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 Cyber

Discover how to build and scale a profitable virtual CISO (vCISO) practice in a practical panel discussion, which brings together three unique perspectives:    •Jesse Miller, an independent vCISO expert, shares his journey and strategies for starting and selling vCISO services   •Shawn Waldman, CEO of Secure Cyber Defense reveals actionable MSP best practices for launching and managing a vCISO practice;    •Dr. Jerry Craig, CISO at Integris and ex Ntiva CISO, offers insights into expanding a security business within a large MSP framework.    Gain invaluable advice on defining service offerings, building a winning team and delivering impactful cybersecurity solutions tailored to diverse MSP sizes and needs.   

Presented by

Dr. Jerry Craig
Ntiva, Inc.

Tim Coach
Cynomi

Shawn Waldman
Secure Cyber Defense

Jesse Miller
PowerPSA Consulting

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

Cybercriminals have become highly organized, operating sophisticated businesses designed to exploit vulnerabilities and profit from unprepared targets. In this panel discussion, ZB Serrato, a former MSP and now a leader at Bitdefender, will guide an expert panel including Mark Shaw (Stored Tech), Nett Lynch (Kraft & Kennedy), Kyle Christensen (Former MSP), and Martin Zugec (Bitdefender) as they explore the economic dynamics of cybercrime and their impact on the cybersecurity industry. Learn how MSPs can adapt to this evolving threat landscape, turn security into a competitive advantage, and protect their customers while driving sustainable growth. This session will offer actionable insights for MSPs looking to stay ahead in the business of cybersecurity.

Presented by

Zibeon Serrato
Bitdefender

Nett Lynch
VC3

Kyle Christensen
Empath

Martin Zugec
Bitdefender

Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical requirement—it’s a business imperative. For MSPs, effectively selling and positioning cybersecurity solutions to end customers requires more than a product pitch; it demands trust-building, education, and a focus on outcomes. Join Scott Barlow, VP Global MSP at Sophos, and a panel of expert MSPs as they share proven strategies to articulate the value of cybersecurity in a way that resonates with decision-makers. This session will explore how to overcome objections, tailor your approach to different customer personas, and elevate your role as a trusted advisor in an era of escalating cyber threats.

Presented by

Scott Barlow
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)