The ChannelPro Network Advertise

In-Person Event

February 17 - 18, 2026 | Altamonte Springs, Florida

2026 ChannelPro DEFEND: Orlando

Hilton Orlando Altamonte Springs

2026 ChannelPro DEFEND: Orlando

Ready to reach your next million in cybersecurity revenue? ChannelPro DEFEND is the two-day security event you can’t afford to miss. Built for MSPs, MSSPs, and other IT channel partners, this in-person experience features business-building strategies and threat landscape intel you won’t find anywhere else.

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. Plus, you’ll connect with the channel’s top vendors, see exclusive product demos, meet new referral partners, and have a ton of fun.

100% free for qualified channel partners, ChannelPro DEFEND: Orlando will feature insights from the IT Channel’s leading practitioners and renowned strategists. Join us to learn:

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

Join your fellow IT providers from throughout the region to network. It’s also a golden opportunity to meet the industry’s most innovative vendors, discover new cybersecurity tools, and strike deals that fuel growth.

Event Details

Dates

February 17 - 18, 2026

Multi-Day Event

Location

Altamonte Springs, Florida

Venue

Hilton Orlando Altamonte Springs

Cost

Free for Qualified Channel Partners

Registration

Event Schedule

Speakers

Sponsors

Cancellation

Additional Info

Event Registration

Event Schedule

Feb

17

Feb

18

Sessions for Tuesday, February 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

Marissa Maldonado

Proda Technology

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

Philip de Souza

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

3rd Element Consulting

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

Marissa Maldonado

Proda Technology

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

Technical Editor

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, February 18, 2026

8:00 AM

Networking Breakfast

9:00 AM

Opening Remarks

Michael Siggins

Founder, Publisher

The ChannelPro Network

9:15 AM

Adopting a Security Framework: Guarding Against the Most Dangerous Cyberattacks

Learn More

Phantom Technology Solutions

Security frameworks aren’t paperwork. They’re the blueprint that helps you safeguard clients, detect and respond to threats, and recover when the #@$% hits the fan. In this session, we’ll break down how to choose the right framework, map it to real threats MSPs face every day, and translate it into actionable steps you can take as soon as you get home.

9:45 AM

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

10:55 AM

Break

11:05 AM

How to Automate Your MSP

Learn More

3rd Element Consulting

Matthew Bookspan

Many MSPs want to hop on the automation hype train, but the biggest gains come from fixing internal workflows 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: Cybersecurity Pitch Edition

Learn More

Technical Editor

Marissa Maldonado

Proda Technology

Matthew Bookspan

Want to avoid the after-lunch food coma? In this fast and fun showdown, four brave attendees will pitch their cybersecurity services. After getting honest (and perhaps slightly silly) 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

Selling with Insight: Using Data to Find Hidden Revenue

Learn More

Managing Editor

The ChannelPro Network

Philip de Souza

Marissa Maldonado

Proda Technology

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.

3:35 PM

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

Learn More

Law Office of Bradley Gross, PA

Back by popular demand, Bradley Gross returns with a hard-hitting session built specifically for **Florida** MSPs. It’s a risky time to sell security services, and one lawsuit can drain your time, money, and reputation. Bradley will break down the biggest legal threats MSPs in the **Southeast** face, the mistakes that spark lawsuits, and the concrete steps you need to take today to protect your business.

4:05 PM

Sponsor Awards Voting

4:15 PM

The Halftime Speech: Adjustments You Need to Make to Win the Game

Learn More

Philip de Souza

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 DEFEND 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

Matthew Bookspan

CEO

Blacktip

Learn More

For over 25 years, I worked with industry leaders like Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Cisco, and Salesforce, building software solutions that empowered businesses. Along the way, I realized something vital: technology works best when it quietly enables people to excel, without unnecessary complexity. Too often, technology becomes a barrier instead of a catalyst for success. That’s why I founded Blacktip to transform technology consulting. At Blacktip, we simplify technology by making it invisible so your team can focus on growing your business. We deliver tailored strategies that enable modern work by improving workflows, fostering collaboration, and guiding organizational change. Our approach aligns technology with your objectives, reducing complexity and empowering your team to achieve meaningful results. I bring a product-driven mindset and a deep understanding of how technology works at its core to help businesses not just adopt tools but unlock their full potential. My goal is simple—eliminate technology friction so companies can focus on continuous improvement and sustained growth. Drawing from decades of experience with Microsoft technologies, I deliver strategies that streamline workflows, enhance security, and reduce complexity. From implementing programs like Microsoft Teams and Copilot to optimizing cloud migrations, I make sure your technology works as an enabler, not a distraction.

How to Automate Your MSP

Feb 18, 2026 11:05am

Channel’s Got Talent: Cybersecurity Pitch Edition

Feb 18, 2026 2:30pm

Philip de Souza

President

Aurora

Learn More

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.

Breakout Session: Embracing the Co-Managed Security Opportunity

Feb 17, 2026 3:25pm

Selling with Insight: Using Data to Find Hidden Revenue

Feb 18, 2026 3:05pm

The Halftime Speech: Adjustments You Need to Make to Win the Game

Feb 18, 2026 4:15pm

Managing 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.

Selling with Insight: Using Data to Find Hidden Revenue

Feb 18, 2026 3:05pm

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?

Feb 17, 2026 4:35pm

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

Feb 18, 2026 3:35pm

Marissa Maldonado

Founder & CEO

Proda Technology

The Bourbon Icebreaker: How to Choose the Right Security Tools

Feb 17, 2026 2:45pm

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

Feb 17, 2026 4:35pm

Channel’s Got Talent: Cybersecurity Pitch Edition

Feb 18, 2026 2:30pm

Selling with Insight: Using Data to Find Hidden Revenue

Feb 18, 2026 3:05pm

COO

Forthright

Learn More

Frank Merino is a Partner and the COO at Forthright, a results-driven technology leader with over twenty years of experience from UX design to cloud architecture. In his role, Frank leads by lifting his team and aligning technology with business goals. Known for his direct approach, he focuses on delivering solutions that help businesses grow, stay secure, and innovate. Beyond technology, Frank is driven by a sense of purpose, grounded in faith, family, and a commitment to helping others succeed. He connects people to technology that works, driving real results at every step.

The Bourbon Icebreaker: How to Choose the Right Security Tools

Feb 17, 2026 2:45pm

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

Feb 17, 2026 3:25pm

Adopting a Security Framework: Guarding Against the Most Dangerous Cyberattacks

Feb 18, 2026 9:15am

Selling with Insight: Using Data to Find Hidden Revenue

Feb 18, 2026 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

Feb 17, 2026 2:30pm

Opening Remarks

Feb 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

Feb 17, 2026 3:25pm

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

Feb 17, 2026 4:35pm

How to Automate Your MSP

Feb 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

Feb 17, 2026 3:25pm

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

Feb 17, 2026 4:35pm

Adopting a Security Framework: Guarding Against the Most Dangerous Cyberattacks

Feb 18, 2026 9:15am

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

Feb 17, 2026 5:15pm

Channel’s Got Talent: Cybersecurity Pitch Edition

Feb 18, 2026 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.

Additional Info

Event Location:

Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs
📍 350 Northlake Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

Located just north of downtown Orlando with easy access to I-4, the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs blends comfort and convenience for business and leisure travelers. The hotel features spacious guest rooms, an outdoor heated pool, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas. Onsite dining is available at U Restaurant and Lounge, serving contemporary American cuisine with a Florida flair.

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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