The ChannelPro Network Advertise

In-Person Event

March 17 - 18, 2026 | Columbus, Ohio

2026 ChannelPro LIVE: Columbus

Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris

2026 ChannelPro LIVE: Columbus

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: Columbus 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

March 17 - 18, 2026

Multi-Day Event

Location

Columbus, Ohio

Venue

Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris

Cost

Free to Qualified Channel Partners

Registration

Event Schedule

Speakers

Sponsors

Cancellation

Additional Info

Event Registration

Event Schedule

Mar

17

Mar

18

Sessions for Tuesday, March 17, 2026

2:00 PM

Registration opens - AGENDA SUBJECT TO CHANGE - watch this space

2:30 PM

Opening Remarks

Michael Siggins

Founder, Publisher

The ChannelPro Network

2:45 PM

The Bourbon Icebreaker: How to Choose the Right Security Tools

Learn More

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.

3:25 PM

Breakout Session: Embracing the Co-Managed Security Opportunity

Learn More

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.

3:25 PM

Breakout Session: Evaluating the Threat Landscape: Actionable Intelligence for IT Providers

Learn More

Phantom Technology Solutions

3rd Element Consulting

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.

3:25 PM

Breakout Session: Sticky by Design: How to Leverage Security to Build Client Loyalty

Learn More

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.

4:35 PM

Breakout Session: Who Is Liable When AI Fails?

Learn More

Law Office of Bradley Gross, PA

AI and automation tools promise efficiency, but when they misfire, MSPs are left holding the legal bag. In this session, Brad Gross, one of the nation’s leading MSP attorneys, reveals the hidden liabilities of AI adoption, and how to draft protective language into your MSAs and SOWs before disaster strikes.

4:35 PM

Breakout Session: You Are the First Line of Defense: Cyber Hygiene for MSP Leaders

Learn More

Phantom Technology Solutions

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.

4:35 PM

Breakout Session: Your First Call in an Emergency: Dissecting Your Incident Response Plan

Learn More

Leia Kupris Shilobod

When something goes sideways in IT, every second counts. This dynamic breakout session highlights the elements that go into a stellar incident response plan. You'll learn exactly what should happen in the first hour, who owns which decisions, and how to keep a small emergency from turning into a full-blown disaster.

5:15 PM

New Realities and Risks: How MSPs Can Protect Their Bottom Line

Learn More

Sponsored by Channel Hunters

Sponsored by Cylerian

Technical Editor

Vice President, Managed Service Providers

Absolute Security

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.

5:45 PM

Vendor Preference Directory - Cast Your Vote!

6:00 PM

Partner in Excellence Award

Learn More

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.

6:30 PM

Welcome Cocktail Reception in the Exhibit Hall

Sessions for Wednesday, March 18, 2026

8:00 AM

Networking Breakfast

9:00 AM

Opening Remarks

Michael Siggins

Founder, Publisher

The ChannelPro Network

9:15 AM

Selling With Insight: Using Data to Find Hidden Revenue

Learn More

Most MSPs sit on a goldmine of data without realizing it. This session shows you how to dig into ticket trends, asset details, and technology 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 to Automate Your MSP and Scale with AI

Learn More

3rd Element Consulting

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.

11:35 AM

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

1:00 PM

Product & Services Expo Luncheon

2:30 PM

Channel’s Got Talent: MSP Pitch Edition

Learn More

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.

3:05 PM

How Not to Get Sued: Local Legal Issues for **Ohio** MSPs

Learn More

Law Office of Bradley Gross, PA

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.

3:35 PM

Sponsor Awards Voting

3:45 PM

Expert Tips to Boost Profits: Start by Cutting Costs

Learn More

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.

4:15 PM

The 4th Quarter Speech: Adjustments You Need to Make to Win the Game

Learn More

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.

4:45 PM

Closing Remarks, Sponsor Awards & Attendee Giveaways!

Speakers

Speakers

President

Law Office of Bradley Gross, PA

Learn More

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.

Breakout Session: Who Is Liable When AI Fails?

Mar 17, 2026 4:35pm

How Not to Get Sued: Local Legal Issues for **Ohio** MSPs

Mar 18, 2026 3:05pm

Vice President, Managed Service Providers

Absolute Security

New Realities and Risks: How MSPs Can Protect Their Bottom Line

Mar 17, 2026 5:15pm

Leia Kupris Shilobod

CEO

CompliancyIT

Learn More

Leia Kupris Shilobod, CISM, CCP is the CEO and CSO of CompliancyIT, author of Cyber Warfare: Protecting Your Business From Total Annihilation and co-producer of the documentary "Cybercrime: The Dark Web Uncovered." As a cyber security advisor and compliance subject matter expert, Leia is a sought-after speaker. To help empower companies to create functional Cybersecurity Compliance Programs, Leia created the IT Documentation Toolkit. She leads CompliancyIT in providing cybersecurity compliance, as well as compliant helpdesk, infrastructure, and security services to help her clients meet their strategic goals.

Breakout Session: Your First Call in an Emergency: Dissecting Your Incident Response Plan

Mar 17, 2026 4:35pm

President

Astoria

Learn More

Nate is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Astoria, a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP) dedicated to empowering businesses through innovative IT services and cybersecurity solutions. Astoria is based in the Cleveland Ohio Market and has clients in 5 states. Nate also serves as the Presient of the Board of Directors for his hometown Habitat for Humanity Affiliate. Nate believes greatly in creating a better world for everyone. Outside of work, Nate is deeply committed to his family and enjoys peaceful, introspective activities like hiking, kayaking and gardening. His leadership, vision, and dedication to both his clients and his community set him apart as a transformative figure in the tech industry and beyond.

The Bourbon Icebreaker: How to Choose the Right Security Tools

Mar 17, 2026 2:45pm

How to Automate Your MSP and Scale with AI

Mar 18, 2026 11:05am

Expert Tips to Boost Profits: Start by Cutting Costs

Mar 18, 2026 3:45pm

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 17, 2026 2:30pm

Opening Remarks

Mar 18, 2026 9:00am

CEO

3rd Element Consulting

Learn More

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

Mar 17, 2026 3:25pm

How to Automate Your MSP and Scale with AI

Mar 18, 2026 11:05am

CEO

Phantom Technology Solutions

Learn More

Henry Timm serves as the CEO of Phantom Technology Solutions, a Managed IT Services provider formed in 2010 based in Rolling Prairie, Indiana serving partners located throughout the Midwest United States. Henry's passion for solving complex problems has led to an extensive career working in IT leadership, networking, support & software development positions. Building on his experiences previously working for both a network of hospitals and a large distribution company, he founded Phantom Technology Solutions in 2010 which has grown into one of the area's leading security centric technology service providers. In recent years, Henry has focused on heavily engaging with leading industry vendors, events, associations, and peer groups to try and take an intentionally active role in the future direction of the industry and assisting others in growing their own organizations. This led to the formation of a tech community with his peers known as The Tech Degenerates. The Tech Degenerates aims to create an agnostic and diverse community as well as industry tools focused on driving all sides of the channel onwards, upwards, together. This all follows years of philanthropy and service to his local community serving on the boards for several nonprofits, associations, and state government sponsored economic development organizations. Henry currently sits on the CompTIA Channel Development Council and several vendor advisory boards. Henry has been nominated for or named as an awardee for several local and regional honors including the Michiana Forty Under 40 list, the Ernestine M. Raclin Community Leadership award and recently oversaw Phantom Technology Solution's making CRN's 2022/2023/2024 MSP 500 list.

Breakout Session: Evaluating the Threat Landscape: Actionable Intelligence for IT Providers

Mar 17, 2026 3:25pm

Breakout Session: You Are the First Line of Defense: Cyber Hygiene for MSP Leaders

Mar 17, 2026 4:35pm

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.

New Realities and Risks: How MSPs Can Protect Their Bottom Line

Mar 17, 2026 5:15pm

CEO

MSP Advisor

Learn More

David Wilkeson has been a serial entrepreneur from the early 90’s until today, building and selling four very successful technology companies. The last endeavor took a Youngstown Ohio based IT company from a small 12-person professional services company to an 85-employee managed services powerhouse. In 2013, he sold his stake in the MSP to pursue consulting opportunities. Currently as CEO of MSP Advisor, he consults with managed services companies throughout North America, UK, Europe, and Australia on their business and financial operations as well as service design and delivery, and facilitates various MSP peer groups. Dave also co-founded an MSP focused financial services company called Instrumental, providing outsourced accounting and specialized CFO services to the industry. He co-authored a thought-provoking new book called Profit and Growth for MSPs: Dragonboats, Catamarans, and Superyachts. He holds various industry and security certifications, including CISSP, CISM, CCNA, and Microsoft MCP.

Breakout Session: Embracing the Co-Managed Security Opportunity

Mar 17, 2026 3:25pm

Expert Tips to Boost Profits: Start by Cutting Costs

Mar 18, 2026 3:45pm

The 4th Quarter Speech: Adjustments You Need to Make to Win the Game

Mar 18, 2026 4:15pm

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:

Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris

📍 409 Altair Parkway Westerville, OH 43082

Blending modern sophistication with Midwestern charm, the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel offers a stylish retreat just north of downtown Columbus. Guests can enjoy creative American cuisine and craft cocktails at Two-One Restaurant and Bar, relax by the indoor pool, or explore nearby shopping and dining at Polaris Fashion Place.

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

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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