XChange Agenda - Wednesday 6th 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.

Speaker
CRN Editor UK
The Channel Company
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TCC Research: Accelerating GenAI adoption in the channel

This session, based on TCC research, will explore the acceleration of gen. AI adoption between the final months of 2023 and beginning of 2024. As new tooling enters the market at rapid speed, the channel’s adoption of AI has surged, driven by increased staff experimentation and market pressures. Real-world applications accelerate proliferation, yet research shows that salespeople struggle to effectively sell gen AI tools and customers show little uniformity inn how they will finance this. The presentation will also delve into shifts in core use cases, as businesses integrate gen A.I. into core processes.

Speaker
CRN Editor UK
The Channel Company
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Sustainability: Is the IT channel walking the talk?

In this panel discussion, we will look at how the UK channel is faring when it comes to tackling sustainability throughout its supply chain. How does the UK compare with other European countries when it comes to sustainability? Hear who the panel thinks is doing a good job and who should be doing more, and what some of the key challenges the industry is facing. Plus why we all should be working together to reduce our environmental impact and drive positive outcomes.

Speakers
Consulting Editor
The Channel Company
Chief Corporate development officer
CAE Technology
Head of Alliances and Operations
Highgate IT Solutions
Sustainability Lead
Softcat
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The future of Cyber and trends over the next decade

In a fast-moving industry that reinvents itself on a daily basis, many of the basics are still in place. Yet, what’s considered today the work of artists is shifting rapidly to be the work of all. In this keynote I will address where the world is moving in the next decade in light of digital transformation and the trend for individualism. I will bring it back home to where the risks would be and where we, as services providers should focus to stay relevant both on the services side and the technology side. I will also touch base of how the channel may look like.

Speaker
CEO
Performanta
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Grow your business in partnership with American Express – Hear first-hand from their valued customers

In an ever-changing climate we understand the need to ensure you have the best solutions for your business, American Express can help take your business to new heights through its suite of Business Solutions. Join us for this session where we will be joined by two of our valued Customers who will share their experience of Partnering with American Express from a distributor and reseller point of view. We will talk about how they utilise the solutions to grow their business and support their customers

Speakers
Executive Director
Westcoast
CEO
VitrX
Director - Strategic Sales
American Express
Director - UK Supplier Acceptance
American Express

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Networking Break & Refreshments

Revitalize and expand your network while enjoying refreshments

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How to generate value from generative AI

Exploring the complexities of leveraging AI technologies like ChatGPT within the IT channel. The discussion delves into strategies for effectively measuring ROI amidst the inundation of AI solutions. Exploring the "So what?" factor, the panel examines avenues for expanding service offerings to meet evolving client needs. From Copilot and ChatGPT integration to addressing technology changes and managing adoption, the conversation highlights key areas for building robust business frameworks. Additionally, the panel explores critical aspects of data management, security, and IP assurance, offering insights into sustainable service provision and value creation for partners and clients alike.

Speakers
CRN Editor UK
The Channel Company
Chief Technology Officer
Cisilion
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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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Closing Remarks
Speaker
CRN Editor UK
The Channel Company
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Networking/Leisure Time

Time to revitalize and expand your network

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Drinks Reception

Enjoy a networking break with some light refreshments

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Networking Dinner

Connect and network over a delicious meal

XChange Agenda - Thursday 7th March

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Registration & Networking Breakfast

Enjoy a networking breakfast!

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CRN Welcome Remarks
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Cybersecurity Unleashed: CISO Strategies, Challenges, and Channel Synergy.

Join us for a fireside chat featuring Ian Hill, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), as we delve into the strategic priorities, encounters with complex challenges, and the indispensable role that channel partners play in the success of CISOs at the forefront of their field. Gain invaluable industry insights and uncover how your organization can effectively align with CISOs to bolster security measures, tackle vulnerabilities, and capitalize on growth prospects. This exclusive opportunity offers a platform to interact with industry leaders and actively contribute to the cybersecurity discourse.

Speakers
CRN UK & Europe Associate Editor
The Channel Company
Director of Information & Cybersecurity
UPP Corporation
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Picking your next MSP acquisition

 Acquiring an MSP can transform your business overnight and accelerate you forward years. But get it wrong and you have an albatross round your neck and financial disaster. Learn from serial acquirer of MSPs Nicholas Ashford what is critical to ensure you acquire the right MSP and the pitfalls to look out for when doing so.

Speaker
Founding Partner
Fordhouse
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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

Revitalize and expand your network while enjoying lunch

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Empowering MSP Success with Kaseya's IT Complete platform

Explore a compelling customer case study (Mitesh Patel, MD of Fifosys) highlighting the empowerment journey of businesses leveraging the Kaseya IT Complete platform. Discover first-hand how organisations achieve remarkable milestones and enhanced operational efficiency through the comprehensive solutions provided by Kaseya's cutting-edge technology.

Speakers
Managing Director
Fifosys
Vice President of Business Development in EMEA
Kaseya

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Fireside chat: Private Equity Dynamics: Unpacking the Influence on Channel Companies

As private equity ownership increasingly makes its mark on the channel, this session will explore what a complete or partial PE buyout could mean for channel partners, business founders and their employees. What are the benefits of PE ownership for channel firms? What should the role of the founder and board be pre- and post- buyout? How can PE relationship drive a channel firm’s growth?

From different reporting and financial structures, to ownership stakes and the various exit options available to founders and boards after a buyout, this conversation with Hampleton Partners’ UK director, Jonathan Simnett, will explore the ins and outs of PE ownership in the channel.

Speakers
CRN Editor UK
The Channel Company
Director
Hampleton Partners
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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

Revitalize and expand your network while enjoying refreshments

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Panel – Upskilling and Reskilling: Empowering Teams to Bridge Skills Gaps
Speakers
Senior Reporter
The Channel Company
General Manager
Crayon uk
Chief Technology Officer
BIT Group
Chief Revenue Officer
Trustmarque
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Umbrella Managed Security Services for IT, OT and IoT

Hear about Sapphire re-shaping easy access cyber for the channel, offering closer collaboration with organisations, providing innovative solutions and resources. Sapphire is a pure-play IT and OT security provider 100% owned and operated in the UK, committed to safeguarding your organisation's future by protecting its digital infrastructure against ever-evolving threats. We secure your future so you can concentrate on what matters most.

Speakers
Head of Channel & Distribution
Sapphire
OT Director
Sapphire
Chief Executive Officer
Sapphire
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Nicolas Hamilton ‘ Driven To Inspire’

Be prepared to be inspired. Born with Spastic Diplegia, a form of Cerebral Palsy. Nicolas was told by doctors that he may never walk and if he did, it would, at best be with a stick or some type of aid. Now a 31 year old man, having created history being the first disabled athlete to compete in the British Touring Car Championship, the ‘pinnacle’ of British motorsport. Nicolas shares his incredible story from living with a life altering condition, to a motorsport history maker. From mental health and well-being, to overcoming obstacles and barriers, teamwork, goal-setting, drive, determination, grit and passion, this session will be insightful, impactful and one that you will not want to miss.

Speaker
Race Car Driver
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Closing Remarks
Speaker
CRN Editor UK
The Channel Company