MSPs experienced unparalleled learning, networking, and collaboration during ChannelPro Network’s two-day ChannelPro DEFEND: East event in Islen, NJ. The premier security gathering of 2024 took place on Aug. 7-8, offering actionable insights and demonstrations on the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques to enhance security and profitability.
The Importance of Day 1
The conference kicked off with registration and networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with peers and industry leaders right from the start. The opening keynote featured tabletop exercise leader Robert Burton, who led an interactive session covering strategies for selling incident response exercises. This session provided critical insights into preparing for and managing cybersecurity incidents.
Keynote Speaker & Incident Response Expert Robert Burton
Throughout the first day, attendees were treated to a series of sponsor presentations by leading companies. Vendors including NUSO, LastPass, and SaaSAssure showcased their latest cybersecurity solutions and innovations. Breakout sessions presented by Blokworx, SonicWall, and Inky delved into advanced topics, offering specialized knowledge and step-by-step instructions.
“It’s impressive how involved [the DEFEND audience] is…and how engaged the community is. It’s exactly what we are hoping for. MSPs are visting our booth and asking the right questions. It tells us we’re in the right place,” said Joe Monseur, business development manager with Lenovo.
The day also included sessions addressing insider threats, a crucial issue that many organizations face, and discussions on the profitability of consulting on regulatory compliance. At the end of Day 1, attendees gathered for a lively welcome cocktail reception in the exhibit hall, an ideal setting for attendees to network and discuss the day’s learnings.
Honoring Our Scholarship Winner
An event highlight was the presentation of the Cecilia Galvin Scholarship by the CompTIA Community and The ChannelPro Network, emphasizing the importance of education and community support in cybersecurity. The 2024 winner is Kavya Venkatesan from Old Bridge High School in Matawan, NJ.
ChannelPro’s Founder Michael Siggins, Scholarship Winner Kavya Venkatesan, and CompTIA’s VP, Member Experience Susan Kostbar
This outstanding young woman already has accomplished much and has proven herself worthy of recognition. Kavya trained her first neural network when she was only 13, and she built an app at age 14 that was adopted by the state of New Jersey’s Research & Development Council. More recently, she was certified in AI/cybersecurity, and she presented her work at MIT Engineering, CNBC’s Business Summits, in front of the creator of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine, and for the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Treasury.
The Critical Impact of Day 2
The second day began with a networking breakfast, followed by conversations on innovative ways to leverage AI for improving security, using security services to sell to larger businesses, and more.
Audience Question During an Interactive Cybersecurity Session
Top sponsors like Arrow and ConnectWise presented throughout the morning, highlighting the latest advancements and tools available to MSPs.
Attendees gained practical insights from a session on mastering the cybersecurity onboarding process, and a fun, engaging live demo of “Battle of the Hackers: White Hat vs. a Top Security Expert.” It featured ethical hacker Tyler Wrightson and cybersecurity and compliance expert Angela Hogaboom in opposing roles.
The educational portion of the event wrapped up with a powerful closing keynote on strengthening cybersecurity value propositions, presented by CISA’s Cybersecurity State Coordinator Christopher Kay.
Sponsor Awards
In addition to free food, drinks, and prize bags valued at more than $1,500, attendees were eligible to win prizes and giveaways. Among the winners was Chris Young, who won a PS5 gaming system from Barracuda; Frank Savoca, who won a $100 Amazon Gift Card from Perception Point; and Greg Adamson, who won a $250 AmEx gift card from Avast Business.
And the event ended with sponsor awards. The winners were:
- Best Add-on Product: BlokWorx
- Best Cloud Solution: SaaSAssure and SonicWall (tie)
- Best Breakout Session-Day 1: SonicWall
- Best Distributor: TD SYNNEX
- Best Expo Hall Presentation (Premium Sponsors): Galactic Advisors
- Best Expo Hall Presentation (Silvers): Channel Hunters
- Best Hardware Solution: Dell
- Best New Solution: RYTHMz
- Best On-stage Presentation (Day 1): NUSO
- Best On-stage Presentation (Day 2): Kaseya
- Best Product or Platform: ThreatLocker
- Best Revenue Booster: Huntress
- Best Security Solution: Huntress
- Best Software Solution: ThreatLocker
- Most Exciting Solution: Galactic Advisors
- Best in Show: RYTHMz
- ROI Lightning Round Winner: Channel Hunters
- Editor’s Choice: Seceon
- ChannelPro Community Award: Avast
Thanks to our Sponsors
ChannelPro DEFEND East wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the best companies in the IT channel. These vendors, first and foremost, are partners to MSPs — and their products and services drive your bottom line.
Many thanks to all of the event sponsors.
Ready for More?
MSPs, MSSPs, VARs, and IT consultants who missed out on the New Jersey event have an opportunity to experience this special event once more. Register now for ChannelPro DEFEND: West, hosted in Newport Beach, CA, on Nov. 12-13 — and encourage coworkers to attend.
For more information about other upcoming events, visit events.channelpronetwork.com.
