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Channel Partners Virtual Wraps — See You In Person at CP Expo Homecoming

Hello goodbye neon signs

2,100 registrants, thousands of messages exchanged and hundreds of meetings later, the channel once again showed its desire to come together to learn and network.

Channel Partners Virtual, held March 2-4, is a wrap. We featured 65 sponsors and virtual exhibitors, and more than 100 top industry speakers on our "stage."

There were many highlights throughout, beginning with Janet Schijns' keynote setting the tone for the event on Tuesday, and ending with the fun Second City improv comedy session Thursday afternoon. Loved how they fit in some tech talk!

If you thought day three would lack the powerhouse content we featured on days one and two, you missed out. Tracy Pound of Maximity got us started with her session, "Financials Are Scary — Get Over It." She offered practical advice on measuring financial performance and expectations.

"Reviewing profitability of revenue streams should be a regular task," said Pound. "Markets can change way before anyone has [discovered that] the profit's not there anymore."

Influencers and MSPs

The highlight of the day might have been our discussion with three of our 2021 Channel Influencers. Influencer of the Year – Forrester's Jay McBain – Sophos' Scott Barlow and Tech Data's Heather Murray offered some great perspectives. Murray, in particular, offered a couple of great points. For one, be easy to do business with because that's how customers will judge you. Also, while the pandemic has been a battle, many partners have actually grown closer to their customers.

Finally, Channel Partners and Channel Futures content lead Bobby DeMarzo had a terrific conversation that nicely sets the stage for our just-announced MSP Summit this fall. TruMethods' Gary Pica and 7 Figure MSP's Chris Wiser shared insights into the managed service provider market.

“There will be more recurring revenue sold at a higher price this year than in any year in managed service history,” said Pica.

But security will continue to be on the minds of customers who watched the SolarWinds hack play out in the news.

“All these MSPs think ‘this vendor’s got my back' — well, now you’ve got to be vetting them,” Wiser said. “You have to make sure not only is your house in order, but your vendor’s house is in order.”

On behalf of the entire team at Channel Partners and Channel Futures, we thank you for attending Channel Partners Virtual. We are very excited to see you all in person again at our CP Expo Homecoming event. That's Nov. 1-4, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Stay focused on our expo website for registration information.

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Channel Partners Virtual, Channel Partners Conference & Expo