A Baltimore MSP asks a question during a panel discussion.
A mid-1970s quote sparked the nickname for Charm City: “Baltimore has more history and unspoiled charm tucked away in quiet corners than most American cities out in the spotlight.”
MSPs, MSSPs, VARs, and IT consultants of all kinds tapped into that deep reserve of charm when they gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Pikesville, MD, for ChannelPro LIVE: Baltimore.
The day-and-a-half MSP conference on May 15-16 — the third of its kind in 2024 — was lively, interactive, and powerfully educational.
Pre-Day Builds MSP Momentum
ChannelPro LIVE: Baltimore drew a packed crowd.
On May 15, known as the “pre-day,” the audience asked astute questions of business planning expert Mahen Gundecha of Bristol Group about ways to increase the value of their businesses and build a long-term exit strategy.
Then, attendees took in presentations by National Society of IT Service Providers‘ Christopher Barber on developing IT professionalism, PCs for People‘s Sandra D. Ramos shared how technology recycling has a transformative impact, and email security vendor INKY Founder and CEO Dave Baggett revealed new phishing prevention trends and tools.
Next was ChannelPro’s special “MSP Matchmaker” workshop. Matchmaker coaches Dave Wilkeson, Eric Long, and Leia Kupris Shilobod led small group conversations around peer networking, vendor selection, and mergers and acquisitions. The session was a hit as audience members eagerly shared their own best practices and made new connections.
That energy carried into the welcome cocktail reception, where these IT leaders met with some of the industry’s best vendors.
“I’m always trying to keep up to date at MSP conferences, and these session topics are really good,” said Ifran Hamid, a Maryland IT leader with Hamid & Associates. “There are at least four that really interest me but it’s all high value.”
Attendees are presented an interactive AI survey during ChannelPro’s MSP conference.
AI Takes Center Stage
On the main day of May 16, ChannelPro LIVE: Baltimore covered some of the hottest issues on MSPs’ minds, including expert guidance on client onboarding and retention, as well as ways to sell to larger prospective clients.
One of the most impactful sessions was a panel discussion on “Six Ways to Use AI to Improve Your MSP.” Industry experts Dawn Sizer and Jennifer Bleam demonstrated practical ways that AI can be leveraged by IT pros to save time and gain efficiency.
“It took me longer to explain this than it did to build the documentation I needed,” Bleam said, as she showed how to write AI-assisted scope-of-work documents.
Sizer also had a real-time demonstration that sparked plenty of audience feedback. “Canva has a ton of AI features built in that are easy to use,” Sizer shared during her demo. “I can brainstorm marketing pieces, and the output is in our brand voice, tailored to the audience we want. It takes a little tweaking, but it really works.”
During a scheduled break, one MSP commented on how effective the presentations were. “We’re a small shop, so [new clients] come from word-of-mouth. I don’t post on social media. I didn’t think I had time for marketing. After that [demo], wow, maybe I do?”
Rayanne Buchianico delivers an insightful closing keynote in Baltimore.
A Compelling Closer
ChannelPro’s MSP conference concluded with an impactful keynote address by Rayanne Buchianico, founder and CEO of IT accounting firm ABC Solutions LLC, about the importance of trust in business.
“Think of someone you trust implicitly. Who is that person? Do you get things done with them? Do you communicate openly with them? It’s a relationship that pays dividends,” she said.
Buchianico also shared tips and tricks for demonstrating trustworthiness and building healthy professional relationships.
Vendor Awards
The day concluded with special recognition for the event’s sponsors during the ChannelPro awards ceremony, as voted by the Baltimore audience:
- ROI Lightning Round Winner: Choice Cyber Solutions
- Best Add-on Product: SaaS Assure
- Best Cloud Solution: Pax8
- Best Distributor: TD SYNNEX
- Best Expo Hall Presentation (Premium Sponsors): US Signal
- Best Expo Hall Presentation (Silver Sponsors): Liquid Web
- Best Hardware Solution: Dell Technologies
- Best New Solution: INKY
- Best On-stage Presentation: Kaseya IT Complete
- Best Product or Platform: Barracuda MSP
- Best Revenue Booster: Galactic Advisors
- Best Security Solution: ThreatLocker
- Best Software Solution: ConnectWise
- Most Exciting Solution: Galactic Advisors
- Best in Show: INKY
- Editor’s Choice: Kaseya IT Complete
- ChannelPro Community Award: Avast Business
Sponsors Make It Happen
Many thanks to the world-class sponsors of ChannelPro LIVE: Baltimore.
Join Us Again
Next up on the 2024 ChannelPro event schedule are two events, one in person and the other virtual:
- May 22: ChannelPro Deep Dive: Bundling & Pricing Managed Services, which will help MSPs capitalize on high-value solution opportunities, and dodge pitfalls that can stall revenue. Reserve your spot here.
- June 5-6: ChannelPro LIVE: Columbus at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. Register here.
If you are an IT integrator, managed services provider, consultant, or VAR serving small and medium businesses, these events are designed specifically to help you grow your business. To learn more, visit the ChannelPro events page.
