.png)
QUICK ANSWER: ChannelCon EMEA 2026 brought a record 800+ registrants to London on 9–10 November. Key announcements included the Managed Intelligence Alliance, the Consortium for Responsible IT Services, GTIA's selection to host the UN's AI for Good initiative in the UK and United States, AI training for every member company, new cybersecurity research and the move to ChannelCon Europe 2027 in Birmingham.
There has only ever been one constant in the IT channel: Change. New technology, shifting customer needs and evolving business models have shaped our industry for decades. Today, change is moving faster than ever, and it is reaching every corner of the ecosystem.
AI is redefining what is possible. Cyber threats are growing more sophisticated. And the SMB and mid-market businesses you serve are looking to you to explain what matters, where to invest and what to do next.
In the UK and Ireland, 49% of IT service providers (ITSPs) name the growing complexity of technology as the top driver of channel demand. That puts the channel in a powerful position. Turning change into opportunity takes more than keeping up, though. It takes a community working together. That idea shaped this year's theme, The Channel Effect, and it brought a record crowd to London. More than 800 ITSP, vendor, distributor, analyst, media and consultant registrants joined us at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on 9–10 November. Whether you were in the room or are catching up from afar, here are 10 highlights from the event.
New Research: Channel Trends in Cybersecurity
GTIA's new study examines ITSP perspectives across North America, EMEA and APAC. Across the North America and UK and Ireland communities, 76% of respondents plan to add cybersecurity services or solutions in the next year, up from 65% in 2025. Nearly 60% plan to add AI-related security solutions. The takeaway: Customers want help making practical security decisions, especially around AI. ITSPs who lead as trusted advisors are best placed to provide it. Look for the full report on the GTIA Member Portal soon!
The Managed Intelligence Alliance Launches
GTIA launched the Managed Intelligence Alliance, an independent, member-led programme that helps ITSPs deliver AI to SMBs securely, responsibly and at scale. Pax8 is the Charter Member, joined by 10 founding party members from across the ecosystem. Rob Rae of Pax8 chairs the Alliance, and Carlo Tortora Brayda, GTIA's new vice president of industry standards, leads it day to day. Standards and accreditation frameworks will be published openly, at no cost. GTIA members can comment on drafts and get early access at least 30 days before public release. Learn more at gtia.org/alliance.
The Consortium for Responsible IT Services Takes Shape
GTIA and Texas A&M's Global Cyber Research Institute formed the Consortium for Responsible IT Services (CRITS) to establish a self-regulatory organisation (SRO) for the IT services profession. The SRO will define operational, professional and technical standards for IT service providers, with a focus on cyber resilience. The Consortium kicked off in October at Texas A&M. The work is expected to take up to three years, after which GTIA is expected to run the SRO. The goal: Standards created by the industry, for the industry.
GTIA to Host the UN's AI for Good initiative in the UK and U.S.
The United Nations has selected GTIA, as a partner of the International Telecommunication Union, to host AI for Good in the UK and the United States. GTIA will host three annual virtual AI innovation competitions in each market, each with an open call for solutions. The top UK and U.S. solutions will go on to the UN's AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva in June 2027. For members, that means early visibility into emerging technology, insight into responsible AI standards and a global stage for innovation.
AI Training for Every Member Company
GTIA has partnered with CompTIA to bring the AI Essentials training library to members. Everyone at a GTIA member company, across technical, sales, marketing and leadership roles, gets hands-on AI training at no additional cost. Members can access the training within the GTIA Member Portal. Learners can earn a CompTIA competency certificate to validate their skills. Attendees also got hands-on at the in-person CompTIA AI Agent Essentials Workshop, led by James Stanger on 11 November.
New Tools in the Member Portal
The GTIA Member Assistant is now live at my.gtia.org. Look for it on any page of the portal to get quick answers on events, leadership, guidebooks, vendors and GTIA resources. The more you use it, the smarter it will get! Coming soon to the portal is the AI & Cyber Resource Center: One home for the GTIA ISAO, the Managed Intelligence Alliance, the Consortium's work and the Trustmark, plus practical tools to put them to work with your customers. Keep logging into the Member Portal to see what's new.
Local Chapters Are Growing
GTIA Local Chapters are member-led, GTIA-funded and free for members, bringing peer networking to the places you live and work. Since August, chapters have engaged nearly 300 members worldwide. Ten chapters are active, with three more launching before year-end and many more in th works. In EMEA, inaugural meetings have taken place in the Netherlands, the UK Midlands and Munich. Find, or start, a chapter near you.
Members Are Giving Back at Record Levels
This year, GTIA members are directing about £3.7 million to nonprofits and schools that use technology for good, more than double last year. In EMEA, nearly £800,000 went to 20 organisations across 10 countries, all referred by members or selected by their communities. One example: Tech She Can reached more than 1,800 students across 11 UK regions and nations. Customers and employees increasingly want to know how the businesses they work with give back, and GTIA membership helps you answer that question.
Big Ideas from the Main Stage
Big names and bigger ideas! Check out what these headliners had to say in London:
- Daniel Priestley, business keynote: Start acting on a new business formula for the digital age. See how intellectual capital, ideal customers, personal influence and an elegant business model fuel lasting growth. Read more.
- Channel Visionaries Power Panel: Channel leaders took the stage to unpack AI, cybersecurity and the economy. Get their insights and the one move every MSP can make in 90 days. Read more.
- Graham Norton, closing keynote: The ChannelCon EMEA audience was delighted by Graham's stories from behind the scenes of his chat show and his perspectives on connecting with people and responding to change.
ChannelCon Europe 2027 Heads to Birmingham
Next year, ChannelCon EMEA becomes ChannelCon Europe: One event for the whole continent. Join us in Birmingham, 26–28 October 2027. Registration is open now.