PR Tradeshow Vibes: Channel Partners Conference & Expo (CPExpo) 2024
Venetian
Las Vegas, NV
March 11 – 14, 2024
Attendees: 8,500 (Expected by show organizers)
Exhibitors/Sponsors/Partners: 100+
Speakers: 150+
The Channel Partners Conference & Expo (CPExpo) 2024, hosted from March 11-14 at the prestigious Venetian in Las Vegas, once again proved why it’s heralded as the pinnacle gathering for the global channel community. Celebrating over a quarter-century of dedication, CPExpo has steadfastly nurtured the channel ecosystem, fostering invaluable connections, unveiling cutting-edge solutions, and navigating the ever-evolving industry trends.
In a collaborative stride, the CPExpo was held concurrently with the Channel Futures MSP Summit, creating a synergistic platform for agents, technology advisors, managed service providers (MSPs), and cloud innovators. This confluence of expertise offered a holistic view of the future, where technology and strategy intertwine.
The Program:
The heart of this year’s discussions was around artificial intelligence (AI), marking it as a cornerstone theme alongside two other pivotal tracts: “Business of the Channel” and “Technology & Innovations.” AI, with its vast potential, prompted introspective queries and projections—ranging from its anticipated impact on the retail channel to harnessing predictive AI for sales maximization. The introduction of an “AI Arena” on the expo floor signified a tangible commitment to exploring these frontiers.
Beyond AI, the conference delved into crucial industry conversations. Attendees explored the metrics forecasting channel growth, the evolving role of connectivity and its aggregators, and the nuanced sales cycles of Contact Center as a Service (CCAAS). Debates around the channel-friendliness of hyperscalers and the ramifications of the burgeoning cloud marketplace enriched the discussion, underscored by an intriguing insight: 73% of the IT market is channeled through this vibrant ecosystem.
The Exhibit Hall:
The expo floor itself was a testament to the diversity and dynamism of the IT and telecom sectors, showcasing over 100 exhibitors. With an expected turnout of 8,500 participants, the expo was a bustling hub of innovation. Dedicated spaces for MSPs allowed for focused interactions, while the broader show floor facilitated exchanges across a wide spectrum of technologies—from cloud services and security solutions to Unified Communications (UCaaS) and even emerging IoT companies.
This convergence of minds and machines at CPExpo 2024 encapsulated the essence of the channel’s journey—reflecting on past achievements, engaging with the present technologies, and envisioning the future of collaboration. It affirmed the channel’s role as a critical artery in the IT market’s core, pumping innovation and fostering partnerships across the globe. As we look back at this year’s event, it’s evident that CPExpo continues to be a beacon for the industry, illuminating paths forward in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Other Highlights:
Winners of this year’s Technology Advisor 101 and the Rising Star winner were both from 3DG Partners: Doug Cardozo and Guhan Raghu respectively. The lifetime achievement award winner was Greg Praske from ARG. Greg announced his retirement as CEO from ARG in January. He had an over 30-year career and is considered a pioneer in the agent market.
This year’s annual Golf Tournament raised $50,000 for Tech4Change’s Cyber Initiative. Tech4Change (formerly Telecom for Change) is a nonprofit supporting grassroots charities. The US Cyber Initiative provides cyber literacy and skills development programs that promote digital citizenship, cyber safety, and cross-sector workforce development in cybersecurity. The nonprofit is focused on creating opportunities for high school students across the country from all backgrounds to receive the inspiration, training and support to pursue careers in cyber and related fields.