The ChannelPro Network Advertise

In-Person Event

March 11-12, 2025 | Dallas, Texas

2025 ChannelPro DEFEND: Central

Renaissance Dallas North

2025 ChannelPro DEFEND: Central

ChannelPro DEFEND events are specialized conferences designed to equip IT service providers, MSPs, and IT consultants with the latest strategies, tools, and insights needed to protect their clients from cybersecurity threats, while accelerating their security solutions revenue via expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities with top security vendors.

100% free for qualified channel partners, ChannelPro DEFEND: Central will feature interactive masterclasses led by the channel’s leading cybersecurity practitioners and renowned strategists to empower MSPs with:

✅ Actionable strategies for selling cybersecurity solutions

✅ Critical tips on preventing catastrophic data breaches

✅ Insight into the latest AI-powered tech to strengthen your security posture

✅ Best branding practices and tactics for positioning your business as a trusted security partner

Plus, you will have dedicated networking time with the channel’s most innovative cybersecurity vendors to facilitate striking lucrative deals.

Free hotel room included!

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Event Details

Dates

March 11-12, 2025

Multi-Day Event

Location

Dallas, Texas

Venue

Renaissance Dallas North

Cost

Free for Qualified Channel Partners

Registration

Event Schedule

Speakers

Sponsors

Cancellation

Additional Info

Event Registration

Event Schedule

Mar

11

Mar

12

Sessions for Tuesday, March 11, 2025

2:00 PM

Registration opens - AGENDA SUBJECT TO CHANGE - watch this space

2:30 PM

Opening Remarks

Michael Siggins

Founder, Publisher

The ChannelPro Network

2:50 PM

Q&A with an Ethical Hacker

Learn More

Sr. Channel Editor

The ChannelPro Network

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!

3:30 PM

Breakout Sessions - TBD

4:50 PM

Don't Want to Get Sued? Everything You Need to Know in 20 Minutes

Learn More

It's a dangerous time to be in the tech services industry. Lawsuits can eat up time and money while ruining your reputation. In this can't-miss presentation, legal expert Bradley Gross will share the essential steps you need to take TODAY to guard against legal action.

5:25 PM

There's No ROI in Cybersecurity (Unless You Do These Key Things)

Learn More

MSPs can't afford to sink time and money into building a cybersecurity practice only to realize a minor bump in revenue. We'll talk to the channel's top vendors about the challenges and opportunities related to security technology. They'll also share essential best practices to make cybersecurity an essential part of your growth strategy.

5:55 PM

MSP March Madness

Learn More

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.

6:15 PM

CMMC: The Dire Implications for Your MSP

Learn More

Fernando Machado

Managing Principal & Chief Information Security Office

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.

6:45 PM

ChannelPro Partner in Excellence Award Ceremony

Learn More

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.

7:00 PM

Welcome Cocktail Reception in the Exhibit Hall

Sessions for Wednesday, March 12, 2025

7:30 AM

Networking Breakfast

8:30 AM

Opening Remarks

8:50 AM

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

Learn More

Owner & Founder

MSP Sales Revolution

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.

9:20 AM

Sponsor presentations, product demos, partner program updates and more!

10:30 AM

Break

10:40 AM

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

Learn More

VP - Corporate Development and M&A

Owner, Consultant

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.

11:10 AM

Sponsor presentations, product demos, partner program updates and more!

1:00 PM

Product & Services Expo Luncheon

2:30 PM

This…isn't….Jeopardy

Learn More

Online Director, Technical Editor

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!

3:00 PM

Windows 10 EOL: Don't Squander the Opportunity

Learn More

New Horizon Data

Owner, Consultant

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.

3:30 PM

Building the Perfect Security-powered MSP: Where to Start

Learn More

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.

4:15 PM

Sponsor Award Voting

4:25 PM

Closing Featured Speaker: TBD

5:25 PM

Closing Remarks, Sponsor Awards & Attendee Giveaways!

Speakers

Speakers

Owner & Founder

MSP Sales Revolution

Learn More

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 8:50am

Sr. Channel Editor

The ChannelPro Network

Learn More

Anjali Fluker is Senior Channel Editor at The ChannelPro Network. She is an award-winning reporter and editor in the news industry for 25 years, specializing in topics including sports, local government, real estate and development, restaurants, and transportation for publications in Detroit, MI, and Orlando, FL.

Q&A with an Ethical Hacker

Mar 11, 2025 2:50pm

CEO

New Horizon Data

Learn More

I’m a serial entrepreneur with a passion for starting IT companies and tackling challenging projects—the harder, the better! I thrive on networking with brilliant minds, fostering collaborations that create dynamic business synergies. One of my greatest strengths is spotting hidden potential in people—finding diamonds in the rough. I’ve been fortunate to uncover exceptional talent often overlooked by others, proving that A-plus talent isn’t just found; it’s nurtured and developed. My journey is driven by the belief that great teams are built by seeing what others might miss and helping individuals realize their full potential.

Windows 10 EOL: Don't Squander the Opportunity

Mar 12, 2025 3:00pm

Fernando Machado

Managing Principal & Chief Information Security Office

Cybersec Investments

Learn More

Fernando is the Managing Principal & Chief Information Security Officer for Cybersec Investments, an Authorized CMMC 3rd Party Assessment Organization. Fernando is a Lead CMMC Certified Assessor and CMMC Certified Professional (CCP). Fernando was a member of the CMMC Accreditation Body’s Standards Management Industry Working Group, which helped develop guidance on CMMC’s assessment criteria & scoping with over 17,000 volunteer hours. His contributions led to being formally recognized by the President of the United States with the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

CMMC: The Dire Implications for Your MSP

Mar 11, 2025 6:15pm

VP - Corporate Development and M&A

Meriplex

Learn More

Neil Medwed is Meriplex's Vice President of Corporate Development and M&A, with responsibly for leading for the organizations National Expansion. He has been instrumental in acquiring 11 quality Managed Services Providers throughout the US, with many more to come. In addition, because of his deep and long-term relationships with high level Executives of manufacturers and distributors, he works with top-tier vendors to strategically align with Meriplex’s interest. Neil has over 40 years in the VAR/MSP industry and throughout his career, has invested heavily in being a leader and visionary in technology communities. Prior to joining Meriplex, he was the President and CEO of Preferred Technology Solutions, a Texas-based MSP for 26 years. He was named one of 20 Most Influential MSP's of 2022 by Channel Futures and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the MSP 501 Gala in 2024 for the positive impact he has made in the industry.

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

Mar 12, 2025 10:40am

Owner, Consultant

Codistac

Learn More

Heather Noggle has built a 30-year career consisting of HR, software development, data integration, cybersecurity, project management, business ownership, speaking, and writing. Passionate about small business cybersecurity, Heather blends her expertise with engaging storytelling, often using analogies and AI-generated images of black cats in cybersecurity-themed antics and circumstances on social media to raise awareness within the small business community. Heather serves as Vice Chair of the Springfield Tech Council and also volunteers with Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.

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

Mar 12, 2025 10:40am

Windows 10 EOL: Don't Squander the Opportunity

Mar 12, 2025 3:00pm

Michael Siggins

Founder, Publisher

The ChannelPro Network

Learn More

Michael Siggins is the founder and publisher of The ChannelPro Network. Since March 2007 the network has been providing targeted business and technology information for the IT channel. Via its print and online properties, the network delivers expert opinion, analysis, news, product reviews, and advice vital to business success. Michael is also president and publisher of ChannelPro: The Insider’s Guide to SMB, the only channel media property dedicated to the needs of channel professionals working in the SMB marketplace. Prior to founding The ChannelPro Network, Michael worked for more than 14 years at IDG, the world’s leading technology media, events, and research company.

Opening Remarks

Mar 11, 2025 2:30pm

Online Director, Technical Editor

ChannelPro

Learn More

Matt Whitlock is responsible for the strategic direction and technical content of ChannelProNetwork.com. He brings more than 20 years’ experience working in the technology industry to his reviews, analysis, and general musings about all things gadget and gear. Matt’s decade of experience in online media, community management, and web development has been instrumental in propelling the ChannelPro brand into the digital future. Matt also lends his vocal talent (and sense of humor) as host for the ChannelPro Weekly Podcast, a weekly audio program specifically tailored for resellers, VARs, MSPs, and system builders. His spare time is devoted primarily to his wife and two wonderful children as sports cheerleader, amateur chauffeur, opener of jars, target for NERF bullets, maker of coffee and sandwiches, changer of AA and AAA batteries, and fixer of computers.

This…isn't….Jeopardy

Mar 12, 2025 2:30pm

Sponsors

Cancellation

Registration Cancellation

ChannelPro events are free for qualified MSPs and IT channel partners. Our staff reviews all registration information, and if the business details you provide on the form do not meet the required qualifications, your registration will be canceled.

If you need to modify or cancel your registration, please email us at events@channelpronetwork.com.

Hotel Cancellation

If you do not attend the event at all and do not send us an email of your cancellation by March 4, 2025, your reservation fee will not be refunded.

Please email us at events@channelpronetwork.com if you need to modify or cancel your hotel reservation.

Additional Info

Event Location

Renaissance Dallas North - 1590 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway - Dallas, TX 75234

The Renaissance Dallas North hotel places you close to the best attractions in the city. Located near the vibrant Las Colinas Business District and only 10 minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, this 12-story hotel invites you into a comfortable and inviting setting.

Parking

Parking is free at the hotel.

Registration Terms and Conditions

Our sponsors make ChannelPro Events possible: We are proud to present a showcase of vendor solutions at every event to provide additional learning opportunities and enable channel pros to get one-on-one advice on employing new technologies and services to better serve their clients and their own businesses. Contact information of event registrants is shared with sponsors to allow them to keep you up to date on their solutions.

By attending this event, you consent to being photographed or filmed for promotional use, such as on social media, marketing materials, and our website, to capture and share memorable moments.

All registrants are enrolled in the ChannelPro Insider program and are eligible for free resources. You can unsubscribe at any time.

If you are a resident of California, you can click here CCPA form.

Attendee Code of Conduct

ChannelPro Code of Conduct

Privacy Policy

EH Media LLC privacy policy.

The ChannelPro Network is part of EH Media LLC.

About ChannelPro

The ChannelPro Network is a media company providing targeted business and technology information for IT decision makers and channel partners. Via its websites, live events and quarterly special reports, The ChannelPro Network delivers expert opinion, analysis, news, product reviews, and advice for IT decision makers and channel partners. Perspectives from partners, vendors, distributors, and analysts are spotlighted daily.

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