MSP Peer Groups Compared

Last updated: April 2026

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Quick Answer

IT Nation Connect Global 2026, taking place from November 4-6 in Orlando, Florida, stands as the largest global MSP community conference, attracting over 3,000 on-site attendees and 1,000 virtual attendees.
This premier event provides more than 200 educational sessions, structured across five distinct learning tracks, including Cybersecurity and AI, and Strategy, Growth, and M&A.
Attendees gain access to over 160 exhibitors who showcase the latest services and technology solutions specifically designed for the MSP community.
Beyond the main conference, IT Nation Evolve offers an MSP peer group focused on elevating leaders through collaborative community engagement, complementing the broader IT Nation ecosystem.

IT Nation Connect Global is a central event for managed service providers (MSPs) seeking to enhance their business operations, forge crucial industry connections, and stay ahead of technological advancements. This conference, scheduled for November 4-6, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, is recognized as the largest and most comprehensive gathering for global MSPs, drawing a significant audience of more than 3,000 on-site attendees and an additional 1,000 virtual participants keen on improving their IT business practices IT Nation Connect event prospectus. The event offers a rich program with over 200 educational sessions, designed to cater to various roles and business needs within an MSP organization. These sessions are organized into five key learning tracks, addressing topics from Cybersecurity and AI to Sales and Marketing, ensuring attendees receive actionable insights. Beyond the main conference, the broader IT Nation community provides focused events like Grow and Foundations, alongside dedicated peer groups such as IT Nation Evolve, all aimed at fostering growth, accountability, and transformation for IT professionals.

What is the IT Nation Connect Global Conference?

IT Nation Connect Global is the premier global community conference for managed service providers. It serves as a critical gathering point for industry leaders to learn, connect, and grow their businesses. The event brings together a collaborative community focused on solving business challenges and driving MSP success.

The IT Nation Connect Global 2026 conference is scheduled to take place from November 4-6, 2026, in Orlando, Florida IT Nation Connect Global 2026 overview. This annual event is designed to offer unmatched industry connections, provide vision and innovation insights, and deliver proven business strategies. It aims to equip MSPs with actionable takeaways that can directly drive profitability and enhance operational maturity within their organizations. The conference environment promotes strategic partnership building and ecosystem expansion, which are vital for competitive differentiation in the fast-evolving IT landscape.

The Purpose and Scope of IT Nation Connect Global

The primary purpose of IT Nation Connect Global is to serve as the industry’s largest MSP event, bringing together a diverse group of IT professionals from around the world. This gathering is specifically designed for MSP owners, executives, engineers, and vendor partners. The event’s comprehensive nature ensures that participants from various roles within an MSP organization can find relevant content and networking opportunities. It is a place where a collaborative community unites to address common business challenges and work towards collective success. The conference emphasizes the importance of community in transforming IT businesses, providing a platform to build powerful relationships among MSPs, vendors, and subject matter experts.

Key Benefits for Attendees

Attending IT Nation Connect Global offers several distinct advantages. One of the foremost benefits is the opportunity for unmatched industry connections. Participants can network with the largest global community of MSP owners, executives, engineers, and vendor partners, all converged in one location. This environment is ideal for strategic partnership building and expanding one's professional ecosystem. Gaining competitive differentiation insights is another significant benefit, as attendees can learn from peers and experts about effective strategies.

Another core benefit is access to vision and innovation. The conference provides a front-row seat to the innovations that are shaping the future of MSP success. This includes unforgettable keynotes and product roadmaps, insights into AI-driven automation and security advancements, and discussions on emerging trends that will impact the industry. For MSPs looking to stay at the forefront of technology and business practices, this aspect is invaluable.

Finally, the event is structured to deliver proven business strategies. Attendees can expect to walk away with actionable takeaways specifically designed to drive profitability and operational maturity. The content includes tested and proven growth frameworks, offering clarity on how to evolve a business effectively. There are also dedicated sessions for leadership and team development, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond just the business owner to the entire organization. These strategies are crucial for MSPs aiming to scale smarter and faster in a competitive market.

What Educational Opportunities Does IT Nation Connect Offer?

IT Nation Connect provides extensive deep learning opportunities tailored for every role within an MSP organization. The educational content is meticulously curated, with sessions hand-selected by industry experts to ensure maximum impact across various business functions. This approach ensures that whether an attendee is an owner, a technician, or a sales manager, they will find relevant and actionable insights to apply to their specific responsibilities.

The conference is structured to facilitate practical learning, incorporating role-based tracks and hands-on workshops. These formats are crucial for helping attendees build customized, actionable roadmaps that they can implement directly within their businesses. A key highlight of the educational offerings is the presence of 200+ educational sessions, which are distributed across five concurrent learning tracks. These tracks are specifically designed to address critical topics and crucial aspects of the MSP business landscape, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

In-Depth Learning Tracks

The five concurrent learning tracks at IT Nation Connect Global are designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills across crucial areas of MSP operations. Each track is crafted to address specific aspects of the MSP business landscape, ensuring that there is something valuable for everyone, regardless of their role or business focus.

The tracks include:

Cybersecurity and AI: This track focuses on the ever-evolving threats in cybersecurity and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for MSPs. It covers best practices for protecting client data, implementing robust security solutions, and leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency and service delivery. Attendees learn about the latest advancements in threat detection, incident response, and how AI can automate tasks and provide deeper insights into security posture.
Sales and Marketing: This track is dedicated to strategies for acquiring new clients and retaining existing ones. It delves into effective sales methodologies, digital marketing techniques, branding, and customer relationship management. MSPs can learn how to refine their value propositions, build strong sales funnels, and utilize marketing automation to grow their client base and revenue.
Service Delivery and Operations: This track focuses on optimizing the day-to-day operations and service delivery mechanisms of an MSP. Topics include process automation, help desk management, technical support best practices, and improving client satisfaction through efficient service. The goal is to help MSPs streamline their operations, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of their service offerings.
Management and Leadership: This track is designed for current and aspiring leaders within MSP organizations. It covers topics such as team building, talent management, organizational culture, strategic planning, and effective decision-making. Leaders can gain insights into fostering a productive work environment, motivating their teams, and guiding their companies through growth and change.
Strategy, Growth, and M&A: This track addresses the broader strategic direction of an MSP, including long-term growth planning and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). It provides insights into market trends, scaling strategies, and the financial aspects of business expansion. For MSPs considering growth through acquisition or looking to position themselves for a future transaction, this track offers critical guidance. Mergers and acquisitions have become increasingly prevalent in the managed services world, and understanding their intricacies can significantly impact an MSP's future.

Practical Workshops and Role-Based Content

Beyond the structured sessions, IT Nation Connect offers hands-on workshops that provide practical experience with innovative MSP solutions. These workshops are crucial for attendees who prefer a more interactive learning environment, allowing them to apply new concepts immediately. For instance, Automation Nation is a focused event within The IT Nation that offers hands-on product training for the most innovative MSP solutions, demonstrating the commitment to practical, skill-based learning.

The conference also features role-based tracks, meaning that content is specifically curated for different positions within an MSP. Whether someone is an owner, a technician, an operations manager, or a sales manager, there are sessions tailored to their specific needs and challenges. For example, past attendee demographics show that 37% of attendees were Owners, 16% were Operations Managers, and 14% were IT Managers IT Nation Connect event prospectus. This diverse representation underscores the need for varied content, and IT Nation Connect delivers by designing sessions that help individuals build a customized, actionable roadmap for their particular role. This targeted approach ensures that learning is directly applicable and immediately beneficial to the attendees' day-to-day responsibilities.

How Do IT Nation Connect Events Foster Community and Networking?

IT Nation Connect events are specifically designed to foster a strong sense of community and provide unparalleled networking opportunities. Attendees have the chance to connect with the largest global community of MSP owners, executives, engineers, and vendor partners, all gathered in one central location. This unique environment is conducive to building strategic partnerships and expanding one's professional ecosystem, which are critical for long-term business success.

The conference goes beyond formal sessions to create a vibrant social atmosphere, offering a variety of networking opportunities. These include after-party happy hours, exclusive events at Universal Studios, competitive arcade games, and speed networking sessions. The IT Nation community also actively engages in charitable initiatives through IT Nation Gives™, demonstrating a commitment to giving back and strengthening community bonds beyond business interactions. This holistic approach ensures that attendees not only gain business insights but also form lasting relationships.

Building Connections and Strategic Partnerships

The core of IT Nation Connect lies in its ability to bring together a diverse array of IT professionals. Over 5,000 MSP leaders attend the event, creating a dynamic environment for interaction and collaboration IT Nation Connect Global 2026 overview. This extensive network includes not only fellow MSP owners and executives but also engineers and a wide range of vendor partners. The ability to connect with such a broad spectrum of the industry in one place is invaluable for strategic partnership building. MSPs can identify potential collaborators, find new solutions providers, and even explore opportunities for mergers and acquisitions within this rich ecosystem.

Ecosystem expansion is a significant benefit. By interacting with a diverse group of professionals, attendees can gain new perspectives, discover innovative approaches to business challenges, and identify emerging trends. These connections can lead to new business opportunities, referrals, and a deeper understanding of the market. The conference provides dedicated spaces and structured activities to facilitate these interactions, such as the Solutions Pavilion, where over 160 exhibitors showcase the latest services and technology tailored to the MSP community. This allows attendees to explore new tools and solutions while simultaneously building relationships with the companies behind them.

Engaging Social and Charitable Activities

Networking at IT Nation Connect extends far beyond formal meetings and exhibition halls. The event organizers plan a variety of social activities designed to encourage relaxed and informal interactions among attendees. These opportunities include after-party happy hours, which provide a casual setting for conversations to flow freely. Attendees can also experience thrills at Universal Studios, participate in arcade games, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere at private concerts. Speed networking sessions are also available for those who prefer a more structured, yet still informal, way to meet many people quickly. These social events are crucial for transforming professional acquaintances into strong, lasting relationships.

Beyond the social events, The IT Nation community embraces a spirit of giving back through its IT Nation Gives™ program. This initiative allows attendees to engage in charitable activities, such as making dog treats or joining a 5K fun run, to support K9s for Warriors. This program helps unite veterans with specially trained shelter dogs, offering companionship and support to heroes. Participating in such activities strengthens the sense of community among attendees, as they work together for a common, benevolent cause. This blend of professional development, social engagement, and philanthropic endeavor creates a truly unique and enriching experience for all participants.

What are the Focused Events and Peer Groups within The IT Nation?

Beyond the flagship global conference, The IT Nation offers a comprehensive suite of focused events and dedicated peer groups designed to support MSPs at various stages of their business journey. These specialized programs provide targeted learning and community engagement opportunities that complement the broader Connect Global experience. The IT Nation’s ecosystem includes events like Grow, Foundations, Automation Nation, and PitchIT, each addressing specific needs within the MSP community.

A key component of this ecosystem is the provision of peer groups for ongoing development and accountability. Among these, IT Nation Evolve stands out as a dedicated MSP peer group specifically designed to elevate leaders through community interaction. These groups provide a structured environment for MSPs to share experiences, tackle common challenges, and hold each other accountable for achieving business goals, fostering growth through collective wisdom and support.

Specialized Events for MSP Development

The IT Nation hosts several focused events, each with a distinct purpose, to cater to the diverse needs of MSPs. These events are crafted to provide specific knowledge and training that might not be covered in the same depth during the larger Connect Global conference.

Grow: This event focuses on best practices for MSPs and investors navigating the business transition journey. It is particularly relevant for those considering mergers, acquisitions, or other significant changes in their business structure. Grow helps attendees understand the complexities of business evolution, offering guidance on scaling, valuation, and strategic planning for long-term sustainability.
Foundations: Foundations is designed to provide essential building blocks and tools necessary to transform an MSP business. It covers fundamental aspects of business operations, service delivery, and management, making it ideal for newer MSPs or those looking to solidify their core processes. This event helps establish a strong operational base, which is crucial for future growth and scalability.
Automation Nation: This event offers hands-on product training for the most innovative MSP solutions, particularly those related to automation. It provides practical, in-depth sessions that allow attendees to gain direct experience with tools and technologies that can enhance efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and improve service delivery. Automation Nation is vital for MSPs looking to leverage technology to streamline their operations and boost productivity.
PitchIT: PitchIT is an annual solutions provider accelerator program. It offers a platform for innovative companies to showcase their solutions and gain exposure within the MSP community. For MSPs, PitchIT provides an opportunity to discover cutting-edge tools and services that could significantly benefit their businesses. It also fosters innovation within the channel by supporting emerging technology providers.

The Power of IT Nation Evolve Peer Groups

IT Nation Evolve is a cornerstone of The IT Nation's commitment to ongoing professional development through community. It functions as a dedicated MSP peer group, specifically designed to elevate leaders through collaborative community engagement. These peer groups offer a unique environment where MSP owners and executives can share their experiences, challenges, and successes in a confidential and supportive setting. The structure of these groups often involves regular meetings, both in-person and virtually, where members discuss strategic issues, operational improvements, and personal leadership development.

The core benefit of IT Nation Evolve is the accountability and collective wisdom it provides. Members hold each other accountable for implementing strategies and achieving goals, which can be a powerful motivator for business improvement. By discussing real-world scenarios with non-competing peers, MSP leaders gain diverse perspectives and practical advice that they might not find elsewhere. This structured peer interaction helps MSPs overcome obstacles, identify new opportunities, and refine their business practices based on proven strategies shared within the group. The focus on community not only fosters professional growth but also builds strong, lasting relationships among members, creating a network of support that extends beyond formal meetings. This continuous engagement and shared learning are vital for MSPs committed to sustained growth and leadership excellence.

How Does Service Leadership Support MSP Performance?

Service Leadership provides specialized tools and resources designed to enhance MSP performance through comprehensive diagnostics and improvement strategies. This suite of offerings is crucial for MSPs aiming to achieve higher levels of operational maturity and profitability. A key component is SLIQ™ Benchmarking, which offers deep insights into an MSP's Operational Maturity Level™ (OML). This diagnostic tool helps identify areas for improvement by comparing an MSP's performance against industry benchmarks.

Further supporting this, Index Reports provide detailed MSP performance and maturity benchmarking data, allowing businesses to understand their standing within the broader industry. Additionally, Service Leadership publishes an MSP Compensation Report, which offers global IT compensation insights based on real-time MSP data. These resources collectively empower MSPs to make data-driven decisions, optimize their operations, and ensure competitive compensation structures, all leading to improved overall performance and strategic growth. For more details, see The IT Nation Community of IT Professionals.

SLIQ™ Benchmarking and Operational Maturity Level™

SLIQ™ Benchmarking is a flagship offering from Service Leadership, specifically designed to provide MSPs with a robust framework for performance diagnostics and improvement. This tool allows MSPs to assess their Operational Maturity Level™ (OML), which is a critical indicator of a company's efficiency, profitability, and scalability. The OML framework helps MSPs understand where they stand in terms of their processes, systems, and overall business structure compared to industry best practices.

By utilizing SLIQ™ Benchmarking, MSPs can gain a clear, objective view of their strengths and weaknesses. The process typically involves collecting and analyzing various operational and financial data points, which are then benchmarked against a vast database of other MSPs. This comparison highlights specific areas where an MSP might be underperforming or excelling. For example, it can pinpoint inefficiencies in service delivery, sales processes, or financial management. The insights derived from SLIQ™ are actionable, guiding MSPs on where to focus their improvement efforts to achieve higher levels of operational excellence and ultimately, increased profitability. Understanding one's OML is crucial for strategic planning and for making informed decisions about resource allocation and process optimization.

Index Reports and Compensation Insights

Beyond individual diagnostics, Service Leadership offers comprehensive Index Reports that provide broader MSP performance and maturity benchmarking data. These reports aggregate data from numerous MSPs, offering a panoramic view of industry trends and performance standards. By studying these reports, MSPs can gain a deeper understanding of what constitutes top performance in the managed services sector. The Index Reports cover various aspects of MSP operations, including financial performance, sales effectiveness, service delivery metrics, and overall business maturity.

These reports are invaluable for strategic planning, allowing MSPs to set realistic goals and develop strategies that align with industry leaders. For example, if the reports indicate that top-performing MSPs achieve certain profit margins or client retention rates, individual MSPs can use this data to adjust their own targets and operational strategies. The IT Nation also provides an MSP Compensation Report, which offers global IT compensation insights based on real-time MSP data. This report is critical for MSPs looking to attract and retain top talent. It provides benchmarks for salaries, benefits, and other compensation elements across various roles within an MSP organization. Understanding competitive compensation trends helps MSPs structure their pay scales effectively, ensuring they remain attractive employers in a highly competitive talent market. This data-driven approach to compensation helps in managing labor costs while also fostering employee satisfaction and retention, which are key drivers of long-term business success.

Is the MSP M&A Market Cooling in 2026?

The managed services industry continues to see significant activity in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), making it a crucial area for MSP owners to monitor. Understanding the intricacies of M&A can profoundly impact an MSP's future, whether they are considering buying, selling, or simply observing market trends. While some discussions might hint at a cooling market, the overall prevalence of M&A activity suggests it remains a dynamic and important aspect of the industry.

For MSPs contemplating a transaction, strong operational foundations are critical for M&A success. Recent podcast discussions, such as those featuring Charles and Adam Borst, provide valuable insights into current trends, effective strategies, and actionable advice for MSP owners navigating this complex landscape. These discussions help clarify whether the market is indeed cooling or simply evolving with new considerations and opportunities for those prepared.

The Dynamics of M&A in Managed Services

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become increasingly prevalent in the dynamic world of managed services Is the MSP M&A Market Cooling in 2026?. This trend reflects a broader industry consolidation, where larger entities seek to expand their market share, acquire specialized capabilities, or achieve economies of scale. For individual MSPs, M&A can represent a significant growth opportunity, a strategic exit plan, or a means to gain competitive advantages. The market is constantly evolving, influenced by factors such as economic conditions, technological advancements, and investor interest.

Understanding these intricacies is vital for any MSP owner, whether they are a seasoned executive or new to the industry. The decision to pursue an M&A transaction can have a profound impact on a business’s future trajectory, affecting everything from client relationships and employee morale to financial stability and market positioning. Therefore, staying informed about current M&A trends and best practices is not just beneficial but often necessary for strategic planning. The IT Nation Connect Global conference, for instance, includes a dedicated session track on Strategy, Growth, and M&A, recognizing its importance in the MSP business landscape. This focus underscores the ongoing relevance and complexity of M&A activities within the managed services sector.

Importance of Strong Operations for M&A Success

For MSPs considering a merger or acquisition, strong operational foundations are not just beneficial; they are crucial for M&A success in 2026 MSPs Need Strong Operations for M&A Success in 2026 | Channel Insider posted on the topic | LinkedIn. A well-run MSP with documented processes, efficient service delivery, and robust financial management presents a more attractive target for buyers and integrates more smoothly post-acquisition. Buyers are increasingly scrutinizing the operational maturity of potential targets, as this directly impacts the potential for synergy and future profitability.

Recent discussions, such as those highlighted in a podcast featuring Charles and Adam Borst, emphasize the importance of having solid operations. These experts often discuss trends, strategies, and actionable advice for MSP owners who are contemplating a transaction. They stress that a clear understanding of one's own business operations, including areas like service delivery, customer satisfaction, and financial health, is paramount. Without strong operations, an MSP may struggle to demonstrate its value, leading to lower valuations or even failed deals. Conversely, an MSP that can showcase streamlined processes, high customer retention rates, and a clear path to profitability will be in a much stronger position to achieve a successful M&A outcome. Therefore, investing in operational excellence is a strategic imperative for any MSP with M&A aspirations.

What are the Demographics of IT Nation Connect Attendees?

IT Nation Connect attracts a diverse audience from across the IT industry, encompassing a wide range of job roles and company sizes. The attendee demographics highlight the event's appeal to various levels within MSP organizations, ensuring a rich mix of perspectives and experiences. A significant portion of attendees are business owners, indicating the conference's relevance for strategic decision-makers.

Beyond ownership, the event also draws a substantial number of operational and technical staff, reflecting its comprehensive educational offerings. Company sizes, categorized by both employee count and revenue, vary widely, though a notable percentage of attendees come from smaller companies. This blend of roles and company scales contributes to a dynamic networking environment and ensures that the content is relevant to a broad segment of the managed services community.

Job Roles Represented at the Conference

The attendee job roles at IT Nation Connect are diverse, showcasing the conference's appeal to various positions within the IT and managed services sector. This broad representation ensures that discussions are multi-faceted and reflect the different challenges and opportunities faced by individuals at various levels of an MSP organization.

According to past attendee demographics, the largest single group of attendees are Owners, making up 37% of the total. This highlights the conference's strong focus on providing strategic insights and growth opportunities directly relevant to those at the helm of MSP businesses. Following owners, Operations Managers constitute 16% of attendees, indicating a keen interest in improving efficiency and service delivery. IT Managers are also well-represented at 14%, reflecting the technical and managerial expertise sought at the event.

Other significant job roles include Sales Managers at 9%, Technicians at 10%, and a general "Manager" category at 6%. The remaining 4% fall under "Other," which could encompass a variety of specialized roles or emerging positions within the industry IT Nation Connect event prospectus. This breakdown underscores the conference's commitment to offering deep learning for every role, with role-based tracks and hands-on workshops specifically designed to impact various organizational functions. The presence of such a diverse group of professionals enriches the networking experience, allowing attendees to connect with peers facing similar challenges from different vantage points.

Company Size and Revenue Representation

The IT Nation Connect conference attracts attendees from companies of varying sizes, both in terms of employee count and annual revenue. This diversity ensures that insights shared and solutions showcased are applicable to a broad spectrum of MSP businesses, from small, emerging firms to larger, more established organizations. Understanding the composition by company size helps tailor content and networking opportunities to meet specific needs.

In terms of company size by employee count, the prospectus indicates a distribution across different tiers. While specific percentages for each employee tier are not provided, the general trend suggests a mix that includes smaller operations alongside larger enterprises. For company size by revenue, the breakdown is more explicit:

4% of companies had less than $1 Million USD in revenue. This indicates that the conference is highly accessible and valuable for smaller, perhaps newer, MSPs looking to scale.
The next tier, $1-3 Million USD, represents a significant portion of attendees, suggesting a strong presence of growing mid-sized MSPs.
Companies with $3-7 Million USD in revenue also form a substantial part of the audience.
The $7-14 Million USD category is present, showing engagement from larger, more mature MSPs.
Finally, 4% of companies had $14+ Million USD in revenue, demonstrating that the event also draws very large MSPs and those with substantial market presence IT Nation Connect event prospectus.

This revenue distribution illustrates that IT Nation Connect is not exclusively for large enterprises but also serves as a vital resource for smaller and mid-sized MSPs focused on growth and operational improvement. The variety in company sizes fosters a rich environment for learning from peers at different stages of their business journey, sharing best practices, and identifying solutions that can be scaled to fit various operational capacities. The overall demographics reinforce the conference's position as a comprehensive global MSP community event.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is IT Nation Connect Global 2026?

IT Nation Connect Global 2026 is scheduled to take place from November 4-6, 2026. The event will be held in Orlando, Florida, and is recognized as the largest and most comprehensive conference for global MSPs, bringing together over 5,000 MSP leaders for learning and networking.

What types of educational sessions are available at IT Nation Connect Global?

IT Nation Connect Global offers over 200 educational sessions across five concurrent learning tracks. These tracks cover critical topics such as Cybersecurity and AI, Sales and Marketing, Service Delivery and Operations, Management and Leadership, and Strategy, Growth, and M&A, ensuring content for every role within an MSP organization.

How can I network with other MSP professionals at the event?

Attendees can network with over 5,000 MSP leaders and 160+ exhibitors. Networking opportunities include after-party happy hours, events at Universal Studios, arcade games, and speed networking sessions. The conference is designed to foster unmatched industry connections and strategic partnership building.

What is IT Nation Evolve?

IT Nation Evolve is an MSP peer group aimed at elevating leaders through community. It provides a structured environment for MSP owners and executives to share experiences, tackle common challenges, and hold each other accountable for achieving business goals, fostering growth through collective wisdom and support.

Does IT Nation Connect Global offer resources for M&A activity?

Yes, IT Nation Connect Global includes a dedicated session track on Strategy, Growth, and M&A. This track provides insights into market trends, scaling strategies, and the financial aspects of business expansion. Understanding M&A intricacies is crucial for MSPs, and strong operations are emphasized for M&A success.