In-Person Event

April 7 - 8, 2026 | Charlotte, North Carolina

2026 ChannelPro LIVE: Charlotte

Hilton Charlotte University Place

2026 ChannelPro LIVE: Charlotte

Ready to scale your MSP? ChannelPro LIVE is where it happens. These in-depth, two-day events feature strategies on selling profitable managed services, turning compliance obligations into recurring revenue, adding automation to improve efficiency, navigating legal issues for MSPs, and much more.

NEW in 2026! Our Day 1 DEFEND Cybersecurity Workshop provides a fully curated journey through four focused tracks: Risk Mitigation, Cybersecurity Response, Business Growth, and Cutting-Edge Tools.

These interactive courses, designed by industry experts and successful MSPs, deliver the secrets to building an IT business that lasts.

100% free for qualified channel partners, ChannelPro LIVE: Charlotte will feature insights from the IT Channel’s leading practitioners and renowned strategists. Learn practical strategies to:

  • Accelerate revenue and boost productivity
  • Strategically leverage AI to improve efficiency and customer experiences
  • Mitigate data breach risk
  • Build a competitive advantage in any economy

Beyond the educational sessions, IT providers from throughout the region will connect with the industry’s most innovative vendors during dedicated networking time. It’s a golden opportunity to form partnerships, discover new tools, and strike deals that fuel growth.

Don’t miss your chance to join fellow MSPs at this one-of-a-kind IT channel event.

Event Details

Dates

April 7 - 8, 2026

Multi-Day Event
Location

Charlotte, North Carolina

Venue

Hilton Charlotte University Place

Cost

Free for Qualified Channel Partners

Registration
Event Schedule
Speakers
Sponsors
Cancellation
Additional Info

Event Registration

Event Schedule

Apr
7
Apr
8

Sessions for Tuesday, April 7, 2026

1:45 PM
Registration opens - AGENDA SUBJECT TO CHANGE - watch this space
2:45 PM
The Bourbon Icebreaker: How to Choose the Right Security Tools
Join us for a candid conversation about choosing the right security tools with a twist. Our experts will be joined by one lucky attendee to discuss best practices while sharing a glass of bourbon. They'll break down how to choose, stack, and justify the right security tools for your clients. If you want to scale without overspending, this discussion is can't-miss.
3:20 PM
Breakout Session: Embracing the Co-Managed Security Opportunity
Most medium and large organizations can't hire enough IT talent to keep up with the pace of modern business needs. In this strategy-focused breakout session, we'll unpack how you can build a reputation as a co-managed technology expert. You'll learn how to prioritize security and structure responsibilities without stepping on internal teams. Join us to turn co-managed opportunities into profitable partnerships.
3:20 PM
Breakout Session: Evaluating the Threat Landscape: Actionable Intelligence for IT Providers
In this powerful breakout session, our experts dig into new data from the industry's biggest threat reports and translate it into what actually matters for MSPs on the ground. You’ll hear the numbers, the trends, and—most importantly—the real-world impact behind them so you can adjust your defenses, guide clients, and stay ahead of what’s coming next.
3:55 PM
Sponsor presentations, product demos, partner program updates and more!
4:30 PM
Breakout Session: You Are the First Line of Defense: Cyber Hygiene for MSP Leaders
Cybersecurity leaders are prime targets, and this fast-paced workshop shows you exactly how attackers exploit your personal exposure to breach businesses, damage reputations, and run social engineering campaigns. Join us to map your digital footprint, spot your weak points, and walk away with a clear, practical plan to protect your identity, reputation, and the clients who rely on you.
5:10 PM
New Realities and Risks: How MSPs Can Protect Their Bottom Line
Sponsored by Channel Hunters
Sponsored by Cylerian
Sponsored by LogMeIn
Sponsored by Blacksmith Infosec
Sponsored by Slide
Let's pull back the curtain on the biggest forces reshaping the MSP business today. In this panel discussion, we're putting vendor experts on the hot seat to discuss the trends that matter most: consolidation, compliance demands, tool sprawl, pricing, and more. Bring your questions and walk away with a sharper understanding of where the IT industry is going and how to stay profitable.
5:40 PM
Voting
5:55 PM
Partner in Excellence Award
Help us celebrate greatness at our Partner in Excellence Award Ceremony. We'll recognize a local IT channel legend for their leadership, innovation, camaraderie, and commitment to building the industry.
6:25 PM
Welcome Cocktail Reception in the Exhibit Hall

Sessions for Wednesday, April 8, 2026

8:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM
Opening Remarks
9:15 AM
Selling With Insight: Using Data to Find Hidden Revenue
Most MSPs sit on a goldmine of data without realizing it. This session shows you how to dig into ticket trends, asset details, and security gaps to find new sales opportunities. You’ll learn simple ways to take a data-driven approach and deliver smarter recommendations and stronger proposals
9:45 AM
Sponsor presentations, product demos, partner program updates and more!
10:55 AM
Break
11:05 AM
How Not to Get Sued: Local Legal Issues for **North Carolina** MSPs
Back by popular demand, Bradley Gross returns with a hard-hitting session built specifically for **Ohio** MSPs. It’s a risky time to be in tech services, and one lawsuit can drain your time, money, and reputation. Bradley will break down the biggest legal threats MSPs in the **Midwest** face, the mistakes that spark lawsuits, and the concrete steps you need to take today to protect your business.
11:35 AM
Sponsor presentations, product demos, partner program updates and more!
12:20 PM
ROI Lightning Round Presentations
12:50 PM
Product & Services Expo Luncheon
2:20 PM
Channel’s Got Talent: MSP Pitch Edition
Want to avoid the after-lunch food coma? Get ready for a fast, fun, and slightly chaotic showdown. In Channel’s Got Talent, four brave attendees will give us their elevator pitch. After getting honest (and perhaps funny) feedback from our judges, they'll try again with a stronger, sharper pitch. The crowd will vote, one champion will emerge, and the winner earns bragging rights and eternal glory.
2:55 PM
How to Automate Your MSP and Scale with AI
Many MSPs want to hop on the automation hype train, but the biggest gains come from fixing workflows and adopting AI internally first. This session will show how to target the right processes and get quick wins without sacrificing security.
3:25 PM
Sticky by Design: How to Leverage Security to Build Client Loyalty
Landing security clients is one thing—keeping them is the real game. During this breakout session, we're diving into the habits, communication rhythms, and service touches that install confidence and ensure contract renewals. Walk away with practical ways to grow business relationships without constantly re-proving your value.
3:55 PM
Sponsor Awards Voting
4:05 PM
Expert Tips to Boost Profits: Start by Cutting Costs
Profitability starts with plugging the leaks that are draining your margins. In this session, our expert guests will walk you through the most common cost traps MSPs overlook, from bloated tool stacks to inefficient service delivery. You’ll learn easy, real-world, adjustments that lower expenses fast and set the stage for stronger, more sustainable profit growth.
4:35 PM
The 4th Quarter Speech: Adjustments You Need to Make to Win the Game
This is the locker-room talk every MSP needs before heading back onto the field. In this inspirational featured session, we'll tie the lessons you've learned at ChannelPro LIVE to practical next steps. We'll deliver a concrete plan to confront the challenges in your business, implement the right strategies, and coach your employees to success.
5:05 PM
Closing Remarks, Sponsor Awards & Attendee Giveaways!

Speakers

Speakers

Founder & Owner
Equilibrium Consulting, LLC

Pete Busam is the founder and owner of Equilibrium Consulting, LLC, a management consulting and outsourced marketing firm specializing in assisting channel and technology services organizations with establishing partner relationships, and directing IT channel strategy, design and execution. He has more than 35 years of experience in the channel, where he began as a technician. Since then, he has operated several successful technology services providers and continues to be recognized by clients, partners and channel publications for his outstanding performance, commitment and contributions to the industry. His thought-provoking insights on the channel have been published by numerous industry-leading trade publications, including CRN, ChannelPro, Channel Futures and Channel Insider. An industry thought leader, he has given presentations and participated in panel discussions at numerous channel events over the years. He has also provided commentary on the industry for The Philadelphia Business Journal, Entrepreneur and the Wall Street Journal. Fully committed to the communities he immerses himself in, Pete is an active member with CompTIA, The Sales Association Sales Leader Council, Forbes
Channel’s Got Talent: MSP Pitch Edition
Apr 8, 2026 2:20pm
Sticky by Design: How to Leverage Security to Build Client Loyalty
Apr 8, 2026 3:25pm
Founder and President
Corp-Infotech

Lawrence Cruciana, CISSP, CISM, CMMC-RP, is the founder and president of Corporate Information Technologies (CIT). He leads CIT’s cybersecurity business practice, focusing on identifying and mitigating information-centric risk in upper-SMB and midmarket organizations. With over 20 years of information technology (IT) experience in regulated enterprise, financial, and critical manufacturing businesses, Lawrence brings unique insight into the fusion of information risk management, third-party supply chain, privilege management, and the practical operational IT challenges required to “get it all done” that many organizations face. He is an experienced information security practitioner who has designed and implemented hundreds of cybersecurity and cyber-risk programs incorporating key control frameworks including NIST Cyber Security Framework and CIS Controls (20 CSC). As an active member of the cybersecurity community, he is engaged in mitigating the blind spots and exposures introduced by smaller businesses into enterprise organizations with specific emphasis on improving the overall security of IT MSPs.
The Bourbon Icebreaker: How to Choose the Right Security Tools
Apr 7, 2026 2:45pm
Breakout Session: Embracing the Co-Managed Security Opportunity
Apr 7, 2026 3:20pm
Channel’s Got Talent: MSP Pitch Edition
Apr 8, 2026 2:20pm
Expert Tips to Boost Profits: Start by Cutting Costs
Apr 8, 2026 4:05pm
President
Law Office of Bradley Gross, PA

Brad Gross is the founding partner of the Law Office of Bradley Gross, P.A., a law firm that specializes in transactions involving technology service providers, solution resellers, IT professionals and technology companies worldwide. Brad is one of the leading international legal authorities in cloud transactions, having counseled thousands of MSPs nationwide for over 23 years. He has been listed on fifteen occasions to the national list of Super Lawyers in IT & Technology Law. Brad has his own podcast, TechnologyBradcast.com, that covers security, licensing, and contract issues for MSPs, and sits on the Board of Digitunity, a non-profit organization that helps close the digital divide. He is also the founding partner of MSPTerms, a cloud-based document management platform engineered for MSPs.
The Bourbon Icebreaker: How to Choose the Right Security Tools
Apr 7, 2026 2:45pm
How Not to Get Sued: Local Legal Issues for **North Carolina** MSPs
Apr 8, 2026 11:05am
Project Manager
Databit

Ronnie Parisella is a Sr. IT Pro with over 25 years experience working in NYC IT Services. Before branching out, Ronnie worked for Charles Schwab & Co., the McGraw-Hill companies, Scholastic Books, MTV, and the New York New Media Association (NYNMA). After co-founding and running a successful MSP for 10 years, he has been a consultant to the industry fitting in where needed, from Help Desk (Have you tried turning it off and on?) to Management Consulting (Have you tried turning yourself off and on?). He has helped build or rebuild over a dozen MSPs and now is focused on excellence in Project Management through tight tracking and controls. He's a frequent contributor to numerous industry publications and was named a leading CTO under age 40 by VAR Business magazine. When not helping others build MSPs, Ronnie collects comics and shoots pool in Upstate NY.
The Bourbon Icebreaker: How to Choose the Right Security Tools
Apr 7, 2026 2:45pm
Selling With Insight: Using Data to Find Hidden Revenue
Apr 8, 2026 9:15am
How to Automate Your MSP and Scale with AI
Apr 8, 2026 2:55pm
Founder, Publisher
The ChannelPro Network

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
Apr 7, 2026 2:30pm
CEO
3rd Element Consulting

Dawn Sizer is a CEO and technologist with security, training, and policy specializations. She can make complex technical information relatable for any audience. This is showcased in her writings, speaking engagements, her MSP (3rd Element), and podcast (Rebel Executives). 3rd Element incorporated in 2005 and has made CRN’s MSP 500 list for the last four years. Dawn has been nominated as one of the top women in the channel for the last three years, holds an MBA in IT, as well as industry standard certifications. She sits on Partner Advisory councils of five of the top distributors, security, and cyber insurance companies in the space, as well as The Channel Company for XChange and Women of the Channel. Dawn has been married for more than 25 years to her husband and partner in everything. They have two boys and two goofy dogs, Pilot and Odin.
Breakout Session: Evaluating the Threat Landscape: Actionable Intelligence for IT Providers
Apr 7, 2026 3:20pm
Breakout Session: You Are the First Line of Defense: Cyber Hygiene for MSP Leaders
Apr 7, 2026 4:30pm
How to Automate Your MSP and Scale with AI
Apr 8, 2026 2:55pm
Cofounder
Rocket Fuel Factory

Henry Timm is a technology executive, cybersecurity advocate, and community builder focused on one clear mission: build stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a stronger IT industry. As CEO of Phantom Technology Solutions, Henry leads a performance-driven Managed IT Services Provider supporting compliance-focused SMBs across the Midwest. His firm partners with manufacturing, healthcare, and other regulated organizations to modernize, stabilize, and secure their technology environments with solutions designed for long-term reliability and accountability. He is also the cofounder of Rocket Fuel Factory, a business accelerator and incubator built to help MSPs, vendors, and IT consultants scale through community, coaching, and disciplined execution. Through education, strategic partnership, and practical enablement, Rocket Fuel Factory equips leaders to grow with intention rather than drift with the market. Henry is one of the original cofounders of The Tech Degenerates, a global community of MSPs, IT operators, and technology leaders committed to honest conversations, peer accountability, and raising operational standards across the channel. The community is known for cutting through noise, rejecting hype, and creating a space where experienced professionals can challenge each other, share lessons learned, and strengthen the industry from the inside out. With more than two decades of experience spanning IT leadership, cybersecurity, support, and software development, Henry operates at the intersection of technology strategy, operational discipline, and community engagement. He is known for addressing hard truths, guiding teams through meaningful change, and helping organizations build resilience that holds up under pressure. Henry serves in leadership on the GTIA Cybersecurity Executive Council and on the GTIA Global Leadership Committee. He is also an active member of FBI InfraGard. He advises vendors, nonprofits, peer groups, and event organizers committed to raising the bar for professionalism and security across the IT channel. He regularly cohosts MSP Community Live, a livestream series dedicated to elevating the broader IT community, and is a frequent podcast guest and industry contributor sharing insights on leadership, cybersecurity, compliance, and channel trends. His recognitions include CRN MSP 500 and Pioneer 250, Michiana Forty Under 40, the GTIA Community Leadership Award, a nomination for the GTIA Cybersecurity Leadership Award, and nominations for both the CompTIA Community Leadership Award and the Ernestine M. Raclin Community Leadership Award. Outside of his professional work, Henry remains active in initiatives supporting economic development, veterans, disaster relief, and civil rights advocacy. He welcomes opportunities to collaborate with leaders who are serious about building well, serving others, and moving the industry forward with integrity.
Breakout Session: Evaluating the Threat Landscape: Actionable Intelligence for IT Providers
Apr 7, 2026 3:20pm
Breakout Session: You Are the First Line of Defense: Cyber Hygiene for MSP Leaders
Apr 7, 2026 4:30pm
Selling With Insight: Using Data to Find Hidden Revenue
Apr 8, 2026 9:15am
Expert Tips to Boost Profits: Start by Cutting Costs
Apr 8, 2026 4:05pm
Technical Editor
ChannelPro

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.
New Realities and Risks: How MSPs Can Protect Their Bottom Line
Apr 7, 2026 5:10pm
Channel’s Got Talent: MSP Pitch Edition
Apr 8, 2026 2:20pm

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.

Additional Info

Event Location:

Hilton Charlotte University Place

📍 8629 JM Keynes Drive - Charlotte, NC 28262

Hilton Charlotte University Place offers a prime lakeside setting just minutes from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Guests enjoy on-site dining, a seasonal outdoor pool, and convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment at the adjacent Shoppes at University Place. Located only 15 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and 20 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the hotel combines comfort and convenience.

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

CyberRisk Alliance privacy policy. The ChannelPro Network is part of CyberRisk Alliance, 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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