This week marks an exciting milestone for the technology advisory industry as we officially launch the 2026 Channel Partners Tech Advisor Thought Leaders Award. This prestigious program is designed to shine a spotlight on the trailblazers, innovators, and visionaries who are redefining the communications channel and setting new benchmarks for excellence. It’s more than just an award—It’s a celebration of leadership, innovation, and the transformative power of technology advisors (TAs) and agents.

We have often said the TA, agent and communications channel is often under-appreciated in the overall industry and deserving of more recognition.

The Channel Partners Tech Advisor Thought Leaders Award is not just about recognizing success; it’s about honoring partners who are shaping the future of our industry. These are the individuals and organizations who are driving change, delivering exceptional value to their clients, and leading with vision and purpose. From industry influence and advocacy to customer impact and thought leadership, this award highlights the best of the best across five key categories.

Nominations are open today, with a Feb. 13 deadline to apply. You can complete the short form found here to nominate yourself or someone else who is defining the future of channel technology.

What makes this award even more special is its focus on active technology advisors—those who are in the trenches, selling technology and communications solutions to customers every day. This is not a competition for vendors or suppliers; it’s a platform to celebrate the people who are truly making a difference in the channel.

“The criteria for the Channel Partners TA Thought Leaders are clear, well-structured, and aligned with what our community values,” said Mark Venuto, CEO of tech advisory US Network. “Highlighting both innovation and customer impact feels especially relevant. This recognition has meaningful visibility, and the time commitment for nominations has high ROI. This strong program will resonate well across the TA/Agent community.”

Winners of the 2026 Channel Partners Tech Advisor Thought Leaders Award will be celebrated at the April 2026 Channel Partners Conference & Expo, the largest gathering of partners in the channel. But the recognition doesn’t stop there. These outstanding leaders will also be featured across our digital platforms, including the Channel Partners newsletters and our Linked Communities which are tens of thousands of partners strong, ensuring their achievements are shared with a global audience.

Whether you’re a tech advisor, agent, or channel partner—or you know someone who exemplifies leadership and innovation—this is your chance to be part of something extraordinary.

This award will identify the cream of the crop of TA channel executives, much like the Channel Partners Circle of Excellence does for telecom and IT providers and the MSP 501 does for managed service providers.

Let’s come together to celebrate the individuals who are not just navigating the future of technology but defining it. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to nominate the thought leaders who inspire us all. The future of the channel is bright, and it’s time to recognize the stars who are lighting the way.