XChange Agenda - Tuesday 18th March


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Registration & Networking Lunch

Pick up your conference badge and personalised itinerary at registration, then pop back any time you have questions that you need answered or feedback that you would like to share. The XChange Events team is there to help you!

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CRN Opening Remarks

During this session, participants will gain an understanding of how to derive the most benefit from XChange to optimise their return on investment. Come get energised for the days ahead. We will also share insight into the content that should not be missed while giving attendees the opportunity to converse with peers who can offer valuable perspective on good practice.

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TCC Research

Join us for a Research Session delivered by the CRN Team

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Navigating Uncertainty: Strategies for Sustained Growth in a Shifting Economy

In a world where economic fluctuations are the new normal, thriving requires more than just surviving—it demands innovation and strategic adaptation. Join top VARs (Value-Added Resellers) who have successfully navigated economic challenges to drive sustained growth and profitability. Discover actionable insights on how to capitalise on emerging opportunities, optimise resources, and remain agile in the face of uncertainty. Learn practical strategies to not only protect your margins but to grow them, even in a difficult economic climate. Prepare your business to lead in the next wave of market shifts.

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Vendor showcase

Explore the latest products, solutions, and services from leading industry vendors in this quick-fire showcase. Discover potential new partners and technologies that could enhance your business offerings.

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Boardroom Appointments

XChange attendees are assigned into peer groups of 10-12 based on business focus and technology interests. Vendors meet with the boardroom groups for 25 minutes, presenting new products, programs, and opportunities – in an environment conducive to spirited conversation and constructive feedback.

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Networking Break & Refreshments

Revitalize and expand your network while enjoying refreshments

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Vendor showcase

Another opportunity to explore innovative solutions and services from industry-leading vendors. Gain insights into emerging technologies and potential partnerships that could benefit your business.

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Mind the Skills Gap: Bridging Channel Talent Shortfalls in 2025 and Beyond

"The UK channel faces a critical talent shortage that threatens to impede growth and innovation. This session examines the most pressing skill gaps in our industry and explores effective strategies to address them. We'll identify key areas where talent is scarce, from cloud architecture to cybersecurity, and discuss their impact on channel businesses. More importantly, we'll share practical approaches that successful companies are employing to overcome these challenges. Learn how to navigate the skills shortage and position your business for success in an evolving channel landscape"

Speaker
Chief Commercial Officer
Bytes Software Services
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Closing Remarks

Wrap up the first day with a brief summary of key takeaways and a preview of what's to come on Day 2. We'll ensure you leave energized and prepared for the evening's networking opportunities.

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Networking/Leisure Time

Take advantage of this extended break to relax, process the day's information, or continue networking with peers in a more casual setting. It's the perfect opportunity to follow up on connections made earlier in the day.

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Drinks Reception

Kick off the evening's festivities with a drinks reception. Enjoy a variety of beverages while mingling with fellow attendees, speakers, and vendors in a relaxed atmosphere.

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Networking Dinner & Entertainment

Cap off the day with a delightful networking dinner. Savour delicious cuisine while deepening connections made throughout the day and discussing key insights from the conference sessions.

Speaker
Comedian & Musician

XChange Agenda - Wednesday 19th March

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Rise & Revitalize: Wellness Morning at XChange UK

Start your day with our Wellness Morning, offering a variety of activities to help you refresh and recharge before the conference. Whether you’re looking to relax or energize, this session will leave you feeling balanced and ready for the day ahead at XChange UK.

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Registration & Networking Breakfast

Fuel up for the day ahead with a nutritious networking breakfast. Late arrivals can pick up their conference materials, while all attendees can use this time to make new connections or reconnect with colleagues.

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CRN Welcome Remarks
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Staying Ahead of the Game: Tackling Emerging Threats to Protect Your Client

In an ever-evolving threat landscape, staying ahead of emerging risks is critical to safeguarding your clients and maintaining trust. This session dives deep into the latest cybersecurity challenges—from ransomware to advanced phishing tactics—and reveals practical strategies to outpace evolving threats. Learn how industry leaders are implementing cutting-edge solutions to keep their clients protected, resilient, and ready for what’s next. Don’t miss this chance to future-proof your security strategy and empower your clients to thrive in the face of new dangers.

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Vendor showcase

Another quick-fire round of vendor presentations, offering a glimpse into cutting-edge solutions and services that could benefit your business.

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Boardroom Appointments

XChange attendees are assigned into peer groups of 10-12 based on business focus and technology interests. Vendors meet with the boardroom groups for 25 minutes, presenting new products, programs, and opportunities – in an environment conducive to spirited conversation and constructive feedback.

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Networking Lunch

Recharge and refuel with a delicious lunch while continuing to expand your professional network. Use this time to discuss morning sessions and exchange ideas with fellow attendees.

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Integrating AI & Automation: A 3-Pillar Approach to Transform IT Strategies

Through a powerful 3-pillar approach. Drawing insights from over 60 Copilot workshops, we’ll explore real-world applications and success stories—including a customer perspective—on how AI is reshaping operations. Hear about the latest updates on Copilot and what’s on the horizon for AI-driven automation. We’ll also dive into exclusive data from Core's market research survey, uncovering the top challenges IT leaders face when incorporating AI into their strategies. Get actionable insights and learn how to drive efficiency, innovation, and success with AI solutions

Speakers
Marketing Director
Core Technology Systems
Client Solutions Director
Core
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Boardroom Appointments

XChange attendees are assigned into peer groups of 10-12 based on business focus and technology interests. Vendors meet with the boardroom groups for 25 minutes, presenting new products, programs, and opportunities – in an environment conducive to spirited conversation and constructive feedback.

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Networking & Refreshment Break

Take a quick break to refresh yourself and solidify connections made throughout the conference before the closing sessions.

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Vendor Showcase

A final opportunity to catch any vendor presentations you might have missed and gather last-minute information on innovative solutions.

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Closing Keynote with Dwayne Fields

Dwayne Fields, the first Black Briton to walk over 400 miles to the Magnetic North Pole, has an incredible backstory. He recently co-hosted Channel 5's Endurance: Race to the Pole with Ben Fogle, recreating Edwardian explorers' journeys, and guides Will Smith in Disney+'s Welcome to Earth. His own series, Seven Toughest Days, also streams on Disney+ and National Geographic.

Born in Jamaica and raised in the UK, Dwayne survived knife and gun crime, then became an adventurer and explorer. In 2010, he reached the Magnetic North Pole, later being honored at Buckingham Palace. He’s a Scout Ambassador, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and co-founded the #WeTwo Foundation, which leads expeditions for underprivileged youth, including a 2022 trip to Antarctica.

Speaker
Explorer
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Closing Remarks

Wrap up XChange UK with final thoughts from the CRN team. We'll recap key takeaways, thank our sponsors and attendees, and send you off with actionable insights and new connections to drive your business forward.