2025 ChannelPro DEFEND: Central

2:45 PM

Q&A with an Ethical Hacker

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Chief Information Security Officer

Ian Thornton-Trump

Inversion6

Ever wondered what it’s like to be an ethical hacker? Join us for a live Q&A where a seasoned cybersecurity expert shares insights into the world of hacking for good—how vulnerabilities are uncovered, common mistakes companies make, and the latest tools of the trade. This interactive session will give you a firsthand look into ethical hacking, revealing actionable steps to strengthen your defenses and stay ahead of emerging threats. Bring your questions and learn from the best in the business!

3:25 PM

Hacks to Riches: The Playbook on How to Sell Network Pentesting in 10 Simple Steps

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Davene Smith

Channel Development Manager

Kaseya

Abstract: Learn how to outperform your competitors and engage clients with on-demand network pentesting. We’ll cover: what is Network Pentesting and why your clients need it. The golden age of Pentesting. Effective Sales Strategies: Selling penetration testing at half the cost. Resources for boosting profits, including website templates and pricing strategies. Discover how to spot sales opportunities within your existing clients, especially in regulated industries

3:25 PM

Special SonicWall Breakout Presentation

4:05 PM

Vendor Preference Directory - Cast Your Vote!

4:20 PM

MSP March Madness

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Matt Whitlock

Online Director, Technical Editor

ChannelPro

Get ready for the ultimate showdown of MSP expertise in "MSP March Madness!" Each table will compete by submitting their best answers to thought-provoking questions, and the audience votes for the winning responses, with prizes going to the table that rises to the top.

4:40 PM

The Key to Unlocking Big Profits: What Vendors Know That MSPs Often Don't

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Director of Cybersecurity Partnerships & Evangelism

Maggie MacAlpine

Seceon

Brian Doty

Channel Development Manager

Kaseya

Brad Waldo

Strategic Partner Manager | MSP

LastPass

Michael Crean

Executive Vice President, Managed Security Services

SonicWall

Tired of investing in new cybersecurity services that barely move the needle? In this dynamic session, we'll ask some of the channel's top vendors about the technologies, techniques, and strategies they recommend for generating recurring revenue. Don’t miss the chance to ask your questions and learn the secrets that could transform your bottom line!

5:10 PM

CMMC: The Dire Implications for Your MSP

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Blair Dawson, JD, MS CyS, FIP, CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM

Managing Principal & Chief Information Security Office

Fernando Machado

Cybersec Investments

Is your MSP able to turn regulatory pressures into a competitive advantage? As CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) requirements tighten, MSPs face critical new challenges that will reshape the entire industry. This session provides actionable advice so you can consult on compliance hurdles, manage client expectations, and avoid the consequences of non-compliance.

5:40 PM

ChannelPro Partner in Excellence Award Ceremony

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Celebrate excellence at the "ChannelPro Partner in Excellence Award Ceremony." where we recognize and award a local IT channel leader for outstanding leadership, innovation, camaraderie, and commitment to building the industry. Join us in honoring the individuals who are making a difference in Dallas.

5:55 PM

Welcome Cocktail Reception in the Exhibit Hall

Sessions for Wednesday, March 12, 2025

7:30 AM

Networking Breakfast

8:30 AM

Opening Remarks

Michael Siggins

Founder, Publisher

8:45 AM

New Cybersecurity Services You Aren't Offering (But Should!)

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Chief Information Security Officer

Inversion6

The most popular IT businesses differentiate themselves by delivering solutions that their competitors can't or won't. In this panel discussion, we'll explore the most lucrative services that complement everything else in your portfolio.

9:15 AM

The Profit Playbook: Smart Moves for Greater Earnings [Presented by: Kaseya]

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Davene Smith

Channel Development Manager

Kaseya

Many MSPs struggle with slim 10% profit margins, while other professional services enjoy 20-30%. Simplifying the tech stack with solutions like Kaseya 365 empowers MSPs to cut costs, boost efficiency, and unlock higher profitability. This playbook highlights strategies to streamline operations and significantly increase earnings, helping MSPs achieve the margins they deserve.

9:35 AM

Cybersecurity Overload? Distribution Evolved: The Human Connection [Presented by Excel Micro]

9:45 AM

Zero Trust at the Endpoint [Presented by Threatlocker]

9:55 AM

MSP Growth Tools [Presented by: TD SYNNEX]

10:05 AM

Addressing the Growing SaaS Data Protection Gap [Presented by SaaSAssure]

10:15 AM

Timus SASE: Zero Trust Network Protection Made Simple

10:25 AM

Break

10:35 AM

The Good, Bad, and Ugly: The Biggest Issues Facing Texas MSPs in 2025

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VP - Corporate Development and M&A

Neil Medwed

What challenges do MSPs in Texas face that others may not? What about money-making opportunities that are exclusive to the Southern region? This panel will explore the most pressing local issues shaping the future of your business and provide insights to help you navigate the year ahead.

11:05 AM

Platinum Sponsor Presenation: SonicWall

11:20 AM

Scale Your MSP: How to Use Zero Trust and MDM for Profitable Security [Presented by LogMeIn]

11:30 AM

Protecting Against the Unknown: How Advanced Threat Intelligence Helps You Understand the Gaps Attackers Use [Presented by: Celerium]

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Cyber threats are evolving at an alarming rate, and attackers are constantly searching for weak spots in cyber defenses. For MSPs, identifying and closing these security gaps is crucial—not only to protect clients but also to strengthen service offerings and drive revenue growth. In this session, we’ll explore the most common gaps attackers exploit in cybersecurity strategies, how advanced threat intelligence helps MSPs stay ahead of evolving threats, and how Celerium’s Network Defender equips MSPs with real-time, actionable intelligence to fill these security gaps and proactively defend against cyberattacks. We’ll also touch on how to identify vulnerabilities and how MSPs can counter these attackers' tactics without overcomplicating their security stack. This session will provide a practical roadmap for MSPs looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture while growing their business.

11:40 AM

Ransomware Rodeo with Check Point

11:50 AM

The Ultimate Marketing Plan for MSPs [Presented by: Technology Marketing Toolkit]

12:00 PM

Managed Security Starts with Identify [Presented by EVO]

12:10 PM

ROI Lightning Round Presentations

1:00 PM

Product & Services Expo Luncheon

2:30 PM

This…isn't….Jeopardy

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Matt Whitlock

Online Director, Technical Editor

ChannelPro

In this fun twist on the classic format, two brave contestants will answer technology and MSP industry questions that challenge their knowledge and creativity, with one winner walking away with an amazing prize!

3:10 PM

Windows 10 EOL: Don't Squander the Opportunity

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Time is ticking, with Windows 10 reaching its End of Life later this year. Just like every EOL of the last 30 year, this part of the hardware refresh cycle is a massive growth opportunity for MSPs. Get expert guidance on: * Crafting tailored upgrade plans that align with client business goals and budgets. * Selling the investment and achieving buy-in * Orchestrating a secure and seamless transition to new, future-proof hardware. * Expanding managed services and pocketing more recurring revenue.

3:40 PM

Sponsor Award Voting

3:50 PM

Building the Perfect Security-powered MSP: Where to Start

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Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor, Region VI

People, process, and technology. It's a cliché, but those are the three key areas that every IT business needs to optimize if they want to dominate the marketplace. We're taking a fireside chat approach with three industry experts to discuss how you can leverage cutting edge tech like AI and automation to perfect your personnel, operations, and stack.

4:35 PM

Partnering with CISA to Improve Security and Increase MSP Revenue

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Chad Adams

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

MSPs that add new cybersecurity services can experience a lift in revenues, an uptick in interest from prospective clients, and cement their role as a trusted advisor. Partnering with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) makes that journey faster. In this dynamic keynote presentation, CISA’s Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor for the Dallas region, Chad Adams, will speak to the challenges MSPs face in today’s threat landscape. Then he’ll highlight actionable steps that CISA partners can take to foster sustainable growth in their cybersecurity practice. Time will be reserved for Q&A and we invite you to bring your questions to this interactive session.

5:35 PM

Closing Remarks, Sponsor Awards & Attendee Giveaways!

Speakers

Chad Adams

Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor, Region VI

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

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Chad Adams is a leader in cybersecurity, with over 24 years of experience within the Cybersecurity field. Currently serving as the Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor for DHS/CISA Region 6 within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Chad brings expertise in threat mitigation, cyber risk management, incident response, and vulnerability management to his role. In his career, Chad has played roles in safeguarding critical infrastructure and bolstering cyber resilience. His tenure of over 13 years in government service, primarily with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), underscores his commitment to national security and cyber defense. Throughout his tenure, Chad has conducted cyber security assessments, advised on federal cyber security audits, and collaborated closely with stakeholders at all levels of government and the private sector to mitigate emerging threats, reduce cyber risk, and build cyber resiliency. As a Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor, Chad's CSA team works to foster collaboration and coordination on cyber preparedness, risk mitigation, and incident response, and to provide cybersecurity resources, including training, exercises, and assessments, in support of the nation's Critical Infrastructure Key Resource sectors and with state and local governments. Chad Adams is an alumnus of Southeastern Louisiana University, where he earned a degree in Information Systems Management and Security. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Chad possesses the ISACA CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Controls) certification, along with a range of other industry-standard certifications in security and engineering.

Partnering with CISA to Improve Security and Increase MSP Revenue

Mar 12, 2025 4:35pm

Jennifer Bleam

Owner & Founder

MSP Sales Revolution

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Jennifer Bleam is an award-winning speaker, a respected leader in the IT channel, and 2-time best-selling author. Her book “Simplified Cybersecurity Sales For MSPs” (available on Amazon and Audible) has over 125 reviews and MSPs cannot stop raving about it. She has had the privilege of speaking at countless industry events including ones hosted by ConnectWise, Continuum, Kaseya, Auvik, Technology Marketing Toolkit, CharTec, ASCII, and ChannelPro. She is a student of sales and marketing, both inside and outside the channel; she uses that knowledge to design human-centric sales and marketing systems through the MSP Growth Trinity. Not only did Jennifer own an MSP, but she has also had the privilege of coaching over 2,000 MSPs on marketing and sales best practices. Jennifer has grown several divisions and companies to multi-million dollars, including a cybersecurity firm in the IT channel. Jennifer has trained with Sandler Training, TruMethods, CharTec, and Keenan (author of “Gap Selling”).

New Cybersecurity Services You Aren't Offering (But Should!)

Mar 12, 2025 8:45am

Windows 10 EOL: Don't Squander the Opportunity

Mar 12, 2025 3:10pm

Michael Crean

Executive Vice President, Managed Security Services

SonicWall

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Michael Crean currently leads the Managed Security Services team at SonicWall, where he came aboard following SonicWall’s acquisition of leading MSSP Solutions Granted Inc. Crean, a U.S. Army combat veteran, founded Solutions Granted Inc. in 2001. He saw the need to bridge the gap between IT and IS with solid security offerings and strong, cost-effective solutions. His relentless commitment to providing security that met corporate goals and compliance standards caused immediate growth; at the time of its acquisition, Solutions Granted provided managed security offerings to thousands of customers worldwide. He is now helping to empower MSP partners with managed detection and response (MDR) and other solutions.

The Key to Unlocking Big Profits: What Vendors Know That MSPs Often Don't

Mar 11, 2025 4:40pm

Blair Dawson, JD, MS CyS, FIP, CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM

Member

McDonald Hopkins

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Blair has extensive experience in data privacy and cybersecurity. Her practice focuses on responding to data security incidents while ensuring clients remain compliant with legal requirements, as well as managing operational and reputational impact. She works with clients to contain the incident, minimize disruption to business operations, deliver effective communications and minimize exposure to litigation and investigations. She also provides pre-breach/compliance support to place clients in the best position possible from a business, insurance, regulatory and incident response standpoint. She holds IAPP certifications (FIP, CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM) and a M.S. Cybersecurity. She is Board Member for The Cyber Helpline, Member of the IWCA, Board Member for WISP and a Member for the WiCyS. She is a Professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law teaching cybersecurity and data privacy. She was also awarded Crain's Chicago Business Notable Women in Law 2024.

CMMC: The Dire Implications for Your MSP

Mar 11, 2025 5:10pm

Brian Doty

Channel Development Manager

Kaseya

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Brian Doty is a tech sales professional with over 20 years of experience from retail to B2B and channel development. At Continuum he helped MSPs scale and grow their business with NOC, Helpdesk, and SOC support strategies and deliver cybersecurity strategies to their clients. After Continuum, Brian was the Director of Sales for a Managed Services Provider in Pittsburgh, PA where he built a cybersecurity strategy for their clients and increase monthly recurring revenue. Brian joined the Channel Development Team at Kaseya in 2020 to work with the MSP community.

The Key to Unlocking Big Profits: What Vendors Know That MSPs Often Don't

Mar 11, 2025 4:40pm