a recurring observation from attendees, many vendors were essentially telling incomplete versions of the same story. The narrative around Agentic AI governance is still fragmented, with each player emphasizing their own piece of the puzzle while leaving gaps in the broader picture.
The focus on orchestration was a given, but here’s the catch: several vendors are still pushing orchestration solutions that barely support IAM 2.0, let alone the demands of IAM 3.0. In an era where identity and access management is evolving at breakneck speed, it’s surprising to see how many are lagging behind the curve. The question isn’t just about whether we can orchestrate AI agents, it’s about whether we’re building the right foundation to support the next generation of identity management.
The Value of Identiverse: Connections and Conversations
Identiverse has always been a prime opportunity to connect, and this year was no exception. The show proved its worth in two key areas:
• Partnerships: It was a fantastic venue to meet with existing partners and discover new ones who bring real value to the table. The collaborative energy was palpable, and I left with a sense of renewed momentum in several strategic relationships.
• Client Engagement: For catching up with existing clients, Identiverse remains a standout. The focused environment makes it easy to dive deep into ongoing projects, challenges, and opportunities.
That said, the feedback on new prospecting was mixed. Few exhibitors I spoke with described the show as outstanding for meeting fresh leads. The booth traffic seemed more geared toward those already in the ecosystem rather than newcomers exploring the space for the first time.
Personal Takeaways: Time Well Spent
For me, Identiverse 2026 was time well spent. Beyond the networking, I had the chance to engage in some highly promising early conversations with potential clients. These weren’t just cursory chats, they were substantive discussions about real-world challenges and how we might address them together.
I also walked away with a list of follow-ups. Several vendors presented intriguing updates on their latest offerings and roadmaps, and I’m eager to explore how these might align with our own strategic direction.
A Standout Moment: The Panel Discussion
One of the highlights of my experience was participating in a powerful panel discussion. Joined by John Tolbert from KuppingerCole, Mike Green from Availity, and Jason Keenaghan from Thales, and moderated by Ammar Faheem from Thales, our conversation was dynamic and far-reaching. While we didn’t bill it as an AI-focused session, the topic inevitably surfaced, and that’s where things got interesting.
What resonated most with attendees, based on the feedback I received, was our practical, grounded perspective. In a sea of theoretical presentations, our discussion stood out because we tackled the risks of today and tomorrow head-on. Attendees appreciated that we didn’t just talk about the future in abstract terms; we tied it back to actionable insights and real-world applications. As one person put it, "Many presentations were theoretical, but yours was real."
Looking Ahead
Identiverse 2026 reinforced a few key truths for me:
1. Agentic AI is here to stay, but the industry is still figuring out how to govern it effectively.
2. IAM is evolving, and those who cling to outdated frameworks risk falling behind.
3. Real-world insights are what the community craves. There’s a hunger for discussions that move beyond theory and into the messy, practical realities of implementation.
As I reflect on the event, I’m left with a sense of optimism. The conversations I had, with partners, clients, and prospects, were energizing. The challenges ahead are significant, but so are the opportunities. And if there’s one thing Identiverse 2026 made clear, it’s that the identity community is ready to roll up its sleeves and get to work.
What were your biggest takeaways from Identiverse 2026? Did you notice the same focus on Agentic AI, or were there other themes that stood out to you?
