At ChannelPro DEFEND: Chicago, one theme dominated the conversation: cybersecurity as a revenue generator. Over two high-impact days, MSPs from across the Midwest packed the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg for a look at the technology and techniques that are working now.
From the breakout rooms to the expo hall to the main stage, the conversations focused on deployable business strategies. The consensus was that the MSPs who prioritize cybersecurity will outpace the competition well into the future.
“We have been fighting our small business customers for years, if not decades, about securing things,” said attendee Dino Varesco, president of greater Chicagoland service provider DCV Technologies. “What will be invaluable from this event is that I have new ammunition to use. I can now say to them, ‘But there are so many new threats that even we weren’t focusing on in the last several years that we now know we need to, and you guys need to as well.’”
A Security-first Start
Day One at ChannelPro DEFEND: Chicago drove home the message that security is a critical part of every MSP’s growth strategy.
Channel experts answered questions about vetting security tools.
The Bourbon Icebreaker set the tone early, with attorney Brad Gross, consultant Kelly Stone, and MSP Ronnie Parisella breaking down how to actually choose the right security stack. Audience members drove this conversation from the start, which covered how to position security services to SMB clients, the best way to vet vendors, legal liability, smart budgeting and more.
Breakout sessions kept the momentum going, tackling today’s threat landscape, leveraging security to build client loyalty, backup and recovery best practices, and more. The big takeaway was that AI-powered cyberthreats are creating security challenges that humans can’t address without equally stout AI-infused defenses.
“I have been in the industry now for over 30 years as an MSP, security vendor, and MSSP, and it is clear we continue to still struggle with the fundamentals,” said attendee Keith Johnson, executive vice president of Obviam. “MSPs are still looking to figure out how to add security to their client portfolio, as many times it still remains optional. I especially appreciated the candor offered by many of the panelists, but that was predicated on an event that curated a space to allow the MSPs in the room to ask questions and seek guidance.”
Back on the main stage, vendor experts connected the dots between AI risk, compliance pressure, and profitability. Then, the day wrapped with networking over food and cocktails, where the real deals and insights kept flowing.
Day 2: Turning Strategy Into Revenue
Audience participation was a key element of the event.
Day Two at ChannelPro DEFEND: Chicago expanded the security topic to cover related challenges modern MSPs face. MSPs Corey Kirkendoll and Henry Timm shared insights on adopting proven security frameworks, and one of the sessions focused on how MSPs can build smarter businesses.
AI and automation also took center stage, as Parisella joined MSP owner Dawn Sizer to provide practical tips on scaling operations, improving efficiency, and identifying hidden risks within client environments. Sponsor sessions reinforced the shift toward integrated, security-first ecosystems that drive both protection and profitability.
By the afternoon, the focus turned to best practices for building stronger channel partnerships, avoiding legal pitfalls, and refining go-to-market strategy. The day wrapped with competitive pitches, awards, and giveaways.
“Sometimes, as an MSP, you’re in a silo. This kind of environment makes it easier for you to run your business,” shared attendee Rexx Igunbor of PC LAN Services based in the Milwaukee area. “You have keynote speakers who are veterans in the industry that have proven experience, and they can actually give you the tools that you need to aid in giving you direction.”
Partner in Excellence Award
Michael Siggins interviews Alex Serrano of ARS Technology (right).
As the event drew to a close, ChannelPro Founder and Publisher Michael Siggins, the event emcee, presented the coveted Partner in Excellence Award to an outstanding local MSP. Selected by its Advisory Group, the honor recognizes exceptional channel partnerships based on impact, innovation, and collaboration.
The nominees represented some of the most impressive IT services firms in Illinois and neighboring states. The nominee companies were Advanced Business Systems, ARS Technology, AscendNet, JATAG, Midwest IT Solutions, Obviam, Ontech, and Vitaltech.
The award was presented to ARS Technology; its CEO, Alex Serrano, was honored. The MSP was nominated by OpenText in recognition of its accomplishments. Among them, ARS achieved 20% year-over-year growth by leveraging high-performing endpoint protection and MDR solutions that are reliable, lightweight, and effective against advanced threats.
Industry Recognition
ChannelPro DEFEND: Chicago concluded with special recognition for the event’s sponsors. Awards were presented to the following vendors, as voted by the audience members from the Midwest:
- Best Sponsor Breakout Session: Slide
- Best Add-on Product: Atakama
- Best Cloud Solution: Optimize365
- Best Distributor: TD SYNNEX
- Best Expo Hall Presentation (Premium Sponsors): SonicWall
- Best Expo Hall Presentation (Silver Sponsors): Huntress
- Best Hardware Solution: Griffin-IT
- Best New Solution: Breadbox
- Best On-stage Presentation: OpenText
- Best Product or Platform: Huntress
- Best Revenue Booster: Channel Hunters
- Best Security Solution: Huntress
- Best Software Solution: Kaseya
- Most Exciting Solution: KZero Passwordless
- ROI Lightning Round Winner: Atakama
- Editor’s Choice: Excel Micro
- Best in Show: Huntress
- ChannelPro Community Award: Synergy Micro Solutions
Sponsors Make It Happen
Many thanks to ChannelPro DEFEND: Chicago’s world-class sponsors:
What’s Next
Meet new vendors and referral partners at ChannelPro events.
If you are an MSP, MSSP, IT consultant, or VAR serving SMBs, ChannelPro events are designed to help you grow your business.
There are four 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: Parsippany is coming to New Jersey in August.
Not near one of our event cities? MSPs nationwide can join virtual events and webinars from their own homes or offices. If you’re ready to level up your defenses, we’re here for you. Register for our next online DEEP DIVE event, Next Level Cybersecurity. Each online event is designed to be interactive, content-rich, and profitability-focused.
Don’t miss these great opportunities to sharpen your strategy and drive better results. To learn more and register now, visit the ChannelPro events page.
Jonathan Browning contributed to this article.
Anjali Fluker is managing editor of 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/ChannelPro, Anjali Fluker/ChannelPro
