United States Army combat veteran Michael Crean (and former MSSP CEO) will be discussing principles of leadership he has learned on and off the battlefield. As an Army Combat Veteran, he came to understand that leadership is not just a responsibility; it is a profound privilege. Through his experiences on the battlefield and as a CEO for the last 21 years, he has witnessed firsthand how leadership can shape destinies and bring about significant change.  Leading a team of Soldiers or a team of Executives is a weighty honor, as it means being entrusted with the well-being of others. The men and women who follow a leader place their trust and faith in that individual's decisions, knowing that their own success depends on the competence and judgment of their leader. This immense responsibility comes with the privilege of being able to make a positive impact on the lives of those under your command.  Leadership is not about barking orders or seeking personal glory; it's about guiding, inspiring, and empowering the team. The privilege of Leadership is in the ability to influence positive change, to cultivate a culture of resilience and unity, and to guide the team towards a common goal. It is witnessing the transformation of individuals into a cohesive force, working together to overcome challenges and achieve shared objectives.

Presented by

Michael Crean
SonicWall

Mike knows MSPs - he built and operated a highly successful MSP for over 30 years before recently selling his business. Drawing from personal experience he will explore the critical aspects of building a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for mergers and acquisitions (M&A). He will highlight the opportunities and challenges this presented before, during and after the transaction, providing a balanced perspective on the "Lightside & Darkside of M&A." He will share personal insights on "What I learned and loved" and "What I would do differently" to offer you valuable lessons for navigating M&A. His aim is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed for successful M&A initiatives and long-term business objectives.

Presented by

Mike Estep
Blackpoint

Dr. Jerry Craig (an MSP CISO) will join Tim Coach of Cynomi on stage to guide you through establishing a virtual CISO (vCISO) practice, from defining service offerings, building a winning team and delivering tangible value. Learn how to effectively manage client relationships and deliver high-impact vCISO services.

Presented by

Dr. Jerry Craig
Ntiva, Inc.

Tim Coach
Cynomi

The two-time MSP owner and industry guru, Gary Pica will join Aharon Chernin on stage to explore how you should use automation as a sales wedge. Improve productivity and close more deals with the knowledge gained during this sales automation session. You will learn how to leverage automation tools to streamline your sales process, personalize outreach, and nurture leads more efficiently. Gain a competitive edge by automating repetitive tasks and focusing on high-impact sales activities.

Presented by

Aharon Chernin
Rewst

Gary Pica
TruMethods

ZB Serrato is a former MSP and practitioner who built a successful cybersecurity practice leading to a strong valuation and exit prior to joining Bitdefender. In this session, ZB will moderate an MSP panel discussing how they have been able to connect with their clients to acquire new logos and expand their security services revenue.

Presented by

Zibeon Serrato
Bitdefender

Impress executive buyers and secure big deals with this workshop. Learn how to tailor your sales pitch for C-suite audiences. Master the art of storytelling, craft compelling data-driven presentations, and anticipate and address executive-level concerns. Leave equipped to confidently navigate complex negotiations and close high-value deals.

Presented by

Joe Levy
Sophos

In this presentation we examine the pivotal role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity through capabilities such as threat detection and predictive analytics, while also acknowledging the risks of over-reliance on AI, data mismanagement, and skill shortages. Additionally, we will explore current threats that AI brings with criminal organizations and fraud in the gaming industry. To mitigate these issues, we propose best practices like establishing data governance, investing in continuous learning, maintaining AI transparency, balancing AI with human oversight, and upholding ethical standards. Attendees will leave with a nuanced understanding of AI's dual role as both a defender against and a potential vector for cyber threats, equipped with strategies to optimize AI implementation in cybersecurity without succumbing to common failures.

Presented by

Aaron Torres
Cisco (GSSO)