ChannelPro LIVE: Baltimore delivered exactly what the regional MSPs came for: fresh strategies, real-world solutions, and collaboration that sparks growth. The two-day conference, held at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre, buzzed with energy from the start. Educational sessions blended with vendor demos and lively hallway conversations — some that continued even after the day’s agenda was spent.
The channel’s hottest topics, ranging from AI to cybersecurity to analytics, dominated the discussions. MSPs came looking for ways to deploy AI and cybersecurity tools that deliver real ROI.
“ChannelPro LIVE is just as much about the community as it is the value we bring on stage,” said ChannelPro Tech Editor Matt Whitlock. “It stood out how engaged everyone was in Baltimore. You could see MSPs genuinely helping each other, sharing ideas, debating strategies, and building connections that will extend beyond the event. That’s what makes our LIVE series special.”
A Packed Agenda, Tailored for MSP Growth
The event opened with a clear purpose: to equip MSPs with actionable insights for running more efficient, profitable businesses. After a fun welcome by ChannelPro Founder and Publisher Michael Siggins, the presentations kicked off. AI and automation were top of mind but practical application, not hype, drove the discussions. Additionally, the regional focus allowed MSPs to address Maryland- and Mid-Atlantic-specific challenges.
Strategy, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Revenue Streams
The event’s opening panel featured a popular topic: Building the Perfect AI-powered MSP: Where to Start. Panelists Seana Fippin of Red Box + STORM AI and Kelly Stone of Ironstone Strategy joined moderator Jonathan Browning, executive director of content and engagement for ChannelPro, to explore how to make AI adoption feasible within MSP operations.
Lawrence Cruciana, president of Corporate Information Technologies, said he appreciated the event’s emphasis on real-world AI takeaways. “We have so many MSPs here. The conversation so far around AI not just as an acronym has been fantastic. I actually wrote down some notes and that’s rare for me. Normally, it’s just like Buzzword bingo, but here, you’ve got actual practical application. I love that.”
Dawn Sizer shares insights on how to operate an MSP without going crazy.
Next, security took center stage, with Cybersecurity ROI: Real Strategies for MSPs. ChannelPro’s Whitlock moderated as vendor panelists from Kaseya, Cylerian, Intufo, and Jericho Security candidly spoke about which tools deliver — and which don’t.
The evening’s presentations wrapped up by honoring ChannelPro’s Partner in Excellence Award winner for the Baltimore area. Honoree Dawn Sizer is CEO of 3rd Element Consulting, a successful IT firm headquartered in Mechanicsburg, PA. She’s also one of the most visible and respected champions for MSP growth, collaboration, and education in the channel. She’s well known for co-founding The Tech Degenerates, a networking group that brings MSPs, IT pros, and vendors together in conversations that spark problem solving and community.
After the award ceremony, the evening concluded with a bustling networking reception, where attendees swapped lessons, business cards, and laughs over drinks and appetizers.
Local Insights and Scalable Growth
Day 2 dove straight into the unique challenges facing regional MSPs in The Good, Bad, and Ugly: The Biggest Issues Facing Maryland MSPs in 2025. From state compliance requirements to local hiring hurdles, panelists Chris Barber of Cheaper Than A Geek and Atul Bhagat of BASE Solutions LLC offered grounded perspectives that hit home for many.
(from left): Jonathan Browning moderates a discussion with Chris Barber and Atul Bhagat on issues affecting local MSPs.
Other sessions were:
- Next-level Growth: Selling AI as a Service, featuring Barber and “Sales Sherpa” Jennifer Bleam of MSP Sales Revolution
- New Services You Aren’t Offering (But Should!), with Fippin and Kevin Mann of Resilient IT
- Bad Blood: How to Turn Client Offboarding Into a Win, featuring Stone and Bhagat
Then, Sizer returned to the stage for a closing presentation, How to Scale Your MSP (Without Going Crazy). Sizer said she gathered so much information in planning for the session that she ended up writing a book. Attendees were rewarded with a free copy of the book.
Leveling Up MSPs
ChannelPro events have been transformational for George Calle, founder of Forgeon Technologies. Calle launched his MSP business after attending ChannelPro DEFEND: Boston earlier this year.
“Through ChannelPro’s website and the information — downloads, spec sheets — I felt like I finally had enough information to begin,” he said. “Coming to Baltimore helped me take things to the next level. Now I understand the lingo, I know what questions to ask, and I can have real conversations with vendors.”
Kevin Mann
Mann echoed those sentiments. He added that he would advise MSPs to not only attend these events, but network meaningfully with other service providers. “Don’t be afraid to talk to people. Someone’s already faced the same problems you’re having and might be able to point you toward the next level. Whatever plateau you’re at, others have hit it and exceeded it. Learn from them.”
Celebrating World-class Sponsors
Alongside the education, attendees enjoyed games, prizes, and giveaways. Before closing, attendees voted to honor the top solutions and exhibitors. According to the audience, these vendors best support MSP profitability:
- Best Add-on Product: Cylerian
- Best Cloud Solution: US Signal
- Best Distributor: (tie) Pax8, TD SYNNEX
- Best Expo Hall Presentation (Premium Sponsors): NUSO
- Best Expo Hall Presentation (Silver Sponsors): (tie) T3 Tech Partners, Channel Hunters
- Best Hardware Solution: CyberPower
- Best New Solution: Validize
- Best On-stage Presentation: RYTHMz
- Best Product or Platform: CyberPower
- Best Revenue Booster: Channel Hunters
- Best Security Solution: Jericho Security
- Best Software Solution: Kaseya
- Most Exciting Solution: Intufo
- Best in Show: T3 Tech Partners
- ROI Lightning Round Winner: Choice Cyber Solutions
- Editor’s Choice: Helpt
- ChannelPro Community Award: T3 Tech Partners
Grateful for Our Partners
ChannelPro LIVE: Baltimore wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our sponsors. These standout technology vendors helped create an environment for learning, innovation, and partnership. Their commitment to the MSP community and willingness to share expertise and innovation are priceless.
What’s Next for ChannelPro
Ready to plan ahead? ChannelPro’s full 2026 event schedule is now live, with even more opportunities for MSPs to learn, connect, and grow.
Before we turn the page, we’re gearing up for the last stop on our 2025 tour: ChannelPro DEFEND: Irvine in Southern California on Nov. 12-13. Plus, attendees nationwide can take in virtual events and webinars from their homes or offices.
Each event is designed to be interactive, content-rich, and profitability-focused. Don’t miss out on the opportunity. Register now for upcoming ChannelPro experiences, whether in person or online.
Images: Michael Siggins/ChannelPro
