Live MSP events hit different. The conversations are real, the ideas are actionable, and a few well-spent days can spark real ideas you can execute. That was the energy at the IT Sales and Marketing Boot Camp and Kaseya Connect in Dallas earlier this month—real conversations, practical ideas, and plenty of “we should be doing this” moments.
We caught up with MSP owners and leaders on the floor to hear how they make the most of events like this, and what separates a packed schedule from real results. Their answers pointed to a clear pattern. It’s not about trying to do everything or racing from session to session. The real value comes from being intentional with your time, focusing on the right conversations, and walking away with a handful of ideas you can implement when you return to your business. From finding those “gold nugget” moments to carving out time to process and execute, the takeaway was consistent: the MSPs who get the most out of events aren’t the busiest—they’re the most focused.
Community Chatter: What is your best piece of advice for surviving conference season?
“Always bring your laptop and keep an eye on it. Make sure it doesn’t die. If you’re a techie, you need to bring it because if you suddenly need to show or share something, it’s important to have it ready. It’s what we do.”
–Tracy Hardin
Owner & Founder, Next Century Technologies
“We try to come in with an idea of what we want to do with our MSP over the next 12 to 18 months, then go find what we’re looking for. The goal is to walk away with that one nugget that’s actually helpful and moves things forward.”
–Preston Borchelt
President & CEO, DTX IT Solutions
“Be intentional with your time. It’s really easy to just float around and talk to whoever, but if you don’t go in with a plan, you’re going to leave feeling like you missed something. Decide ahead of time what success looks like for you at that event.”
-Chris Wiser
Founder, 7 Figure MSP
“Don’t try to do everything. Focus on the relationships. The hallway conversations are where the real value is, not necessarily sitting in every single session.”
-Tim Conkle
Founder, The 20
“Having the team prepared is huge so you can actually step away and be present. The other big piece is carving out time to process what you’re hearing. Otherwise, it’s like eating a bag of M&Ms—there’s so much information; it just goes in one ear and out the other.”
-Jeff Yates
Co-Owner, Reboot Technology & Consulting
“Make sure you’re present. Don’t be glued to your phone or laptop the whole time. You’re there for a reason, so engage with people and really be in the moment.”
-Dan Tomaszewski
Executive VP of Channels, Kaseya
“Be intentional about the sessions you choose instead of bouncing around without a plan. Prioritize the top two or three things when you get back, so you can actually implement what you learned.”
-Rich Robertson
Owner, Computer Enhancement Systems
“Bring an open mind and be willing to accept change, because that’s where growth happens. Lean into the hard conversations, even when they challenge how you think you’re doing things. Don’t take that feedback personally—use it to improve. And just as importantly, be willing to ask for help and seek out mentorship along the way.”
-Michael Giovanini
CEO & Owner, NetWerks Strategic Services, LLC
“Arrive early, grab a good seat, bring snacks, stay hydrated, and don’t forget to enjoy the afterparties.”
-Sheila Hair
President, My Computer Guy
“I look for sessions that are tool- or process-specific—something I can quickly identify as useful for our business. I also seek out sponsored sessions when they align with our model. Ultimately, we’re focused on consolidating our tools and SOPs into a single platform so we can work faster and more efficiently.”
-Jon Linsenbardt
Sr. Director, Managed Services at Unified ConneXions, Inc.
“Take lots of notes, and if you can, talk to the presenters. What they share on stage is only part of what they know, and those conversations can lead to even more valuable insights.”
-Albert Tillery
Senior Associate at Fund Services Group
“Be selective about the keynotes you attend and take full advantage of the technical sessions. I look for workshops tied to tools we already use, especially cybersecurity, automation, and AI, so I can get the most relevant value.”
-Richard Martin
Service Delivery Manager at ACTA MSP
“Bring a portable charger and scope out outlets early—I didn’t, and my laptop died halfway through the day. Have a backup for notes, and don’t forget water and snacks. You’re there all day, so it matters.”
– Abigail Korting
IT Support Specialist, Techital
Related: Inside the Events Shaping The Future of the MSP Industry
