MSPs, MSSPs, and other IT channel partners gathered Feb. 17–18 at the Hilton Orlando Altamonte Springs for ChannelPro DEFEND: Orlando. The two-day event offered a deep dive into cybersecurity, business growth, threat intel, and practical tools for the modern MSP. From security-focused main stage sessions to interactive breakouts to AI-centric keynotes to technology demonstrations, DEFEND delivered on its promise to help Florida IT providers strengthen security offerings, sharpen operations, and uncover new revenue streams.
“The ChannelPro DEFEND Conference delivered practical, real-world takeaways that directly translate into stronger MSP operations,” said attendee Dr. Jared Knisley, CEO of Tampa-based Fizen Technology, an XDuce Company. “I left with several actionable improvements around security frameworks, vendor governance, and zero trust strategy that will sharpen how we protect and serve our clients.”
Opening Day: Workshops, Breakouts, and Unexpected Insights
The conference kicked off with registration and opening remarks from ChannelPro Network founder and publisher, Michael Siggins. It set the tone for a hands-on, real-world exploration of security solutions and business tactics.
An MSP attendee asks an in-depth question
The Bourbon Icebreaker: How to Choose the Right Security Tools
Kicking off the educational sessions was The Bourbon Icebreaker. Bradley Gross of Law Office of Bradley Gross, PA; Marissa Maldonado of Proda Technology; and Frank Merino of Forthright Technology Partners chatted about choosing the best security tools over sips of bourbon. The panelists shared what MSPs really should look for when selecting and justifying cybersecurity tools, from stack decisions to budget strategy. And audience members joined in with their own questions and insights.
Threat Landscape, Security Loyalty
Following the icebreaker, simultaneous breakout sessions offered tactical insights:
- Evaluating the Threat Landscape unpacked the latest data and translated it into action for MSPs. Henry Timm of Phantom Technology Solutions and Dawn Sizer of 3rd Element Consulting co-led this hands-on session.
- Sticky by Design explored how MSPs can drive client loyalty through security-first practices. Co-presenters Philip de Souza of Aurora and Merino provided practical ways to grow business relationships without constantly re-proving their value.
- Dissecting Your Incident Response Plan with Maldonado, along with Matt Rose of Tech Rage IT, walked through incident response plans logically and practically. This served as a reminder that preparation saves both data and reputation.
- You Are the First Line of Defense, also led by Sizer and Timm, delivered a fast-paced session on why MSP leaders themselves are prime cyber targets. Attendees walked away with practical steps to strengthen their own security and safeguard their clients.
Vendors Cylerian and Slide also presented breakout sessions on how their solutions help MSPs better serve their clients.
Philip de Souza and Frank Merino lead an interactive breakout session
Actionable Insights from the Vendor Community
Shortly thereafter, What is My MSP Worth?, sponsored by I.T. Partners+, unpacked valuation fundamentals as more MSP owners contemplate exit strategies or growth via M&A.
Day 1’s educational content concluded with a panel moderated by ChannelPro’s Matt Whitlock featuring vendor experts from Seceon, Cylerian, Channel Hunters, Slide, and Beauceron Security. In it, they tackled the macro-forces reshaping the MSP landscape: consolidation, compliance, pricing pressure, and tool sprawl. Attendees appreciated the unfiltered discussion and real-world scenarios.
Networking and Cocktails
Day 1 finished with a welcome cocktail reception, where partners and vendors mingled and chatted over drinks and light bites.
“It’s great. I love the way it’s built, because [ChannelPro] incentivizes the MSPs to not be so shy and come and talk to you,” said Matthew Dwyer, sales executive with event sponsor Griffin-IT. “Since everything’s been essentially taken care of, the MSPs haven’t put much risk into it. It incentivizes them to come and talk to the people who brought them here.”
“I love seeing that there are so many different vendors around here that I haven’t seen before,” added attendee Ali Johnston, CEO of Bel Tech Services in Satellite Beach, FL. “I’m actually excited to go walk around and meet them. This is where it’s at.”
Day 2: Frameworks, Zero Trust, and AI
The vendor panel focused on the future of the IT industry
Day 2 opened with another round of remarks from Siggins, followed by sessions that leaned into strategic architecture and future-focused security.
Security Frameworks, Automation vs. AI
Day 2’s educational sessions began with Adopting a Security Framework: Guarding Against the Most Dangerous Cyberattacks. Expert panelists Timm and Merino unpacked how MSPs can adopt and operationalize security frameworks. Rather than just compliance checkboxes, they laid out the idea of frameworks as blueprints for everyday protection and scalable services.
Then, Sizer joined Matthew Bookspan of Blacktip as expert panelists on the discussion of How to Automate Your MSP and Scale with AI. They laid out the clear distinctions between AI and automation, and how to use automation to first save time and then layer in AI elements as needed.
Afternoon Highlights: Pitch Edition to Legal Reality
Local MSP Duane Coffey pitches cybersecurity services to an imaginary hospital CFO while judges Matt Rose, Marissa Maldonado, and Matthew Bookspan evaluate his performance.
The Channel’s Got Talent: Cybersecurity Pitch Edition brought playful energy and surprising insight as MSP peers presented their service pitches for real-time feedback from judges Rose, Maldonado, and Bookspan.
Attendees Abhi Saini, Duane Coffey, Dr. Jared Knisley, and David Dunn were judged on their pitching skills to imaginary prospective new clients. In the end, Saini emerged as the winner.
Then, Gross’ popular solo presentations covered the legal implications of AI liability and legal issues facing local MSPs. Success in the IT channel is clearly tied to business acumen and risk mitigation just as much as technical prowess.
In the closing keynote, The 4th Quarter Speech, de Souza tied together conference themes and left attendees with a roadmap for tangible improvements in strategy, sales, and operations. He even engaged the audience to participate, recognizing first-time attendees and asking them to share their top takeaways. de Souza’s remarks summarized the two-day MSP experience on a strongly positive note.
“At Channel Pro [events], it’s tactical: real stories, war stories, and solutions,” de Souza said during his final presentation. “By the time we leave — and this never fails — I always end up with a guy for that. If a client asks me, ‘Do you have someone?’ Yes, I do. This is where those relationships are strengthened, and the community is a big thing.”
Partner in Excellence Award
As Day 2 drew to a close, Siggins presented the coveted Partner in Excellence Award to an outstanding local MSP. Selected by its Advisory Group, launched, the honor recognizes exceptional partnerships based on impact, innovation, and collaboration.
This year’s Orlando nominees represented some of the most impressive IT services firms in Florida and neighboring states, including Ardent Core Technologies, EnTech US, The Scarlett Group, Fizen Technology, Tech Rage IT, Managed Services Group, Taylor Works IT, and Forthright Technology Partners.
This year’s recipient was Tech Rage IT and its co-founder, Erica Martinez-Rose. Martinez-Rose was joined on stage by her husband and Chief Experience Officer Matt Rose.
Erica Martinez-Rose accepts the Partner in Excellence Award
Tech Rage IT was nominated by Rewst in recognition of its forward-thinking approach to automation and operational excellence. By strategically implementing Rewst’s platform, Tech Rage IT saw an 85% reduction in onboarding time and the recovery of dozens of technician hours each month.
Through its deep commitment to partnership, Tech Rage IT exemplifies what modern MSPs can accomplish and makes them a very worthy recipient of this honor.
Industry Recognition
ChannelPro DEFEND: Orlando concluded with special recognition for the event’s sponsors. Awards were presented to the following vendors, as voted by the Florida audience members:
- Best Breakout Session: Slide
- Best Add-on Product: Cloaked
- Best Cloud Solution: Huntress
- Best Expo Hall Presentation (Premium Sponsors): ThreatLocker
- Best Expo Hall Presentation (Silver Sponsors): Channel Hunters
- Best Hardware Solution: Griffin-IT
- Best New Solution: kzero Passwordless
- Best On-stage Presentation: Vircom
- Best Product or Platform: Kaseya
- Best Revenue Booster: Channel Hunters
- Best Security Solution: Huntress
- Best Software Solution: Cylerian
- Most Exciting Solution: Kipling Secure
- ROI Lightning Round Winner: Slide
- Editor’s Choice: Seceon
- ChannelPro Community Award: Avast Business
- Best in Show: Slide
Sponsors Make It Happen
Many thanks to ChannelPro DEFEND: Orlando’s world-class sponsors:
Looking Ahead
As the curtain closed on ChannelPro DEFEND: Orlando, partners left with actionable insights. They were provided with practice advice on building frameworks, AI, incident response, pricing strategy, and client retention. This gave them a clear sense that investing in cybersecurity isn’t just responsible, it’s profitable in 2026 and beyond.
There are seven more stops on ChannelPro’s 2026 in-person event schedule. Each conference offers even more opportunities for MSPs to learn, connect, and grow. Next up, ChannelPro LIVE: Columbus in Ohio.
Not near one of our event cities? Audience members nationwide can take in virtual events and webinars from their homes or offices. If you’re concerned about frivolous lawsuits and compliance audits, check out the next ChannelPro DEEP DIVE online event: Navigating MSP Risks & Liability.
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.
Jonathan Browning contributed to this article.
Anjali Fluker is senior channel editor for The ChannelPro Network, where she covers news, trends, and best practices for the MSP community. She specializes in telling the stories that matter to IT providers serving the SMB market. When she’s not reporting on the latest in managed services, she’s connecting with channel pros at industry events across the country.
Images: Michael Siggins, Anjali Fluker, Joel Zaidspiner, and Matt Whitlock
