MSP conferences can be a great way to network, keep up with the latest in the industry, and maybe even get that next game-changing idea to grow your business. And, of course, get plenty of sweet vendor swag! (FYI, we have the best socks and bucket hats).
Of course, taking the time to attend a conference is a big investment, even before the cost of travel and lodging. To make it worthwhile, the trick is finding the right MSP conference for your MSP business.
Just like no two MSPs are exactly the same, no two conferences are exactly the same. Choosing the conferences most likely to align with your interests (and avoiding the ones that aren’t) is an important part of spending your time wisely. BONUS: So is taking the time to prepare for a) attending an MSP conference and b) sharing with your team afterward.
To help you get it right as we head into the second half of 2023, this article breaks down the top 16 MSP conferences from Q3 2023 to Q1 2024.
1. ASCII EDGE
When:
- Jul 12–Jul 13, 2023 (Columbus, OH)
- Aug 30–Aug 31, 2023 (Toronto, CA)
- Sep 20–Sep 21, 2023 (Chicago, IL)
- Oct 18–Oct 19, 2023 (Reston, VA)
When:
- Columbus, OH
- Toronto, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Reston, VA
Who’s it for: North American MSPs with a focus on SMBs
More info: events.ascii.com/
“Content focuses on helping MSPs build a better business and realize any revenue opportunities they may be missing”
The people I meet, along with the training and leadership that ASCII provides at these events is invaluable. I definitely recommend attending the events… kudos to everyone at ASCII.
Jim Hunton, Onsite Technical Services, Inc.
2. Big Big 2023
When: Aug 24–Aug 26, 2023
Where: Hollywood, FL
Who it’s for: MSPs, MSSPs, and IT decision makers
More info: https://clientportal.taylorbusinessgroup.co
“The annual conference brings together MSP business owners, C-level executives, and managers for a multi-day educational and networking event.”
Joel Zaidspiner, ChannelPro Network
3. CompTIA ChannelCon
When: Aug 1–Aug 3, 2023
Where: Las Vegas, NV and virtual
Who it’s for: IT professionals, MSPs, MSSPs, channel partners, and VARs/resellers
More info: connect.comptia.org
“Join other tech innovators and thought leaders in the CompTIA community for three days of learning, collaborating, and transforming your business and career.”
4. DattoCon
When: Oct 2–Oct 4, 2023
Where: Miami, FL
Who it’s for: MSPs, IT specialists, and technical decision makers
More info: www.dattocon.com
“At Kaseya DattoCon, you’ll get savvy about security as you witness the unveiling of Datto’s most powerful cybersecurity solutions to date and gain technical insights from industry experts.”
Sharepoint Fest has been great, I feel like I’ve been drinking from a water hose in a good way.
Giovanna Grantham, President, VA NFP
5. Forrester Security and Risk Forum
When: Nov 14–Nov 15, 2023
Where: Washington, DC and virtual
Who it’s for: MSSPs, security professionals, CISOs, and technical decision makers
More info: www.forrester.com
“Security & Risk 2023 will bring immersive experiences that provide invaluable insights and actionable advice to drive better business results. During the event, we’ll give you guidance on how to grow your vision, improve your security strategy, hone your skills and expand your community.”
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6. IT Nation Connect
When: Nov 8–Nov 10, 2023
Where: Orlando, FL and online
Who it’s for: IT solution providers (with a focus on ConnectWise solutions)
More info: www.connectwise.com
“IT Nation Connect is the premier thought-leadership conference for TSPs designed to promote education, inspiration, and networking in the community.”
“This was by far the most robust, wide ranging, and useful collection of content I’ve ever had delivered through a conference. Next time I attend I’ll definitely be bringing colleagues!”
Previous 365 EduCon attendee
7. MSP Expo
When: Feb 13–Feb 15, 2024
Where: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Who it’s for: MSPs, channel partners, and VARs/resellers
More info: www.mspexpo.com
“MSP Expo attendees represent companies of all sizes, including MSPs and traditional resellers and agents. Plus, enterprises and SMBs, government agencies, and service providers/carriers.”
“This was definitely the best show that we have participated in within the last 5 years (or more). Excellent foot traffic, ample networking opportunities, and good bang for the buck on the sponsorship opportunities we took part in.“
Rick Mancinelli, C3 / Cloud Computing Concepts LLC
8. MSP Summit
When: Oct 30–Nov 2, 2023
Where: Miami Beach, FL
Who it’s for: MSPs, channel partners, and VARs/resellers
More info: themspsummit.com
“Networking is the top reason why channel partners come to our events. In September 2022, attendees gathered under the Orlando sun with partners and vendors at events like our Havana Nights Welcome reception, Networking & Coffee Breaks in the Expo Hall, sponsor parties, and much more!”
“Our ability to learn and apply the knowledge acquired at the speed of the industry and ahead of others may be the number one competitive differentiator that we have. Channel Partners and Channel Futures puts us at the head of the pack through their content and conferences.”
Paul Cronin, Apogee IT Services
9. MSSP Alert Live
When: Oct 9–Oct 11, 2023
Where: Washington, D.C.
Who it’s for: MSPs/MSSPs, Security engineers, CISOs, IT specialists, cybersecurity technology vendors, and technical decision-makers
More info: msspalertlive.com
“Join us as we discuss the cyber strategies, technology trends and business insights security service providers seek to manage and grow their business and safeguard their customers assets. Whether you are just getting started offering managed security services, or an established MSSP, this event will deliver you everything you need for your managed security services roadmap for 2024 and beyond.”
10. Right of Boom
When: Mar 6–Mar 8, 2024
Where: Las Vegas, NV
Who it’s for: MSPs and MSSPs
More info: www.rightofboom.com
A cybersecurity event focused on MSPs and MSSPs that helps service providers prepare for the risk of a security “boom” and improve their clients’ security posture.
11. Robin Robins Technology Marketing Boot Camp
When: Apr 2–Apr 5, 2024
Where: Nashville, TN
Who it’s for: MSPs, MSSPs, VARs, and IT decision makers
More info: www.robinsbigseminar.com
“The IT Sales And Marketing Boot Camp Is The LEADING Industry Conference For Growth-Minded CEOs And Leaders Of MSPs, MSSPs, VARs And IT Services CEOs With Honest Ambition To Grow, Profit And Scale.”
12. Spiceworld
When: Sep 5–Sep 7, 2023
Where: Austin, TX
Who it’s for: IT professionals, IT decision-makers, and MSPs
More info: www.spiceworks.com
“Join us for SpiceWorld to discover the hottest trends, network with industry firebrands, and forge connections that can ignite your career and take your business to new level.”
“Spiceworld was one of the most amazing times of my life. I met so many awesome people and learned a ton of amazing new things. The vendor showcase was incredible with the selection of vendors they had out there, and everything was made to be very engaging. Oh and I won a Lenovo gaming laptop at the end! w00t! Can’t wait for my next SpiceWorld!”
Christopher Spradlin
13. Techcon Unplugged
When: Sep 7–Sep 10, 2023
Where: Woodbridge, NJ
Who it’s for: IT business owners, MSPs, and MSSPs
More info: techconunplugged.com
“A conference for IT business owners by IT business owners.”
14. Vision 23
When: Aug 22–Sep 25, 2023
Where: Dallas, TX
Who it’s for: MSPs and MSSPs
More info: www.the20.com/vision
“Join us at VISION ’23 and supercharge your MSP with the latest and best insights on MSP growth, cybersecurity, M&A strategy, marketing, and more!”
15. Xchange Best of Breed
When: Oct 9–Oct 10, 2023
Where: Atlanta, GA
Who it’s for: MSPs, technology vendors, and solutions providers (invitation-only)
More info: event.thechannelco.com/best-of-breed
“The Best of Breed (BoB) Conference meets the evolving needs of the IT channel’s largest, fastest-growing, and most progressive solution provider organizations and the top technology vendors and distributors.”
16. ZeroTrust World
When: Feb 6–Feb 28, 2024
Where: Orlando, FL
Who it’s for: MSPs/MSSPs, security professionals, and IT decision makers
More info: zerotrustworld.threatlocker.com
“Learn from experts, learn from peers, and expand your network in a fun environment with three days designed to improve your knowledge and skills as an IT professional.”
Which 2023 MSP conferences are we attending? Check out Auvik’s event listing – and come say hi!
Bonus: 7 IT conferences to check out in 2023
In addition to the MSP-centric conferences above, there is plenty more going on in the world of IT conferences. One or more of these 7 bonus conferences are a great way for MSPs and MSSPs to sharpen their domain knowledge, bolster their tech credibility, and keep up with the latest IT and cybersecurity trends.
1. AWS re:Invent
When: Nov 27–Dec 1, 2023
Where: Las Vegas, NV
Who it’s for: Developers, sysadmins, technical decision-makers, and cloud architects
More info: reinvent.awsevents.com
“At its core, re:Invent is about learning—but that’s just the start. It’s a week-long immersion among people with a shared passion, including skilled AWS leaders who are excited to share their expertise. Gain practical skills for building more innovative solutions and expand your cloud-tech circle. And, when you need a break, head out for happy hour or challenge your friends to a game or two.”
2. Black Hat USA 2023
When: Aug 5–Aug 10, 2023
Where: Las Vegas, NV and virtual
Who it’s for: Security engineers, CISOs, IT specialists, and technical decision-makers
More info: www.blackhat.com
“The event will open with four days of specialized cybersecurity trainings (August 5-10), with courses for all skill levels. The two-day main conference (August 9-10) will feature more than 100 selected Briefings, dozens of open-source tool demos in Arsenal, a robust Business Hall, networking and social events, and much more.”
3. EDUCAUSE
When: Oct 9–Oct 12, 2023 (Chicago, IL)
Oct 18–Nov 19, 2023 (online)
Where: Chicago, IL and online
Who it’s for: IT pros, MSPs, and decision-makers working in education
More info: events.educause.edu
“This is THE event where professionals and technology providers from around the world gather to network, share ideas, grow professionally, and discover solutions to today’s challenges. It’s the largest gathering of your peers…people you can relate to, learn from, and stay connected to throughout the year..”
4. Microsoft Ignite
When: Nov 15–Nov 16, 2023
Where: TBD
Who it’s for: Microsoft partners, developers, IT decision makers, security professionals, and IT specialists
More info: ignite.microsoft.com
“Explore the latest innovations, learn from product experts and partners, level up your skillset, and create connections from around the world.”
5. Microsoft 365 EduCon Chicago
When: Oct 30–Nov 3, 2023
Where: Chicago, IL
Who it’s for: IT pros, MSPs, developers, and decision-makers working in education with an interest in the Microsoft 365 software suite
More info: 365educon.com
“With 2 optional days of workshops and a 3-day conference, you can choose from over 130 sessions in multiple tracks and 25 workshops presented by Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Power Platform, Microsoft Teams, Viva and Azure’s top experts!”
6. VMware Explore
Note: VMworld is now VMware explore! VMworld was the old name of this conference. VMware rebranded it to VMware Explore.
When: Aug 21–Aug 24, 2023
Where: Las Vegas, NV
Who it’s for: IT pros and It decision-makers
More info: www.vmware.com
“VMware Explore is the place to learn about all things multi-cloud.”
7. Service Management World
When: Nov 11–Nov 15, 2023
Where: Austin, TX
Who it’s for: IT professionals, IT decision-makers, and MSPs
More info: www.smworld.com
“Let our program, our experts, and your fellow attendees help you embrace today’s ever changing landscape. Attend the definitive event for Service Management professionals and propel your business and career forward.”
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