Quick Answer
ChannelCon 2026 takes place August 3–5 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. MSPs get access to keynotes from Ron Howard and Alex Banayan, five cybersecurity workshops, a 160+ vendors at the Technology Vendor Fair and an 80s-themed closing party at Rady Shell. Below are the 15 reasons this is the channel event to prioritize this year.
From keynotes that challenge your thinking to hands-on workshops that deliver real takeaways—and an 80s party you'll be talking about for years—ChannelCon 2026 is built for MSPs who are serious about growth. Here's what's waiting for you in San Diego, August 3–5 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.
When and Where Is ChannelCon 2026?
ChannelCon 2026 runs August 3–5 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Co-located partner meetings kick off a day early, on Sunday, August 2 and Monday, August 3.
Who Should Attend ChannelCon 2026?
ChannelCon is built for MSPs and ITSPs focused on growth—whether you're a first-time attendee looking to build your network or a channel veteran ready to shape where the industry is headed next.
The 15 Reasons to Attend
1. Co-Location Partner Meetings
Maximize your time before the main event. On Sunday, August 2 and Monday, August 3, San Diego is home to 13 co-located meetings—a powerful opportunity to connect with partner organizations before ChannelCon officially kicks off. See what's available.
2. First-Time Attendee & New Member Welcome
New to ChannelCon? Start here. The First-Time Attendee Mixer is a welcoming, low-pressure gathering designed to help you meet fellow newcomers, get tips from ChannelCon veterans and walk into the full event with confidence. It's the best first step you can take.
3. ChannelCon Welcome & Member of the Year Lunch
ChannelCon officially opens with a lunch celebration where the GTIA Executive Team kicks things off and announces the 2025–2026 GTIA Member of the Year—the most prestigious recognition the GTIA community can bestow on one of its own. Don't miss this moment!
4. GTIA Executive & Board Keynote
Get a clear-eyed look at what's coming. The GTIA Executive Team and Board will share their strategic priorities for the next 12–24 months, including where GTIA is investing, what it means for the channel ecosystem and how you can plug in to shape what comes next. You'll also hear about the GTIA Foundation's expanding global philanthropic work and its growing pathways for next-generation talent.
5. Business Keynote: Alex Banayan—Mindset of Exponential Growth
Bestselling author and the youngest bestselling business author in American history, Alex Banayan has spent years interviewing the world's most influential leaders—from Bill Gates to Lady Gaga to Larry King. His acclaimed Third Door™ framework reveals the unconventional paths that drive breakthrough success. Expect actionable ideas for navigating market shifts, uncovering new revenue, and accelerating growth.
6. A Conversation with Ron Howard
In an exclusive fireside chat, Academy Award-winning filmmaker and director Ron Howard will share his perspective on collaborative leadership, building high-performing teams and maintaining a singular vision while embracing change. After more than 60 years navigating radical shifts in technology and audience behavior, his insights translate directly to the challenges IT channel leaders face today.
7. Channel Visionaries Power Panel
Featuring top channel executives, this panel delivers a real-world blueprint for positioning your business for resilient growth in an era of rapid innovation. The conversation will cover how to blend core fundamentals with AI and automation—and what it takes to stay ahead of a shifting market landscape.
8. Five Cybersecurity Workshops
Cybersecurity gets a full track at ChannelCon 2026 with five sessions covering the ground that matters most to MSPs:
- Cyber Gap Assessment Wizard: A free, ITSP-built assessment tool grounded in 19 core safeguards across 7 domains from the GTIA Cybersecurity Trustmark
- Data First, Security Always: Why classification matters for effective cybersecurity
- Facilitated Tabletop Exercise: A facilitated, scenario-driven session walking through a realistic cyber incident in a structured, no-fault environment
- Cybersecurity Maturity Doesn’t Just Happen: How leadership, strategy and culture must align to make governance a living system, not a static document
- The GTIA Cybersecurity Resource Hub + ISAO: How to cut through the noise and turn these resources into action that lowers your risk
9. AI Agent Fluency for ITSPs: A Practical Workshop
AI agents are changing how ITSPs and MSPs operate. The question is: Are you ready? Kickstart your journey to a CompTIA AI Agent Essentials competency certificate in this hands-on, high-energy workshop led by CompTIA chief technology evangelist Dr. James Stanger. In just three hours, you'll learn how to identify the right AI agent opportunities, turn real business tasks into agent-powered workflows and safely deploy AI to automate work, increase efficiency and drive better client outcomes. Complete key portions of the course during the workshop, then finish the remaining modules online to earn your competency certificate.
10. GTIA Innovate Finalist Presentations
Over lunch on Day 2, GTIA Innovate finalists get five minutes each to showcase AI solutions they've built—for their clients or their own operations. The session is fast-paced, practical and attendee-driven: You vote for the winners. Two categories, six finalists, real results.
Customer AI Solution Finalists: GoWest.ai, J&M Solutions LLC, Sentry Technology Solutions
Internal AI Solution Finalists: Nucleus Networks, Thrive, Xenex SOC
Winners will be announced at the ChannelCon final keynote on Wednesday.
11. Technology Vendor Fair
Explore 160+ potential new partners under one roof. Whether you're looking to expand your stack, find a new distributor or discover what's next—the Technology Vendor Fair puts the channel ecosystem at your fingertips.
12. Hosted Vendor Dinners
The best connections often happen over a great meal. ITSPs are invited to join ChannelCon vendors for exclusive partner dinners on Wednesday, August 5. Check back for details as dinners are added.
13. ChannelCon Fun Run & Walk
Kick off Day 2 on your terms. Run, jog or take a leisurely walk along a beautiful route by the San Diego Marina—a perfect start to the morning at any pace.
14. ChannelCon 80s Party at Rady Shell
This one needs to be seen to be believed. ChannelCon is taking over the iconic Rady Shell on the San Diego waterfront for an unforgettable 80s-themed party—neon encouraged, leg warmers optional. The Royal Machines take the stage for a live set of classic hits, plus a few surprise guests. Great food, great drinks, great people. Totally epic. Totally ChannelCon.
15. GTIA Charitable Giving Activity
End ChannelCon with purpose. In a special closing experience, attendees come together to assemble care packages for military service members—filled with everyday comforts and handmade paracord bracelets created throughout the conference at the Think and Drink Lounge. It's a chance to leave ChannelCon not just with new ideas and connections, but with something that matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is ChannelCon 2026? ChannelCon 2026 takes place August 3–5, 2026, with co-located partner meetings starting August 2.
Where is ChannelCon 2026 held? The event is held at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.
Who are the keynote speakers at ChannelCon 2026? Keynote speakers include Ron Howard, in an exclusive fireside chat, and Alex Banayan, speaking on the mindset of exponential growth. The GTIA Executive Team and Board also deliver a strategic keynote.
What sessions does ChannelCon 2026 offer on cybersecurity? ChannelCon 2026 includes a five-session cybersecurity track covering gap assessments, data classification, tabletop exercises, security governance and the GTIA Cybersecurity Resource Hub.
Is there a social event at ChannelCon 2026? Yes. ChannelCon closes with an 80s-themed party at Rady Shell on the San Diego waterfront, featuring a live set from The Royal Machines.
Ready to Join Us? ChannelCon 2026 takes place August 3–5 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Whether you're coming for the sessions, the speakers, the connections or the party—there's a reason to be there for all of it.
