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In-Person Event

November 12-13, 2025 | Irvine, California

2025 ChannelPro DEFEND: Irvine

Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport 

2025 ChannelPro DEFEND: Irvine

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: Irvine 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! (Separate registration required)

Add to Calendar

Event Details

Dates

November 12-13, 2025

Multi-Day Event
Location

Irvine, California

Venue

Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport 

Cost

Free for Qualified Channel Partners

Registration
Event Schedule
Speakers
Sponsors
Cancellation
Additional Info

Event Registration

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Event Schedule

Nov
12
Nov
13

Sessions for Wednesday, November 12, 2025

1:00 PM
Registration opens - AGENDA SUBJECT TO CHANGE - watch this space
1:30 PM
Opening Remarks
Michael Siggins
Founder, Publisher
The ChannelPro Network
1:45 PM
OpenText Workshop
Sponsored by OpenText
3:45 PM
Q&A with an Ethical Hacker
Learn More
Anjali Fluker
Sr. Channel Editor
The ChannelPro Network
Ian Thornton-Trump
Chief Information Security Officer
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!
4:15 PM
Breakout Sessions - TBD
Sponsored by Celerium
Sponsored by Kaseya
Sponsored by SonicWall
5:55 PM
The Key to Unlocking Big Profits: What Vendors Know That MSPs Often Don't
Learn More
Sponsored by Seceon
Sponsored by SonicWall
Sponsored by Beauceron Security
Sponsored by Cylerian
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!
6:25 PM
CMMC: The Dire Implications for Your MSP
Learn More
Mike Semel
President - CMMC Certified Assessor
Semel Consulting LLC
Blair Dawson, JD, MS CyS, FIP, CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM
Member
McDonald Hopkins
Anjali Fluker
Sr. Channel Editor
The ChannelPro Network
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.
6:55 PM
Welcome Cocktail Reception in the Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by ThreatLocker

Sessions for Thursday, November 13, 2025

7:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
8:30 AM
Opening Remarks
Michael Siggins
Founder, Publisher
The ChannelPro Network
8:45 AM
New Cybersecurity Services You Aren't Offering (But Should!)
Learn More
Anjali Fluker
Sr. Channel Editor
The ChannelPro Network
Philip de Souza
President
Aurora
Jennifer Bleam
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.
9:15 AM
Sponsor presentations, product demos, partner program updates and more!
10:25 AM
Break
10:35 AM
The Good, Bad, and Ugly: The Biggest Issues Facing California MSPs in 2025
Learn More
Anjali Fluker
Sr. Channel Editor
The ChannelPro Network
Heather Noggle
Owner, Consultant
Codistac
Justin Esgar
CEO
Virtua Consulting Group
What challenges do MSPs in New England face that others may not? What about money-making opportunities that are exclusive to the Northeast 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
Sponsor presentations, product demos, partner program updates and more!
12:55 PM
Product & Services Expo Luncheon
2:25 PM
This…Isn't…Jeopardy: Cybersecurity Edition
Learn More
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!
3:05 PM
Windows 10 EOL: Don't Squander the Opportunity
Learn More
Mike Semel
President - CMMC Certified Assessor
Semel Consulting LLC
Anjali Fluker
Sr. Channel Editor
The ChannelPro Network
Jennifer Bleam
Owner & Founder
MSP Sales Revolution
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.
3:35 PM
Building the Perfect Security-powered MSP: Where to Start
Learn More
Anjali Fluker
Sr. Channel Editor
The ChannelPro Network
Philip de Souza
President
Aurora
Heather Noggle
Owner, Consultant
Codistac
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.
4:05 PM
Sponsor Awards Voting
4:15 PM
Closing Featured Speaker: TBD
4:45 PM
Closing Remarks, Sponsor Awards & Attendee Giveaways!
Michael Siggins
Founder, Publisher
The ChannelPro Network

Speakers

Speakers

Jennifer Bleam
Owner & Founder
MSP Sales Revolution
Learn More

Jennifer Bleam is a best-selling author, an award-winning speaker, and a respected leader in the IT channel. She has coached over 2,000 MSPs on marketing and sales best practices, based on her real-life success as an MSP business owner. Jennifer also grew a channel-only cybersecurity software firm from start up to acquisition in less than 2 years. Part of her role included coaching MSPs on how to sell cybersecurity to small and medium sized companies. Jennifer trained with Sandler Training and attended CharTec Sales lab. She founded MSP Sales Revolution to help MSPs master the art of cybersecurity sales quickly, easily, and profitably.
New Cybersecurity Services You Aren't Offering (But Should!)
Nov 13, 2025 8:45am
Windows 10 EOL: Don't Squander the Opportunity
Nov 13, 2025 3:05pm
Blair Dawson, JD, MS CyS, FIP, CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM
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: The Dire Implications for Your MSP
Nov 12, 2025 6:25pm
Philip de Souza
President
Aurora
Learn More

Philip de Souza is founder of Aurora (aurorait.com), a California based consulting firm specializing in cybersecurity and compliance. Established in 1990, Aurora serves as an experienced and trusted security advisor to Enterprise, State and Federal clients. Philip spearheads company initiatives to keep Aurora and the industry at the forefront of protecting clients from constantly evolving security risks through education and unique technology and service offerings. As a result of Aurora’s year over year growth, de Souza has successfully sold Aurora to a leading cybersecurity company, Plurilock, and continues to serve as President at Aurora, leading the company as they begin to reach a more global audience. Philip hold and MBA in Finance from Pepperdine University, a bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Bombay and is a Fellow of Institute of Cost and Works Accountants.
New Cybersecurity Services You Aren't Offering (But Should!)
Nov 13, 2025 8:45am
Building the Perfect Security-powered MSP: Where to Start
Nov 13, 2025 3:35pm
Justin Esgar
CEO
Virtua Consulting Group
Learn More

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.
The Good, Bad, and Ugly: The Biggest Issues Facing California MSPs in 2025
Nov 13, 2025 10:35am
Anjali Fluker
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
Nov 12, 2025 3:45pm
CMMC: The Dire Implications for Your MSP
Nov 12, 2025 6:25pm
New Cybersecurity Services You Aren't Offering (But Should!)
Nov 13, 2025 8:45am
The Good, Bad, and Ugly: The Biggest Issues Facing California MSPs in 2025
Nov 13, 2025 10:35am
Windows 10 EOL: Don't Squander the Opportunity
Nov 13, 2025 3:05pm
Building the Perfect Security-powered MSP: Where to Start
Nov 13, 2025 3:35pm
Heather Noggle
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 California MSPs in 2025
Nov 13, 2025 10:35am
Building the Perfect Security-powered MSP: Where to Start
Nov 13, 2025 3:35pm
Mike Semel
President - CMMC Certified Assessor
Semel Consulting LLC
Learn More

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: The Dire Implications for Your MSP
Nov 12, 2025 6:25pm
Windows 10 EOL: Don't Squander the Opportunity
Nov 13, 2025 3:05pm
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
Nov 12, 2025 1:30pm
Opening Remarks
Nov 13, 2025 8:30am
Closing Remarks, Sponsor Awards & Attendee Giveaways!
Nov 13, 2025 4:45pm
Ian Thornton-Trump
Chief Information Security Officer
Inversion6
Learn More

Ian Thornton-Trump CD is an ITIL certified IT professional with 30 years of experience in IT security and information technology. From 1989 to 1992, Ian served with the Canadian Forces (CF), Military Intelligence Branch; in 2002, he joined the CF Military Police Reserves and retired as a Public Affairs Officer in 2013. After a year with the RCMP as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Ian worked as a cyber security analyst/consultant for multi-national insurance, banking, and regional health care verticals. With a deep background in cyber threat intelligence Ian was previously the CISO for Cyjax Ltd., a UK based threat intelligence provider to enterprise customers. As a CISO at Inversion6 Ian’s role is to spearhead the efforts to duplicate the success of Inversion6 USA by offering fractional CISO and advanced cyber security solutions in the UK and EU markets. Ian has deep experience with the threats facing small, medium and enterprise businesses. His research and experience have made him a sought-after cyber security consultant specializing in building security operations providing services as a vCISO, and sharing his passion for building effective threat intelligence programs for small, medium, and enterprise organizations.
Q&A with an Ethical Hacker
Nov 12, 2025 3:45pm
Matt Whitlock
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: Cybersecurity Edition
Nov 13, 2025 2:25pm

Sponsors

Cancellation

Event Location:

Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport - 18800 MacArthur Blvd - Irvine, CA 92612

The Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport hotel is situated directly across the street from the John Wayne Airport in Orange County California and offers a complimentary airport shuttle. Explore nearby things to do like Newport Beach, Angel Stadium and Disneyland Resort. Hilton Irvine also offers complimentary 24-hour fitness, outdoor heated pool and whirlpool.

Parking:

Parking at the hotel costs $15 per day. However, event attendees can park for free. Simply visit the event registration desk to get your parking ticket validated.

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 Nov. 5, 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:

Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport – 18800 MacArthur Blvd – Irvine, CA 92612

The Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport hotel is situated directly across the street from the John Wayne Airport in Orange County California and offers a complimentary airport shuttle. Explore nearby things to do like Newport Beach, Angel Stadium and Disneyland Resort. Hilton Irvine also offers complimentary 24-hour fitness, outdoor heated pool and whirlpool.

Parking:

Parking at the hotel costs $15 per day. However, event attendees can park for free. Simply visit the event registration desk to get your parking ticket validated.

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.

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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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