It has been a year in the making. Our staff, advisory boards, industry leaders and influencers along with many others have worked hard to bring together an event designed to serve and elevate the entire channel ecosystem. It is truly an extraordinary feat when you consider the amount of time and effort spent advocating for the channel and educate channel partners and their suppliers on how to navigate an exciting but rather uncertain future.

Let’s make it official: the Channel Partners Conference & Expo, co-located with the MSP Summit series, will take place next week at The Venetian in Las Vegas from April 13-16, 2026. This marks our 29th conference, which has evolved over time to become the largest vendor- and platform-neutral event connecting the entire channel partner ecosystem. This premier event is designed to accelerate growth and innovation across the channel, bringing together industry leaders, technology advisors, and managed services professionals for an unparalleled experience.

Our theme this year is "Velocity," but given current events, it’s clear that everyone is coming to Las Vegas to address the changes and uncertainties surrounding the global economy, the impact of AI, and how these shifts alter technology and communications spending across businesses of all sizes.

Let’s dive into the heart of the event.

Big-Name Keynote Sessions: Attendees will hear from a wide range of industry leaders, including T-Mobile’s George Fischer and Verizon’s Mark Tina. Fischer and Tina will appear on the main stage to discuss their goals and channel growth strategies. T-Mobile is expected to announce a new channel leader during the event. On the MSP front, Shield Technology Partners CEO Jim Siders will debut on the main stage to share insights on how AI is reshaping the managed services industry. Additionally, New Charter Technology CEO Peter Melby and MSP legend Jason Magee will participate in a special joint interview on the evolution of the MSP industry. Leaders from the Technology Services Distributors (TSDs) will also join a panel discussion on their evolving value propositions. Just those sessions will educate everyone on the state of the technology and communications channel.

Marquee Keynote: Celebrity chef, author, and business consultant Robert Irvine will take the stage as our marquee keynote speaker. Known for his fast-paced and opinionated style, Irvine promises to deliver an engaging and thought-provoking keynote interview.

Thought Leaders and Technology Advisor CEO Track: New for 2026, the Technology Advisor CEO Track offers executive-level strategies for growth, leadership, and long-term business value. This track features candid discussions, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored for decision-makers in the telecom and technology services channel. Some of these CEOs will also be featured on the Channel Partners Technology Advisor Thought Leaders Awards list, with two winners appearing on the main stage and participating in an Expo Floor Theater session.

MSP 501 Recognition: Celebrate the achievements of the top managed service providers driving innovation and excellence in the industry. The MSP Summit will kick off with award winners participating in a panel discussion.

Expanded Expo Hall Hours: With extended hours, attendees will have more time to explore cutting-edge solutions, connect with vendors, and engage in meaningful conversations. The expo floor will feature new content in the CP Expo Theater and activities like a golf simulator competition with major prizes.

Educational Conference Tracks: Peer-driven learning opportunities include partner-led sessions, Technology Advisor peer groups, and MSP peer groups. These sessions are designed to address real-world challenges and provide actionable insights, with channel partners sharing their perspectives to help peers make strategic decisions.

Industry Influencers: Omdia’s chief channel analyst Jay McBain will deliver a keynote on the Platform Revolution, while Circana’s Mike Crosby will discuss data centers and the channel in a presentation featuring powerhouse IT services leaders Insight and Align.

The Customer Perspective: Insights from today’s tech and communications consumers will be represented by CIOs such as Brad Sexton, Dr. Ron Glickman, and Walt Carter.

A Transformational Moment

This year’s Velocity theme reflects the fast-paced evolution of the channel and the need for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're a technology advisor, MSP, or channel leader, the Channel Partners Conference & Expo/MSP Summit 2026 is the perfect destination to fuel your business growth.

The event will feature nearly four full days packed with content, education, and demos on the show floor. As of press time, the event boasts:

• 140 confirmed speakers
• 26 keynote sessions
• 44 educational breakouts
• 4 multi-hour workshops
• 15 expo floor theater sessions

This year’s event has posted significant year-over-year growth, making it the largest gathering to date. Attendees will descend on Las Vegas to explore the transformative impact of AI—how to monetize it, identify the best partners, and navigate the road ahead.

Whether it’s about velocity or simply embracing change, this moment belongs to the channel.