The IT Channel is rapidly waking up to the cloud and MSP and VAR companies are leading the way. They are the backbone of SMBs providing the software, infrastructure, mobility, cloud, and security solutions that drive the American economy. MSPs and VARs know that much learning and vendor interaction happen at these IT channel events and conferences attendance can increase their efficiency and their revenue. Join top executives, thought leaders, industry experts, and your peers to better identify your clients’ needs and provide them with the best possible solutions.
We have picked our top IT channel events and conferences for 2016, so that you can plan your calendar and learn from the best agendas, sessions, and speakers in the industry. Of course there are more, and we included one “Meetup” as an example and encourage you to search Meetup in your local area and find a channel focused Meetup to attend. Our top IT channel events and conferences feature information sharing sessions, distinguished keynote speakers, hands-on lab opportunities, and access to top vendors and service providers for even more beneficial networking opportunities. And, if you register soon, you likely will be able to save with Early Bird registration pricing. Please note, we have listed our top 41 IT channel events and conferences for 2016 in no particular order.
1. Autotask Community Live 2016
@Autotask
September 25-27
Miami, FL
Autotask is an industry leader for IT business management software that is based in the cloud. Autotask Community Live includes industry keynotes, more than six tracks of educational and business-focused sessions, the Autotask Accelerator Boot Camp, sponsor showcase, and much more. Billed as “intense, informative, and invaluable,” Autotask Community Live 2016 will take place in Miami, Florida, in September 2016.
Cost to Attend:
Full Conference Attendee Pass Early Bird: $695 until May 20
Accelerator Boot Camp Early Bird: $395 until May 20
2. SYNNEX Spring Varnex Conference 2016
@SYNNEX
April 10-13
Dallas, TX
The SYNNEX Spring Varnex Conference will be held in April 2016 in Dallas, Texas. SYNNEX is a leading distributor of IT and services, and Varnex is the peer-to-peer community of SYNNEX resellers that is devoted to collaboration for driving growth and achieving success in the channel. The SYNNEX Spring Varnex Conference joins hundreds of members of the SYNNEX SMB community to focus on building their businesses and delivering new solutions to their customers. Learn how to better help SMBs drive new business opportunities by attending the SYNNEX Spring Varnex Conference 2016.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
3. Automation Nation
@LabTechSoftware
June 20-22
Orlando, FL
A premier IT channel event for LabTech partners, Automation Nation guides attendees through maximizing their learning with solutions providers, LabTech experts, and top technology vendors. Attendees learn practical how-tos, automation best practices, and the the latest business solution trends with other LabTech community members from around the world at Automation Nation.
Cost to Attend:
Full Attendee, 2 Hotel Nights Included: $1,190, limited time Early Bird price
4. Channel Link
@Tech_Data
Date TBA
Location TBA
Channel Link fosters partnerships, highlights innovative strategies, shares valuable resources, and helps attendees make large gains in their business. Channel Link is the IT channel event that features the high-energy Technology Expo, educational tracks, and top speakers, plus valuable networking and business-building opportunities.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
5. Tech Data SMB Roadshow
@Tech_Data
January 12-14
Tampa, FL
The Tech Data SMB Roadshow is a three-day IT channel event hosted at the Tech Data Campus. Designed to give attendees unique business content in specific markets and technologies, the Tech Data SMB Roadshow provides access to the Solutions Center for an up-close look at the solutions Tech Data’s vendors provide. The SMB Road Show is a Tech Data Partner Summit that is filled with entertaining activities and educational content that includes keynote speakers, vendor presentations, round tables, showcases, and networking opportunities with Tech Data representatives.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
6. Cloud Summit 2016
@IngramCloud
April 11-13
Phoenix, AZ
“Where rainmakers thrive,” Cloud Summit 2016 is the IT channel conference for networking with more than 1,000 influential cloud community members. Cloud Summit also offers learning opportunities focused on solution selling techniques, financial modeling and mitigation, dynamic cloud growth marketing strategies, and so much more.
Cost to Attend:
Early Bird: $499
7. XChange Solution Provider
@TheChannelCo
March 6-8
Los Angeles, CA
The Channel Company is an independent organization that enables technology partnerships across the channel ecosystem. Their XChange Solution Provider, therefore, provides attendees with the opportunity to join hundreds of leading solution providers, top technology vendors, and influential industry analysts and discuss the future of the IT channel. Gain an advantage with the strategies, technology solutions, and expert advice you’ll take away from XChange Solution Provider 2016. Please note, all XChange attendees are pre-qualified and hosted with travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and all conference activities covered.
Cost to Attend: Contact for more information in order to be sponsored to attend XChange Solution Provider 2016
8. DellWorld 2016
@dellevents
Date TBA
Location TBA
DellWorld 2016 is an IT channel event that promises attendees will “experience the future of IT and learn what it means to #befutureready.” While we await details of DellWorld 2016, we know that it will feature hands-on labs including technical training and best practices, premier keynotes, breakout sessions, engineer-led demonstrations, and whiteboard sessions so that attendees leave with the knowledge they need to maximize their IT investments and increase their organizations’ overall value.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
9. ITExpo East
@ITEXPO
January 25-28
Fort Lauderdale, FL
ITExpo East is the IT channel event that covers cloud, mobility, BYOD, UC, VoIP, and other opportunities for driving your revenue. ITExpo East is a unique event, in that it is solely dedicated to communications solutions for the enterprise mid-market, resellers, and service providers. Join 6,000 attendees, more than 100 speakers, and 180 exhibitors at ITExpo East for four days of fun and learning in January 2016.
Cost to Attend:
ITExpo Platinum: $399
ITExpo Gold (2 days only): $299
SuperPass: $899
10. Kaseya Connect 2016
@KaseyaCorp
Date TBA
Location TBA
We are waiting for details about Kaseya Connect 2016, but the 2015 edition of this IT channel conference was a huge hit featuring insights into Kaseya’s strategy, vision and product roadmap, expert insights from IT management thought leaders, numerous best practices, and tips and tricks from other Kaseya users. A premier IT channel event for MSPs and mid-size enterprises, Kaseya Connect 2016 promises to be even better than 2015.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
11. Global Partner Summit at EMC World
@EMCworld
May 2-5
Las Vegas, NV
The Global Partner Summit at EMC World is the IT channel event that is designed to enhance your EMC World experience, as it enables you to hear partner-specific information and meet EMC executives from around the world. Attendees gain insight into the the future direction of EMC World products, solutions, and partner programs while participating in several strategic, interactive discussions with colleagues and EMC executives and networking with their EMC go-to-market team.
Cost to Attend:
Pre-Registration Rate: $2,095 through December 31
12. Atmosphere 2016
@ArubaNetworks
March 6-11
Las Vegas, NV
Billed as “the largest mobility conference on Earth,” Atmosphere 2016 is an IT channel event that strives to change how attendees think about their enterprise network infrastructure, in order to embrace the opportunities and ease the chaos of migrating to the cloud, growing their mobile workforce, and incorporating the Internet of Things (IoT). Join more than 2,000 mobility experts and colleagues at Atmosphere 2016 and learn how to go mobile and go cloud with an open, integrated approach from access layer to data center.
Cost to Attend:
Airheads + Training + Hotel: $2,295
Airheads Hotel: $1,395
Airheads + Training: $1,495
Airheads: $795
13. Channel Partners Conference & Expo
@Channel_Online
March 16-18
Las Vegas, NV
Channel Partners is a leader in providing news and analysis to alternate distribution channels serving the communications industry. This IT channel event features concurrent education, networking events, keynotes by industry leaders and observers, and more than 150 exhibitors. That’s why the Channel Partners Conference & Expo is a popular and highly regarded IT channel conference that joins together thousands of agents, VARs, MSPs, integrators, and service providers for sharing ideas and driving discussion on the hottest topics in the industry.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
14. HP Global Partner Conference
@HPE
September 12-14
Boston, MA
2015 was a year of change for HP, and one of those changes extends to the Global Partner Conference, which will be moving to Boston from Las Vegas in 2016. We are excited to see what else HP has in store for us at the Global Partner Conference, and we’re eagerly awaiting details of GPC 2016. In the meantime, we know that the Global Partner Conference offers information about key sales plays, new marketing tools, and the knowledge and insights attendees need to get ahead of the competition.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
15. ASCII Group Success Summits
@asciigroup
February 17-18
San Marcos, TX
ASCII Group, an independent MSP, VAR and reseller community, provides business building activities, peer interaction, and turnkey cost cutting strategies at their various events throughout the year. In February 2016, they are holding MSP Workshops and Peer Networking in San Marcos, Texas, as part of their 2016 City Tour. If you can’t make it to that particular ASCII Group IT channel event, don’t worry: there are several others available throughout the United States in 2016.
Cost to Attend: Contact for registration cost
16. HostingCon Global
@hostingcon
July 24-27
New Orleans, LA
HostingCon Global, the premier industry conference and trade show for hosting and cloud providers, will be held in New Orleans in July 2016. HostingCon Global is the IT channel conference that joins together the best and the brightest from the industry, so that attendees have the opportunity to network, learn, and grow with hosting and cloud providers, MSPs, VARs, ISVs, value-added service providers, and more. The focus of HostingCon Global is two-fold: first, how to address present industry challenges, and then how to think broadly about the industry’s future.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
17. Spiceworks Unplugged
@Spiceworks
March 24
Phoenix, AZ
Spiceworks Unplugged is a free IT channel event that features a panel of four IT buyers for straight talk, raw feedback, and candid input on marketing tactics. 2015 topics included Attention Grabbing 101, Purchasing Power, Building Real Relationships, After… Happily Ever After, and What’cha Want?, and we know that the 2016 events will be just as beneficial and thought provoking. Tech marketers and IT buyers connect in a way like never before at Spiceworks Unplugged.
Cost to Attend: FREE
18. Channel Visionaries
@Channel_Event
Date TBA
Location TBA
Channel Visionaries 2015 recently wrapped, and details for 2016 are yet to be released, but we know the 2016 edition of this IT channel event will be just as good, if not better, as this year’s. Channel Visionaries brings together more than 200 influential cloud channel executives, including those from key vendors, distributors, and solution providers of the technology and telecom industries, to enable partners in cloud solutions. Dynamic and expert speakers discuss how to combine out-of-the-box thinking with proven strategies to successfully open new channels and redefine existing channel sales and marketing methods, so that attendees return to work with the best business practices, case studies, and action points for their own cloud channel strategies.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
19. RSA Conference USA 2016
@RSAConference
February 29-March 4
San Francisco, CA
The RSA Conference seeks to help attendees “stay ahead of an ever-changing security landscape.” This IT channel conference attracts the world’s top experts, so that attendees have the opportunity to learn about IT security’s most critical points through first-hand interactions with peers, thought leaders, and emerging and established companies. The goal of the RSA Conference is to connect and educate security professionals from around the world.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
20. IT Nation
@ConnectWise
Date TBA
Location TBA
IT Nation wrapped in November and featured three days jammed with hands-on labs and more than 100 sessions including breakouts and town halls. 2015 topics included sales and marketing, leadership and management, service delivery and customer experience, operational efficiency, growth strategies, and ConnectWise Formula, and IT Nation 2016 is shaping up to be an even more informational and impactful IT channel event.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
21. TechSelect Partner Conference
@Tech_Data
Date TBA
Location TBA
The TechSelect Partner Conferences are exclusive IT channel events for Tech Data’s TechSelect community members. Members of the TechSelect community engage with service providers, vendor partners, industry experts, and Tech Data executives to foster growth and success at the TechSelect Partner Conference. Community members also have the opportunity to strategize, participate in professional education, and share best practices at these semi-annual, exclusive IT channel events.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
22. Enterprise Connect
@enterprisecon
March 7-10
Orlando, FL
Enterprise Connect, the IT channel event for learning all about “communications transforming business,” will be held in Orlando, Florida, in March 2016. The expo is open March 7-9, with the conference taking place March 7-10. Enterprise Connect features eight tracks – unified communications and collaboration, management and security, mobility, SIP/SIP trunking, video, cloud communications, contact center, and communications APIs – to help you maximize your investments in communications and collaboration systems, services, apps, and networks.
Cost to Attend:
Entire Event: $1,995 Advance price through January 8
Tue-Thu Conference: $1,695 Advance price through January 8
WebRTC Conference-Within-A-Conference: $795 Advance price through January 8
Expo Plus Pass: FREE through March 6
23. Interop Las Vegas
@interop
May 2-6
Las Vegas, NV
Interop Las Vegas is an independent IT channel gathering for learning and leveraging network technology. With a renewed focus on network infrastructure and the technologies that depend on it, Interop promises to be “a whole new” experience. Attendees will explore that latest in network infrastructure, leverage the applications and technologies supported by the network, and drive success in their careers and business by participating in this IT channel conference that balances technical skills training and strategic thinking.
Cost to Attend:
5 Day Pass: $2,899 Early Bird price through March 18
3 Day Pass: $2,099 Early Bird price through March 18
2 Day Pass: $1,799 Early Bird price through March 18
Expo Plus Pass: $249 Early Bird price through March 18
Expo Pass: FREE to qualified attendees through March 18
24. Lenovo ACCELERATE 2016
@LenovoChannelNA
May 9-11
Orlando, FL
ACCELERATE is the Lenovo Channel Partner Forum that features presentations, breakout sessions, general sessions, and keynotes. The 2016 edition of this IT channel event is scheduled for May 2016 in Orlando, Florida, and promises to give attendees the tools they need to win in this competitive industry, through up-close and personal presentations of the newest products, strategies, and programs Lenovo has to offer.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
25. Citrix Synergy 2016
@citrix
May 24-26
Las Vegas, NV
Citrix Synergy 2016, the premier IT channel conference on secure app and data delivery, will be held at the Venetian Palazzo Congress Center and Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, in May 2016. Citrix Synergy features skills-focused content, an industry focus, access to experts, networking opportunities, and the Citrix Experience Booth so that attendees have the opportunity to explore the latest trends and innovations and discover new approaches for achieving mobility-transformed business.
Cost to Attend:
$1,295 through December 31, for all first-timers and Synergy alumni
26. Citrix Summit
@CitrixPartners
January 11-13
Las Vegas, NV
One of the first IT channel events to take place in 2016, Citrix Summit helps Citrix partners deliver innovative Citrix solutions worldwide, so that people everywhere can work better and live better. This premier professional development technology conference for partners offers first-hand insight into Citrix strategy for software-defined workplaces and bring mobility transformation to business. Get a better handle on market opportunities, build profits, and delight customers with the knowledge you will gain through the intensive technical, sales, and business training at Citrix Summit.
Cost to Attend:
Alumni Full Conference Pass: $715
New Attendee Full Conference Pass: $825
Specialist Partner Participant Rate: $650
27. Microsoft Ignite
@MS_Ignite
September 26-30
Atlanta, GA
Enjoy five days of hands-on learning, industry insights, and direct access to product experts at Microsoft Ignite. This IT channel conference features more than 700 sessions, interactive digital labs, deep dives and demos, an expo featuring more than 100 vendors, one-on-one discussions, and so much more.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
28. Navigate2016
@FollowContinuum
September 27-30
Boston, MA
Navigate2016 is the Continuum User Conference that 93% of 2015 attendees would recommend to a peer or colleague. Join more than 800 attendees to share ideas and network at the Grow Your Business Genius Bar, which saw more than 140 partner visits, 75 website reviews, 45 social profile reviews, 110 datasheets created, and much more.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
29. Datto Partner Conference
@datto
June 20-22
Nashville, TN
An innovative provider of comprehensive backup, recovery, and business continuity solutions, Datto presents its Datto Partner Conference, DattoCon 2016, in June 2016. Network with hundreds of MSPs at this IT channel event in Nashville, Tennessee, and enjoy the insight and knowledge keynote speaker Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer and philanthropist, and other featured speakers, such as Austin McChord of Datto, have to offer.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
30. Dreamforce ’16
@Dreamforce
October 4-7
San Francisco, CA
Dreamforce is the IT channel conference that features Innovation Keynotes, such as fireside chats and the women’s leadership summit, and Product Keynotes, such as the Sales Cloud Keynote and Service Cloud Keynote. Get all of the insight and knowledge you need to “get ready for a new kind of customer success” at Dreamforce ’16.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
31. FOCUS 16
@FOCUSConference
October 31-November 2
Las Vegas, NV
FOCUS 16 will be held at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Intel Security’s Annual Security Conference, FOCUS 16 is an IT channel event that features breakout sessions, keynotes, training classes, presentations, and an expo so that attendees gain access to industry experts and thought leaders to take away the insights needed to put security in focus for 2016.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
32. ChannelCon 2016
@CompTIA
August 1-3
Hollywood, FL
A non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the global interests of IT professionals and companies, CompTIA presents ChannelCon 2016. This IT channel conference features high-level executive panel discussions, plus intensive executive certificate trainings on cloud, security, managed services, and IoT. The networking opportunities and educational experience alone make ChannelCon a top IT channel event in 2016.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
33. ICWE Expo
@IWCEexpo
March 21-25
Las Vegas, NV
The International Wireless Communications Expo (ICWE Expo) is a leading annual IT channel event for communications technology professionals. Featuring more than 370 exhibitors showcasing the latest industry products and trends, ICWE Expo has been a leading annual event for communications technology professionals in the working world since 1977.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
34. Cisco Live
@CiscoLive
July 10-14
Las Vegas, NV
Cisco Live, Cisco’s annual user conference, joins partners and customers together to learn new technologies, discuss business trends, share ideas, and network. In fact, Cisco Live is an IT channel event that offers premier education and training for IT professionals from around the globe. Enjoy five days of education, networking, and fun at Cisco Live 2016.
Cost to Attend:
Full Conference: $1,995 until March 14
IT Management: $2,295 until March 14
Explorer: $69 until July 8
35. CompTIA Annual Member Meeting
@CompTIA
March 22-24
Chicago, IL
The CompTIA Annual Member Meeting is scheduled for March 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Annual Member Meeting offers opportunities for CompTIA communities to advance specific technologies, vertical markets, and business segments. Connect with peers at networking dinners, Power Talk sessions, and the awards event to collaborate, reconnect, and make new relationships to advance the iT industry at the CompTIA Annual Member Meeting in 2016.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
36. HTG Peer Groups
@HTGmembers
Throughout the Year
Throughout the U.S.
A peer group organization, HTG focuses on business improvement, member accountability, and life-work experience among leading IT solution providers. Their peer group meetings are held throughout the year all around the United States and feature the HTG vendor lounge, leadership academies, the HTG Olympics, and much more.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
37. Connect 2016
@IBMConnect
January 31-February 3
Orlando, FL
IBM Connect 2016, the premier social business and digital experience conference, gives attendees a first-hand look at the new IBM digital assistant. This IT channel conference highlights the IBM solutions that increase collaboration and productivity to satisfy customers and grow your business.
Cost to Attend: $1,795 until January 29
38. Cisco Partner Summit 2016
@CiscoPartners
February 29-March 3
San Diego, CA
Cisco Partner Summit, an invitation-only event, will take place in San Diego, California. A premier IT channel event, Cisco Partner Summit is the place for top partners to network with executives, discuss strategy, learn about technology updates, and develop business leadership. If you are unable to attend the Cisco Partner Summit, you can participate in Cisco Virtual Partner Summit 2016 and discuss strategy, learn about announcements, and network with other partners through live and on-demand sessions, video chats, and social streams.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
39. SAP SAPPHIRE NOW + ASUG Annual Conference
@SAPPHIRENOW
@ASUG365
May 17-19
Orlando, FL
SAPPHIRE NOW is a premier business technology event, presented by SAP and ASUG, an independent community of SAP professionals who help one another solve business problems to achieve real results. Learn from others’ insights, experiences, and stories at this IT channel event in May 2016.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
40. ChannelPro SMB Forum 2016
@ChannelProSMB
March 2
Dallas, TX
ChannelPro SMB Forum 2016 is perfect for channel partners serving the IT needs of small and midsize businesses. This IT channel event is a full-day, live event that features presentations from top SMB resellers and managed service providers. Learn from their insights on the latest tech solutions in SMB at ChannelPro SMB Forum 2016 in Dallas, Texas.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
41. SoCal Solution Providers Meetup
http://www.meetup.com/SoCal-Solution-Providers/
Monthly
Irvine, CA
There are many meetups around the country that are focused on helping the IT Channel – from technologies like ConnectWise to helping channel sales leaders network to a more social event like: SoCal Solution Providers. If you sell solutions or services, this group is for you. This mixer includes free parking, lunch, and drinks. An educational topic is included to enhance your knowledge within our industry.
Cost to Attend: Contact for attendance cost
The post Top IT Channel Events & Conferences in 2016: 41 Events for MSP & VAR companies appeared first on ProfitBricks Blog.