Channel Partners 2020 Debates & Thunderdomes
Can't-miss sessions addressing topics where the channel is divided
Debate 2020: Is Convergence Just Hype or the Future of Channel?
Tuesday, September 8, 9:20-10 a.m. (EDT)
We've been hearing it for years: IT/telco convergence is coming. But is it? Has it already? Will it ever? And if it does, who will win out? Join channel expert Janet Schijns, CEO of consulting firm JS Group, as she moderates an old-fashioned debate between Team Yes and Team No on the question "Is IT/Telco Convergence Happening?” Which side will win out? Only the audience can decide.
Open to all attendees and exhibitors
TEAM YES
Jared Martin
VP, MSx Managed Services at TPx Communications
Andrew Pryfogle
Chief Market Development Officer at Pax8
MODERATOR
Janet Schijns
CEO at JS Group
TEAM NO
Rob Rae
VP of Business Development at Datto
Bill Power
CEO at Agent Alliance
Debate 2020: To MSSP or Not to MSSP?
Tuesday, September 8, 12:10-12:40 p.m. (EDT)
In recent years, as cybersecurity disasters continue to break companies and dominate the headlines, we’ve heard vendors, consultants and analysts shouting about the need for MSPs to evolve to MSSPs. But is that actually a wise idea? Can partners with a focus on IT infrastructure adequately build out a managed security practice? In this high-energy debate, we’ll hear arguments from both sides. Which stance will win the day? That’s all up to the audience.
Must be registered with a Standard or Premier pass to attend this session.
TEAM YES
Jason Ingalls
CEO at Ingalls Information Security
Jason Duchnowski
Product Manager at Otava
MODERATOR
Mike LaPeters
VP of Worldwide MSP & Channel Operations at Malwarebytes
TEAM NO
Scott Barlow
VP of Global MSP
SD-WAN Thunderdome
Tuesday, September 8, 2-2:30 p.m. (EDT)
The choice of which SD-WAN system to use is make-or-break for channel partners looking for the best software-defined networking solution. If you want to really get to know these suppliers, attend this always-entertaining session.
Participating vendors:
- Aryaka
- CBTS
- Bigleaf Networks
- Fusion Connect
Open to all attendees and exhibitors
Already registered? Sign up for this session in the virtual platform to save your seat.
Debate 2020: The Future of Distribution
Wednesday, September 9, 12:10-12:40 p.m. (EDT)
Has the age of the traditional distribution channel passed on? With Amazon Business knocking on the door offering MSP buying programs and business options, are SMBs moving away from these disties and master agents? Disties are transforming to handle 175,000 software companies, 800,000 emerging tech firms, countless IoT solutions and potentially millions of tech services companies. Can they scale to handle these permutations? In this can’t-miss debate, executives from the traditional and emerging distribution channel will face off on the question “Is traditional distribution becoming irrelevant?” Which argument will emerge triumphant? That’s all up to the audience.
Must be registered with a Standard or Premier pass to attend this session.
TEAM YES
Jennifer Anaya
SVP Global Marketing at Ingram Micro
MODERATOR
Joel Zaidspiner
VP and Associate Publisher at The ChannelPro Network
TEAM NO
Heather Murray
VP, Vendor Management, Security Solutions at Tech Data
Karin Fields
CEO/COO at Microcorp
UCaaS Thunderdome
Wednesday, September 9, 2-2:30 p.m. (EDT)
UCaaS systems that bring all of a customer’s communication channels onto a single platform are productivity game-changers. And there are a lot of options. In this popular Thunderdome you can explore which supplier best gathers voice, instant messaging, video conferencing, contact centers and UC-connected apps and then allows access from any device — in a way tailored to your customer base and business model.
Participating vendors:
- CallTower
- CenturyLink
- Fuze
- Granite Telecommunciations
Open to all attendees and exhibitors
Already registered? Sign up for this session in the virtual platform to save your seat.