2025 ChannelPro DEFEND: Irvine

Founder, Publisher

2:15 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!

2:45 PM

Gold Sponsor Presentation: RYTHMz

2:55 PM

Gold Sponsor Presentation: Cynet

3:05 PM

Break

3:10 PM

Beyond the Checklist: A Roundtable on Building Your Compliance-Ready Practice

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Jon Marinaro

Director of Technical Sales

Celerium

The future of the MSP industry is inextricably linked to compliance. As clients face increasing regulatory pressure, the MSPs who can translate complex standards into a clear, valuable security strategy will dominate the market. This interactive roundtable moves beyond the "why" and dives deep into the "how." We will discuss the evolution of the MSP into a strategic security partner, where compliance becomes the ultimate tool for demonstrating value and justifying the necessary investments in a robust security stack. This is not a lecture; it is a facilitated peer discussion. Together, we will explore how to have more effective conversations with clients, shifting the narrative from "selling a new tool" to "aligning with an industry standard." The centerpiece of our session will be a hands-on worksheet designed to help you perform a rapid gap analysis of your current service offering against a foundational "baby compliance" standard. You will leave this session not just with ideas, but with the start of a tangible action plan

3:10 PM

Slide Breakout Session

3:10 PM

SonicWall Breakout Session

3:45 PM

Adaptive Security: Leveraging AI with Human Oversight

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Mike Tarango

Director of Technology

Blokworx

Technical demonstration of threat prevention and subsequent investigation to ensure threat is neutralized and eliminated from an environment leveraging AI technology alongside human analysis and intervention.

3:45 PM

Compete or Fall Behind: Using AI to Outpace Today’s Threats

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Jessica Reese

Head of MSSP Americas

Check Point Software Technologies

Matt Fanning

Security Engineer

Check Point Software Technologies

MSSPs are under pressure to do more with less. How do you scale coverage, reduce mean time to detect and respond, and grow margins despite talent constraints? With today’s AI-driven threat landscape—faster attacker automation and tool sprawl that buries analysts. Adversaries are using AI; if we don’t, we lose. This session provides a clear path to operationalizing AI across your MSSP for immediate, measurable impact. We'll explore how AI can transform your operations, enhance security outcomes, and drive business growth. Learn to confidently adopt AI, ensuring privacy and multi-tenant isolation. You'll leave with a strategic blueprint and actionable insights to improve service quality, demonstrate client value, and unlock profitable growth. Let us help you turn AI into a competitive edge.

3:45 PM

Kaseya Breakout Session

4:15 PM

Break

4:30 PM

Gold Sponsor Presentation: SysCloud

4:40 PM

Mobile Defense, Managed Smart: Strengthening Cybersecurity with MDM

Jennifer Six

Sr. Product Marketing Manager

LogMeIn

4:50 PM

Unleashing the AI digital First Mindset

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In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, embracing an AI-first mindset is crucial for organizations aiming to stay ahead of the curve. This session will explore how adopting a digital-first approach, powered by artificial intelligence tools like CoPilot, can transform businesses and drive innovation. At Microsoft, we are committed to driving our "AI First" strategy that starts with our "Customer zero", we have to be the users ourselves in order to evangelize. Join us as we discuss how AI and CoPilot agents can assist in every task, from enhancing customer experiences to optimizing operations for SMBs. We will delve into the future of skills, highlighting how AI is reshaping the workforce and the importance of continuous learning, upskilling, and reskilling to stay competitive in an AI-driven world.

6:30 PM

CMMC: Embrace the Opportunity

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Mike Semel

President - CMMC Certified Assessor

Semel Consulting LLC

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

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.

7:00 PM

Welcome Cocktail Reception in the Exhibit Hall

Sessions for Thursday, November 13, 2025

7:00 AM

Networking Breakfast

8:00 AM

Opening Remarks

Founder, Publisher

8:15 AM

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

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Co-founder and Chief Data Scientist

Virtua Consulting Group

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.

9:05 AM

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

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Seceon

Tired of investing in new services that barely move the needle? In this dynamic session, we'll ask some of the channel's top vendors about maximizing the profitability of popular MSP tools. We’ll also explore the 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!

9:35 AM

Zero Trust at the Endpoint

9:45 AM

MSP Growth Tools: Empowering Your Business for the Future

9:55 AM

Break

10:05 AM

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

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Online Director, Technical Editor

Virtua Consulting Group

What challenges do MSPs in California face that others may not? What about money-making opportunities that are exclusive to the Western United States? 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.

10:35 AM

Platinum Sponsor Presenation: SonicWall

10:50 AM

MSP 3.0 – The Managed Cloud Desktop

Jerry Clark

MSP Channel Manager

US Signal

11:00 AM

Why SASE? Why Now?

11:10 AM

Gold Sponsor Presentation: Celerium

11:20 AM

Gold Sponsor Presentation: Vircom

11:30 AM

ROI Lightning Round Presentations

12:45 PM

Product & Services Expo Luncheon

2:15 PM

This…Isn't…Jeopardy: Cybersecurity Edition

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Matt Whitlock

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!

2:50 PM

Secure More, Sell More with OpenText Cybersecurity

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Michael DePalma

VP of Business Development

OpenText Cybersecurity

As of 2025, your IT buyers have become digital natives prioritizing AI-first solutions, robust cybersecurity, online research, and peer validation. For MSPs, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. How can you stay ahead and thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape? Join Mike DePalma of OpenText Cybersecurity for an insightful session on how to empower your business growth by embracing innovation and turning cybersecurity into revenue. This session will equip you with the tools and mindset to turn cybersecurity into revenue and position yourself as the MSP of the Future—agile, AI-enabled, and growth-driven.

3:10 PM

Sponsor Awards Voting

3:25 PM

vCISO Services: A Step-by-step Guide to Selling Security Leadership

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Mike Semel

President - CMMC Certified Assessor

Semel Consulting LLC

Chief Information Security Officer

Ian Thornton-Trump

Inversion6

Every MSP wants the recurring revenue. Few know how to turn cybersecurity leadership into a repeatable, profitable service. Join our experts to learn how to launch scalable vCISO services, including: What goes in a core vCISO service (and what to leave out) Tips to become the go-to security consultant in your market Tools, templates, and time-saving shortcuts How strategic consulting and compliance-as-a-service go hand-in-hand This is your guide to moving up the value chain—one strategic conversation at a time.

3:55 PM

Building the Perfect Security-powered MSP: Where to Start

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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 two industry experts to discuss how you can leverage cutting edge tech like AI and automation to perfect your personnel, operations, and stack.

4:25 PM

ChannelPro Partner in Excellence Award Ceremony

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Karl Palachuk

President

Small Biz Thoughts

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!

4:55 PM

Closing Remarks, Sponsor Awards & Attendee Giveaways!

Founder, Publisher

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

Speakers

Carlson Choi

COO

Slide

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

Nov 13, 2025 9:05am

Jerry Clark

MSP Channel Manager

US Signal

MSP 3.0 – The Managed Cloud Desktop

Nov 13, 2025 10:50am

Member

McDonald Hopkins

Learn More

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: Embrace the Opportunity

Nov 12, 2025 6:30pm

Philip de Souza

President

Aurora

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Philip de Souza is a serial entrepreneur and cybersecurity pioneer with a passion for turning bold ideas into multimillion-dollar success stories. He founded Aurora IT, scaling it into a $30M powerhouse protecting government, financial, and enterprise clients before its acquisition by Plurilock. He also launched HotLunch.com, a disruptive SaaS platform that revolutionized school and corporate lunch programs, now serving more than 200,000 customers across North America. With three decades of experience across technology, finance, and compliance, Philip thrives on building, scaling, and advising companies at every stage of growth. He is a sought-after growth strategist, helping startups and midsize firms expand market share, accelerate revenue, and outpace the competition. Driven by impact as much as innovation, Philip co-founded Ainiti, a nonprofit that empowers underserved young women through technology and education. He also hosts the Let’s Talk About (Secur)IT podcast, where he brings industry leaders together to share insights on cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and the future of digital trust.

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

Nov 13, 2025 8:15am

Building the Perfect Security-powered MSP: Where to Start

Nov 13, 2025 3:55pm

Michael DePalma

VP of Business Development

OpenText Cybersecurity

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Michael is a seasoned technology executive renowned for driving marketing transformation in the Managed Services Community. While serving as the Sr. Vice President of Business Develop at Kaseya, Michael was responsible for the strategy, adoption and growth of the Channel Development team, as well as the TruMethods Peer Program. During this time, he also spearheaded the commercialization of next-generation products and supported small to large-scale businesses in recognizing the cost-benefit and competitive advantage of including them in their go-to-market strategies. Michael is a sought-out speaker on compliance, cyber resilience and the integration of IT management platforms. His expertise has been recognized in awards received from numerous organizations, including ASCII, XChange, ChannelPro and CRN. Michael received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD and since graduating has been an active community volunteer in Norwalk, CT where he resides with his wife, Erica and their two children, Jameson and Brooklyn.

Secure More, Sell More with OpenText Cybersecurity

Nov 13, 2025 2:50pm

Justin Esgar

CEO

Virtua Consulting Group

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Justin Esgar is a dynamic entrepreneur and the founder of Virtua Consulting Group, a cutting-edge Apple-certified IT consultancy that encompasses Virtua Computers, Virtua XYZ, and Virtua Conferences. Known for his forward-thinking approach, Justin has built a reputation for helping businesses embrace technology to drive growth and efficiency. He is the creator of the ACES Conference, the premier event for Apple Consultants looking to elevate their business strategies, and the host of the All Things MSP Podcast, where he shares insights on building successful managed service practices. With a relentless focus on innovation and a knack for turning ideas into thriving ventures, Justin continues to redefine what it means to lead in the IT space.

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

Nov 13, 2025 8:15am

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

Nov 13, 2025 10:05am

Matt Fanning

Security Engineer

Check Point Software Technologies

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Matt Fanning is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a frontline understanding of the unique security challenges faced by MSPs and their clients. His technical foundation in IT operations, paired with years responding to real-world incidents, gives him a unique ability to bridge day-to-day execution with long-term security strategy. While leading his own MSP for six years, he made cybersecurity a core offering—designing and delivering layered defenses that scaled with clients' evolving needs. When he isn't chasing after his four sons, Matt enjoys home tech projects, exploring the outdoors, and staying ahead of emerging threats in the cybersecurity landscape.

Compete or Fall Behind: Using AI to Outpace Today’s Threats

Nov 12, 2025 3:45pm

Sr. Channel Editor

The ChannelPro Network

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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

Nov 12, 2025 2:15pm

CMMC: Embrace the Opportunity

Nov 12, 2025 6:30pm

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

Nov 13, 2025 8:15am

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

Nov 13, 2025 10:05am

vCISO Services: A Step-by-step Guide to Selling Security Leadership

Nov 13, 2025 3:25pm

Building the Perfect Security-powered MSP: Where to Start

Nov 13, 2025 3:55pm

Smit Kadakia

Co-founder and Chief Data Scientist

Seceon

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As a Chief Data Scientist and Co-founder at Seceon, leading the Machine Learning and AI teams in close collaboration with WPI to build a state-of-the-art Cyber-Defense solution on a big-data platform. As an executive member of the Tradepoint Systems which was later acquired by Kewill Systems and currently BlueJay Solutions, leveraged data analytics to transform the legacy supply chain products to SaaS platforms in the cloud resulting in shortening of the revenue recognition cycles by an order of magnitude while increasing sales. As the director of development and worldwide professional services at Upspring Software, which was acquired by MKS, helped the startup grow to 150+ team and cash positive. Have deep experience in software engineering, data science and have helped build complex enterprise and cloud applications for fortune 5000 clients such as Microsoft, Amazon, Lockheed, Motorola and Cisco.

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

Nov 13, 2025 9:05am

Jon Marinaro

Director of Technical Sales

Celerium

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Jon 'Sauce' Marinaro is a seasoned professional in the fields of cybersecurity and deployments, currently leading the Technical Sales team at Celerium. His crucial role in driving strategy in those areas and beyond makes him essential for Celerium's diverse client community. In addition to his role at Celerium, Jon serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for an AI-first messaging platform. This expands and informs his efforts through work in compliance and process security, safeguarding sensitive communications for coworkers and users. Jon's work as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) improves and builds up on his work in deployments as his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in rolling out security solutions at the ground level ensures effective implementation and integration while also informing his ability to work with and explain to executives the needs and abilities of the products organizations use to enhance their security posture and achieve their strategic objectives.

Beyond the Checklist: A Roundtable on Building Your Compliance-Ready Practice

Nov 12, 2025 3:10pm

Heather Noggle

Owner, Consultant

Codistac

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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 California MSPs in 2025

Nov 13, 2025 10:05am

Building the Perfect Security-powered MSP: Where to Start

Nov 13, 2025 3:55pm

Karl Palachuk

President

Small Biz Thoughts

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Karl W. Palachuk has been an IT Consultant since 1995 and is one of the pioneers of the managed services business model. He is the author of more than twenty books, most of which are also available as audio books. Karl founded the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community in 2018. He maintains four blogs, including Small Biz Thoughts and Relax Focus Succeed, and produces three podcasts, including the SMB Community Podcast and The Killing IT Podcast. And in 2021, Karl founded the National Society of IT Service Providers – NSITSP.org – where he now serves on the Board of Directors. Karl has owned several small businesses, including two very successful Managed Service companies in Sacramento, CA. He received his first Microsoft certification in 1995 and his first MCSE in 1999. He was an active, hands-on Systems Engineer until January of 2017. He now provides coaching and consulting services to IT professionals of all sizes.

ChannelPro Partner in Excellence Award Ceremony

Nov 13, 2025 4:25pm

Jessica Reese

Head of MSSP Americas

Check Point Software Technologies

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Since 2010, Jessica has been a part of the evolving world of cybersecurity, bringing a unique perspective with a Bachelor of Science in a non-technical field. In her current role at Check Point, Jessica pairs her technology passion with her ability to connect with customers and partners. She creates an environment that emphasizes learning together and growing, leading to real success. Her commitment to team-building and professional growth extends beyond conventional roles, as she invests in the future of the cyber sector by nurturing talent and encouraging a culture of professional knowledge sharing. Outside of work, Jessica leads a lively household in the DFW area with a large family and a variety of pets, enjoys traveling, and has a particular fondness for sharks.

Compete or Fall Behind: Using AI to Outpace Today’s Threats

Nov 12, 2025 3:45pm

Mike Semel

President - CMMC Certified Assessor

Semel Consulting LLC

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Mike Semel, the Complianceologist. is recognized as a thought leader in the IT, compliance and business continuity industries. He is the President of Semel Consulting, a firm focused on regulatory cybersecurity compliance and Business Continuity planning that pays referral fees to MSPs. Mike is a CMMC Certified Assessor (CCA), CMMC Certified Professional (CCP), CMMC Registered Practitioner (RP), Certified Security Compliance Specialist, ISC2 Certified Governance Risk Compliance, Certified HIPAA Security Professional, Disaster Recovery Institute Certified Business Continuity Professional & Certified Cyber Resilience Professional, and Certified Health IT Specialist. He has owned or managed MSP companies for over 30 years; served as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for a hospital and a K-12 school district; and managed operations at an online backup company. He has developed compliance sales and service delivery toolkits for MSPs. Details at https://complianceologist.com.

CMMC: Embrace the Opportunity

Nov 12, 2025 6:30pm

vCISO Services: A Step-by-step Guide to Selling Security Leadership

Nov 13, 2025 3:25pm

Nadav Shenker

CEO

Vircom

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Nadav Shenker is the CEO of Vircom, a Montreal-based cybersecurity innovator trusted by MSPs and SMBs for more than 30 years. He leads Vircom’s mission to be the trusted cybersecurity co-pilot for MSPs, helping partners operate more securely, efficiently, and profitably in an AI-driven world. Under his leadership, Vircom has unified leading cybersecurity technologies, intelligent automation, and expert human support to make great products even better - enhancing solutions like Proofpoint Essentials and Red Sift OnDMARC. Known for his forward-thinking leadership and passion for partnership, Nadav champions simplicity, protection, and performance - empowering MSPs to deliver scalable, intelligent, and reliable security in a constantly evolving landscape.

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

Nov 13, 2025 9:05am

David Shipley

CEO

Beauceron Security

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David Shipley is an award-winning entrepreneur and a recognized global expert in cybersecurity, regularly speaking at public and private events around the world. He frequently appears in national and regional media to address cybersecurity issues. In 2016, David co-founded Beauceron Security with an innovative approach to cybersecurity awareness and risk management, which empowers everyone within an organization to know more and care more about their crucial role in protecting against cyber-attacks. Beauceron Security now serves more than 1 thousand clients across North America, Europe, and Africa, and nearly 1 million people have benefited from Beauceron’s work. Before co-founding Beauceron Security, David was the security lead for the University of New Brunswick and developed its incident response, threat intelligence, and awareness practice. He is a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), a former journalist, and a Canadian Forces veteran.

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

Nov 13, 2025 9:05am