Welcome to 2026! It came fast and relentless and if there’s one shared truth it’s that we’re all navigating a year defined by rapid change, disruptive technology, shifting customer expectations and a heightened demand for tighter community collaboration across the IT channel.
The GTIA North America Community & Councils Forum & Spotlight Awards, March 9–11 in Chicago, is designed specifically to help you meet these challenges head‑on. It’s also a gathering you simply can’t afford to miss—where the conversations, connections and insights shaping the IT channel in 2026 are happening in real time.
Challenge #1: You Need to Provide Your Employees with Professional Development
Your team’s growth fuels your organization’s growth. But finding meaningful, relevant and industry-specific professional development can be difficult—especially in a year where technology, talent pipelines and customer expectations are evolving at lightning speed.
What You’ll Get in Chicago:
Instead of generic training, this meeting offers deeply focused interest group meetings where attendees can explore the topics shaping today’s IT and managed services workforce, including:
- New! Now Gen: Engage your early- to mid‑career professionals in fresh, relevant discussions designed to spark growth and ignite long-term leadership potential.
- Workforce Development: Explore strategies to strengthen hiring, retention and career pathways for 2026 and beyond.
- Cybersecurity: Understand emerging risks, regulations and best practices to strengthen both your team and your clients’ environments.
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): Build stronger, more inclusive teams and expand access to diverse talent.
- Global Women in Tech: Connect with leaders championing advancement, leadership and visibility for women across the technology sector.
These GTIA North America Interest Group sessions are a powerful way to elevate your employees, deepen their engagement and help them build a strong professional network across the IT channel—all in a single event.
BONUS! The GITA North America Community is kicking off a new cohort of its popular Mentorship Program in Chicago! See what it’s all about and sign up now.
Challenge #2: You Need Guidance Setting Business Goals for the Year
Many organizations struggle to translate ambition into executable strategy. Questions emerge quickly:
- What metrics should we be targeting in 2026?
- Where should we prioritize growth?
- How can we set realistic, competitive benchmarks?
What You’ll Get in Chicago:
Throughout the meeting, you’ll participate in:
- Strategic planning sessions led by leaders who have navigated the same challenges.
- Market insights and data from our new State of the Channel 2026 research that will help you set realistic yet ambitious goals.
- Overview of practical transition paths for ITSPs; from leadership succession to M&A and highlighting what buyers value, how to build and protect organizational worth.
- Advice from industry geniuses when you book time at the Business Genius Café to discuss your specific challenges and ideas with peers who have done it before.
You walk away not with just generic inspiration—but with a concrete plan, vetted by experts, that positions your company for measurable success this year.
Challenge #3: You Need to Elevate the Role of AI Into Your Business This Year
AI remains one of the most transformative forces in our industry; but knowing how to bring it into your business in a practical, sustainable way is still a challenge for many of us. Most leaders are asking the same questions: Where do we start? What’s realistic? How do we implement AI without disrupting operations?
What You’ll Get in Chicago:
AI is a key them that is intentionally woven throughout the meeting, giving you access to meaningful guidance without the hype, including:
- A keynote that cuts through the noise, grounding attendees in what’s real, relevant and actionable for the IT channel in 2026.
- Sessions across multiple tracks that integrate AI thoughtfully—whether related to service delivery, customer experience, cybersecurity, workforce planning or business strategy.
- Practical insights from peers who are already deploying AI in their organizations and can speak to what works—and what doesn’t.
Even if you’re not planning a massive AI initiative, you’ll walk away with clear, business-ready ideas for where AI can add value, reduce friction and enhance your customer and employee experience.
Challenge #4: You Want to Become More Involved and Connected in the IT Channel
The IT channel thrives on relationships. In 2026, collaboration has never been more essential—whether you’re looking for vendor partnerships, peer insights, talent pipelines or opportunities to contribute more meaningfully to the GTIA community.
What You’ll Get in Chicago:
Simply put—you won’t find a more concentrated gathering of channel leaders, innovators and strategic thinkers. You’ll gain access to:
- Community meetings where you can influence industry direction
- Council sessions that go deep into functional and technical challenges
- Networking events designed to create real, lasting connections
- Opportunities to step into leadership, contribute your expertise or join interest groups.
It’s the fastest, most impactful way to strengthen your presence within the channel ecosystem.
Three Days That Can Reshape Your Year
The GTIA North America Community & Councils Forum and Spotlight Awards isn’t just another conference, It’s a strategic accelerator built for GTIA members who want to:
- Strengthen their teams
- Build smarter business plans
- Embrace AI confidently
- Become more connected in the channel
- And ultimately… drive better outcomes in 2026 and beyond
See what you missed! >> 10 Things You Missed at the GTIA North America Community & Councils Forum
