What is IT Nation Connect and why it’s the premier conference for MSPs

Posted:
09/30/2024
| By:
Gregg Lalle

What is IT Nation Connect?

IT Nation Connect™ is The IT Nation’s premier annual event that unites IT professionals, managed service providers (MSPs), IT communities, and technology vendors for an immersive experience of inspiration, collaboration, and learning. Each year, thought leaders from various areas of the MSP community come together to share insights, foster innovation, and leverage collective knowledge to enhance their organizations, careers, and personal lives.

The IT Nation serves as a guiding force, empowering business owners and technologists worldwide to navigate the complexities and opportunities of business, leadership, life, and legacy.

As the featured sponsor of IT Nation Connect 2024, we’re taking a deep dive into the details of this must-attend conference for MSPs.

Who should attend?

IT Nation Connect is for anyone who wants to experience the transformational power of the largest MSP community. This includes:

  • MSPs: MSP businesses looking to improve operations, enhance service delivery, and scale their businesses
  • IT professionals: Technologists, engineers, and consultants who want to stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and best practices in IT service delivery and management
  • Business owners and leaders: CEOs, COOs, and other leaders in IT businesses who are focused on business strategy, leadership development, and long-term growth
  • Sales and marketing teams: Professionals responsible for business development, client acquisition, and brand visibility in the IT space, looking to learn effective growth strategies and marketing techniques
  • Technology vendors: Companies that offer products, services, and solutions for MSPs and IT businesses, looking to showcase their offerings and connect with potential partners or customers
  • Industry thought leaders: Experts and influencers in the IT and technology sectors who want to share their knowledge, collaborate with peers, and stay on top of industry changes. CEOs, COOs, and other leaders in IT businesses who are focused on business strategy, leadership development, and long-term growth

There is something for every role, as IT Nation Connect fosters collaboration by creating spaces for attendees to connect with peers, industry experts, and vendors.

Anyone involved in the IT services ecosystem—whether focused on business management, finance, operations, technical development, or innovation—will find value in attending.

What can you expect?

150+ education sessions

Dive into the packed agenda of five concurrent session tracks, each crafted to address crucial aspects of the MSP business landscape:

  • Cybersecurity and AI: Learn proven strategies that enhance your cybersecurity offerings, leverage AI, and drive new revenue opportunities
  • Sales and Marketing: See how AI is revolutionizing sales to drive long-term success and decrease dependence on individual salespeople
  • Service Delivery and Operations: Discover how to balance cost-effectiveness with top-notch service to enhance profitability
  • Leadership and Management: Grow as a leader and nurture a team and business culture that drives your personal legacy
  • Strategy and Growth: Build your personal and business legacy with expert insights for mergers and acquisitions

These sessions are your gateway to gaining actionable insights for faster innovation and more streamlined business processes.

160+ exhibitors

With over 160 exhibitors attending, there’s something for everyone. Check out the latest services and technology tailored for the MSP community, and explore, learn, and discover your next big solution for your MSP business.

Plus, don’t miss the PitchIT™ competition, where innovation meets opportunity! PitchIT is our annual accelerator program conducted at IT Nation Connect, which is dedicated to incubating growth in our startup integration partners devoted to the MSP space. Now in its sixth year, we’re looking to take a new group of innovators to new heights!

PitchIT is designed to recognize startups that have built their technology stack on the ConnectWise platforms, integrated their technology stack with the ConnectWise platform, or have participated in the ConnectWise Invent program and meet the eligibility requirements.

Networking opportunities with over 7,000 MSP leaders

MSPs come from all over the world to attend IT Nation Connect for the amazing networking opportunities available. Whether enjoying our after-party happy hours, feeling the thrill at Universal Studios, challenging yourself with arcade games, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere at our private concert, or making valuable connections during our speed networking sessions, there’s ample opportunity to meet and connect with your peers.

Giving back to the community

Embrace the spirit of giving with IT Nation Gives in support of K9 for Warriors! Attendees can join the philanthropic fun by making dog treats or joining the 5k Fun Run.

K9 For Warriors helps unite specially trained shelter dogs with military veterans suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other service-related conditions. Through their comprehensive training program, these dogs are trained to perform tasks that help mitigate symptoms and provide emotional support.

ConnectWise product training

With all the products that exist at ConnectWise, it’s a no-brainer that a product refresh could be useful. Good news—as the featured sponsor of IT Nation Connect 2024, ConnectWise product training is now available in all session tracks! Bring your team to learn best practices, tips, and tricks to maximize the capabilities of the ConnectWise product suite.

Community

IT Nation Connect brings MSP communities together at one event. These communities include:

  • 7 Figure MSP: 7 Figure MSP is a company that offers resources, training, and support to help MSPs grow their businesses and reach seven-figure revenue levels
  • All Things MSP: An online community and resource hub dedicated to providing valuable insights, tips, and discussions specifically tailored for MSPs in the IT industry
  • ASCII: A community of independent IT solution providers, vendors, and distributors that collaborate and share resources to enhance their businesses and provide better services to their clients
  • Channel Program: The ultimate hub for MSPs, providing essential resources such as verified MSP reviews of channel solutions and NaviStack, a groundbreaking vendor management tool that enables seamless visualization and communication with all vendors through a single login
  • CRN: A leading source of news, analysis, and insights for technology resellers, providing information on the latest trends, products, and strategies in the IT channel industry
  • CompTIA: A non-profit trade association that offers certifications, training, and resources to professionals in the information technology industry
  • ForzaDash/MSP Influencer: A digital platform that provides valuable insights, resources, and networking opportunities for MSPs to stay informed and connected within the industry
  • IT By Design: An MSP that offers comprehensive IT support and solutions to help businesses optimize their technology infrastructure and operations
  • Marvin Bee’s Podcast: A podcast that shares insights and advice on running a successful IT business
  • MSP Geek: A platform that provides MSPs with tools, resources, and community support to enhance their technical skills, streamline operations, and grow their businesses
  • Nerdio: A cloud-based IT automation platform that simplifies the deployment, management, and scaling of virtual desktops and infrastructure for businesses
  • Right of Boom: A purpose-built event to educate and enable MSPs/MSSPs to prepare for, endure and survive the inevitable “boom” in either their or their client’s business
  • SentinelOne: An advanced endpoint security platform that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and other cyberthreats
  • Tech Degenerates: A group of individuals who are passionate about technology and engage in discussions, debates, and exploration of various tech-related topics
  • ThreatLocker: A cybersecurity software solution that helps organizations prevent unauthorized applications and malware from executing on their systems, providing advanced protection against potential threats

What are the benefits of attending IT Nation Connect?

IT Nation Connect is known for bringing together the brightest minds in the industry. Its reputation precedes it, and it offers countless opportunities for attendees, including

  • Hearing from highly anticipated speakers, such as Tony Hawk and Jesse Cole
  • Getting a first look at product releases and updates from featured sponsor ConnectWise
  • Checking out new and upcoming tools from the exhibitor hall
  • Accessing the vendor pavilion, focused on MSP and TSPs to support your growing solution mix
  • Entering to win exclusive events and giveaways

What sets IT Nation Connect apart?

With so many events for MSPs to attend, it can be hard to decide which is best for you. In many cases, it’s best to hear less of what the hosts say, and more from the attendees. So, here’s how we stack up:

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Learn more about IT Nation Connect >>

First timer?

In 2023, just under half of IT Nation Connect registrants attended for the first time. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the industry, there’s an event, session, and place for you at IT Nation Connect.

First-timer orientation

Stop by first-timer orientation to get tips and tricks for navigating the conference, making the most of your time, and getting to know the community.

The IT Nation GPS team

At a conference of this caliber, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the countless events and activities going on. The IT Nation GPS team is a service designed to help attendees identify sessions that fit their role, mode, and goals so they can get the most out of the conference experience.

Meetups

One of the value-adds of IT Nation Connect is its dedication to fostering relationships within the community. IT Nation Connect meetup groups include:

  • Women in IT Lunch
  • Veterans' meetup
  • Evolve recruitment
  • CompTIA new member meetup
  • And more!

If you’ve already registered for IT Nation Connect, you can see all the meetup groups in the IT Nation app.

Join the fun at IT Nation Connect in Orlando >>

FAQs

The IT Nation is a community that hosts multiple events, including IT Nation Connect.

Yes! The IT Nation hosts conferences, in-depth product training, and community-based events around the globe. Events include Automation Nation, IT Nation Connect, IT Nation Secure, IT Nation Evolve, IT Nation Grow, and more!

Learn more >>

While both events are valuable to MSPs in the channel, IT Nation Secure is recommended for those seeking to enhance their cybersecurity knowledge, while IT Nation Connect offers a broader IT services conference with a focus on business management, sales and marketing strategies, emerging technologies, and industry trends.