Tricia Ward, CEO of Onward Communications, has joined the Channel Partners Technology Advisor Board. Ward joins an elite group of industry thought leaders who provide strategic guidance for the face-to-face and digital platforms of the Channel Partners Conference & Expo - the world's largest independent channel event. Channel Partners Expo brings together thousands of technology advisors (TAs), agents, MSPs, and VARs.

The TA Board’s visionary direction has helped transform and expand the Channel Partners Expo event platform to serve the complete ecosystem, creating an unparalleled industry event where all channel professionals can connect and drive their businesses forward.

Ward and the TA Board serve as the authoritative voice of today's channel partner ecosystem, actively shaping the future of the business of selling communications, collaboration and connectivity solutions in what represents a more than $1 trillion industry. Her appointment comes during a transformative period in the industry where partner models are rapidly evolving to serve diverse customer needs while embracing the power of AI. In a world where the pace of change often outstrips the pace of adoption, the board’s role is to ensure the voices of those on the front lines—partners, innovators, service providers, and integrators who are solving real problems-— aren’t just heard—they’re prioritized. The Channel Partners TA Board does more than advise; it advocates for the channel.

"We are excited to have Tricia Ward join the Technology Advisor Board to help accelerate our growth as we evolve our event portfolio to meet the needs of today's partners,” said Robert DeMarzo, Senior Conference Director, Informa. “Her extensive leadership experience will play a key role in helping to shape the future of our events platform and portfolio.”

Ward’s experience includes 23 years of leadership in Technology Consulting. She is known for bold thought leadership and fostering strategic collaboration in the channel community. She was the first Intelisys Platinum partner, and one of the longest running Intelisys Club TPC winners. Recognized as a Top 50 Leader Channel Influencer in 2025, and a Channel Futures Technology Advisor 101, Ward champions innovation and advancement of all things channel related.

“I'm thrilled to join the Channel Partners Technology Advisor Board at this transformative and exciting time for our industry. As a passionate advocate for the channel, I'm honored to share my expertise and collaborate with my fellow leaders. As the channel evolves to meet customers’ shifting needs, and with new market pathways emerging, the opportunity to help influence the channel's strategic vision and ensure its long-term success is a privilege I am eager to embrace. My role on the board is a powerful opportunity to shape a meaningful legacy, driving positive change that I hope endures beyond my tenure,” Ward said.

“As members of the Technology Advisor Board of Directors, we have a unique opportunity to share our industry knowledge and insights to help shape both the direction and tone of the Channel Partners Conference. It’s our responsibility to ask thoughtful questions and provide a real-world perspective on the issues impacting us as technology advisors, both at the macro and micro levels,” said TA Board member Darcee Nelan, president of the board at IQ Wired. 

As the Informa Channel Partners organization builds on the momentum of 2025 where it held its most successful event to date, the TA Board plays an instrumental role in the following:

• Driving the strategic direction of the largest channel partner ecosystem in the industry

• Shaping the future of Informa's Channel events and digital platforms

• Representing the collective voice of agents, MSPs, tech advisors, distributors, service providers, and trusted advisors

• Guiding innovative initiatives that advance partner and vendor success

• Influencing content strategy for major industry conferences and thought leadership programs

The Channel Partners Technology Advisory Board includes:

• David Dyson, CEO, Eclipse
• Allan Jaffe, Vice President, Technology, Top Speed Data
• Darcee Nelan, CEO, IQ Wired
• Lucas Salvage, CRO, Kairos Data Communications
• Christopher Scott, Principal Owner, StratoNet
• Mark Venuto, Chief Operating Officer, US Network
• David Wright, Founder, CEO, Disruptive Innovations
• Kate Jaffe, Business Development Manager, Helm Partners, a BlueWave Co.
• Matthew Toth, President, C3 Technology Advisors
• Catherine Ripley, CEO and Founder, Symplicity Communications Inc.
• Tricia Ward, CEO, Onward Communications

The Board's expertise and strategic input will continue to shape the future of the communications and connectivity sellers' market, comprising organizations that partner with leading communications, collaboration, and connectivity providers. Through their guidance of events and digital businesses including newsletters, social media sites, and web-based offerings, the Board effectively serves as the voice of the channel partner community - guiding suppliers while influencing peers across the industry.