7 MSP conferences actually worth attending in 2026

Every January, the same lists appear: "25 MSP conferences you can't miss!" They're written by vendors who sponsor those events. This isn't that list.

If you run an MSP, you know the math: a conference means 2-3 days away from the business, travel costs, ticket prices, and the backlog waiting when you return. The event needs to pay for itself in connections made, deals signed, or strategies that actually improve your operation.

We looked at 2026's MSP conference calendar and picked seven events that deliver real value. No fluff, no paid placements. Just conferences where you'll learn something useful, meet people who can help your business, and maybe have a decent time doing it.

What makes an MSP conference worth attending?

Before diving into the list, here's what we looked for:

Peer-to-peer learning: Vendor sales pitches are everywhere. Sessions where actual MSP owners share what worked (and what didn't) are rare and valuable.

Technical depth: Surface-level AI buzzwords don't help. We want hands-on workshops, real configuration demos, and engineers who answer questions.

Networking that works: Structured meetups beat hoping you bump into the right person at the hotel bar. Good events facilitate connections intentionally.

Vendor-neutral content: When a conference is 90% sponsored by one vendor, you get one perspective. The best events bring diverse viewpoints.

Size appropriate to the goal: Massive shows have energy but lack intimacy. Small events build deeper relationships. The right size depends on what you're after.

2026 MSP conference comparison

Conference	Dates	Location	Focus	Size	Best For
Right of Boom	Feb 3-6	Las Vegas, NV	Cybersecurity	1,600+	Security-focused MSPs
MSP Expo	Feb 10-12	Fort Lauderdale, FL	General MSP	Large	Vendor evaluation
Channel Partners / MSP Summit	Apr 13-16	Las Vegas, NV	Business growth	8,000+	Scaling operations
Kaseya Connect	Apr 27-30	Las Vegas, NV	Kaseya ecosystem	4,000+	Kaseya users
MSPGeekCon	May 17-19	Orlando, FL	Technical/community	Medium	Technical teams
Pax8 Beyond	Jun 7-9	Salt Lake City, UT	Cloud/automation	Large	Cloud-focused MSPs
MSP Summit (Orlando)	Sep 28-30	Orlando, FL	General MSP	1,500+	End-of-year planning

The 7 MSP conferences worth your time in 2026

1. Right of Boom

When: February 3-6, 2026 Where: MGM Grand, Las Vegas Price: ~$899-$1,299 (early bird)

If cybersecurity is your focus, or you want it to be, Right of Boom is the event. Unlike general MSP conferences with a security track, this is security-first, built by MSPs who actually respond to incidents.

The 2026 agenda includes 55+ sessions, hands-on workshops, live Capture the Flag competitions, and an Incident Response Showdown where teams compete through realistic breach scenarios. The 1,600+ attendees skew technical, which means the hallway conversations are about actual attacks, not marketing fluff.

Certification opportunities: Right of Boom offers several certification tracks including CIPP Certification, MD-102 Intune workshop, Mastering SaaS Alerts, and Microsoft Copilot Studio training. You can earn CPE credits while learning practical skills.

Why it stands out: The content is vendor-neutral and shaped by an MSP advisory council. You're learning from people who've handled ransomware recoveries at 2 AM, not sales engineers reading from scripts.

Best for: MSPs building or expanding security practices, technical leads, anyone who needs CPE credits

Skip if: You're looking for general business growth content. This is security-focused.

2. MSP Expo

When: February 10-12, 2026 Where: Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center Price: Free-$599

MSP Expo is part of the larger ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW, which means 400+ exhibitors and co-located events covering AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and customer experience. If you're evaluating vendors or looking for new partnerships, this is efficient. You can see dozens of solutions in two days.

The breakout sessions cover practical topics: pricing strategies, talent retention, managing margins, and marketing on limited budgets. The IDEA Showcase features entrepreneurs pitching new solutions, which is useful for spotting tools before they get big.

Key stats: 92% of attendees make purchasing decisions for their company. 60% of attendees add a new vendor to their RFP list that they weren't familiar with before the show. 76% say the show influenced their vendor selection.

Major sponsors for 2026: Kaseya (Diamond), ThreatLocker, NinjaOne, Guardz, Bitdefender, Acronis, and N-able among others.

Why it stands out: The scale. You can compare 20 RMM tools, meet 50 potential partners, and attend sessions on everything from project management to M&A. It's a one-stop shop for MSPs in evaluation mode.

Best for: MSPs evaluating new vendors, early-stage MSPs building their stack, partnership hunters

Skip if: You want deep technical training. This is broader and more business-focused.

3. Channel Partners Conference & Expo / MSP Summit

When: April 13-16, 2026 Where: The Venetian, Las Vegas Price: ~$599-$1,299

This is the biggest MSP event in North America. 8,000+ channel professionals, 100+ speakers, and a dedicated MSP Summit track within the larger conference. If you want to see where the industry is heading and meet everyone who's anyone, this is it.

The MSP Summit includes dedicated keynotes, conference sessions, and an expo hall with vendors specifically targeting managed service providers. The MSP 501 winners are featured prominently, which is valuable if you're trying to understand what top-performing MSPs do differently.

2026 theme: "Channel Velocity: Acceleration Through Intelligence" with a focus on AI, cloud, and emerging technology.

Content tracks:

• CEO Track: Executive-level strategies for growth, leadership, and long-term business value
• AI Symposium: Real-world AI applications for operations and customer experience
• MSP Summit Track: Dedicated managed services content

Networking: Structured events include the Maverick Mode Party at Tao Beach, the MSP Summit Kickoff Party, and peer groups for MSPs at different growth stages.

Why it stands out: The sheer concentration of decision-makers. If you're looking to sell to MSPs or form strategic partnerships, this is where your targets gather.

Best for: MSP owners focused on growth, partnership development, industry trend tracking

Skip if: You prefer intimate settings. This is a massive conference with massive crowds.

4. Kaseya Connect

When: April 27-30, 2026 Where: MGM Grand, Las Vegas Price: ~$799-$1,199

This is a Kaseya user conference. If you don't use Kaseya products, the value drops significantly. But if you do, or you're considering the Kaseya 365 stack, this is where you get 78+ hours of hands-on training, product deep-dives, and direct access to Kaseya engineers and executives.

The 2026 event features 100+ vendors in the expo hall, 20+ hours of networking events, and exclusive one-on-one sessions with Kaseya executives. The training is the real draw. You can get certified, learn advanced configurations, and solve specific problems with expert help.

What to expect:

• 4,000+ professionals attending
• 100+ hours of industry-leading content
• 30+ Kaseya products showcased
• Hands-on workshops and certification tracks

Why it stands out: Depth on Kaseya's ecosystem. If you run Kaseya VSA, BMS, or IT Glue, this is where you maximize your investment.

Best for: Current Kaseya customers, MSPs evaluating Kaseya 365, technical teams needing certification

Skip if: You're not in the Kaseya ecosystem. Other events offer broader value.

5. MSPGeekCon

When: May 17-19, 2026 Where: Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando Price: ~$399-$599

MSPGeekCon is different. It's community-driven, created by MSPs for MSP teams, with a focus on practical skill development rather than vendor pitches. The atmosphere is collaborative. Attendees share scripts, compare configurations, and troubleshoot real problems together.

The 2026 theme is "One Team, One Mission" with three learning tracks:

The Operational Mission: Team collaboration, project execution, leadership development, service delivery, and process optimization.

The Technical Mission: Automation, networking, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and incident response.

Goots' Choice: Personal growth, community building, and the human side of MSP life. Focus on resilience and adaptability.

Sessions cover technical challenges MSPs actually face: PowerShell automation, RMM optimization, security hardening, and AI implementation. The smaller size (hundreds, not thousands) means you can have real conversations with speakers and attendees.

Why it stands out: The community. MSPGeek is an active online community year-round, and the conference feels like meeting internet friends in person. The content is technical and immediately applicable.

Best for: Technical leads, systems engineers, NOC analysts, MSPs serious about automation

Skip if: You're looking for high-level business strategy. This is for practitioners.

6. Pax8 Beyond

When: June 7-9, 2026 Where: Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City Price: ~$499-$899

Pax8 Beyond is built for cloud-focused MSPs. As one of the largest cloud distributors, Pax8's event draws MSPs who've built (or are building) their practice around cloud services, automation, and modern service delivery.

The agenda mixes technical sessions with business guidance: scaling operations, improving service delivery, and adapting to shifts in the MSP business model. The expo floor features vendors from the Pax8 Marketplace, which covers most major cloud tools MSPs use.

What to expect:

• Cloud services and security deep-dives
• Automation best practices
• Peer networking with cloud-focused MSPs
• Access to Pax8 Marketplace vendors

Why it stands out: Strong peer networking and easy access to vendors. Pax8's partner model means the event is genuinely partner-focused rather than purely sales-driven.

Best for: Cloud-focused MSPs, MSPs using Pax8 Marketplace vendors, operations leaders

Skip if: You're primarily on-premise or not cloud-focused.

7. MSP Summit (Orlando)

When: September 28-30, 2026 Where: Loews Royal Pacific, Orlando Price: ~$699-$1,099

Yes, there's another MSP Summit. And yes, it's confusing that there are two. This one (themspsummit.com) is the original, now in its sixth year, with 1,500+ attendees and a focus on AI-powered operations and scalable revenue models.

The 2026 theme is "Channel Trust: Limitless Possibilities in the AI Era." Sessions cover AI transformation, business model evolution, and growth strategies. The MSP 501 Awards Gala is a highlight, an invite-only celebration for the top-ranked MSPs.

Key features:

• 120+ managed services vendors
• Peer groups for small, medium, and large MSPs
• MSP 501 winner keynotes
• AI for MSPs workshops
• Business growth sessions

Why it stands out: Timing. September is perfect for end-of-year planning and setting strategies for the following year. The Orlando location is more accessible than Vegas for East Coast MSPs.

Best for: MSP owners planning 2027 strategy, AI-curious MSPs, growth-focused operators

Skip if: You already attended the April Channel Partners MSP Summit and want variety.

How to choose the right MSP conference

With seven solid options, how do you pick? Start with your primary goal.

Evaluating vendors or building your stack: MSP Expo in February offers the most vendors in one place. You can compare tools efficiently.

Deep technical training: MSPGeekCon for general technical skills, Kaseya Connect if you're in that ecosystem, Right of Boom for security specialization.

Business growth and scaling: Channel Partners / MSP Summit in April has the most content on growth strategies, M&A, and operational maturity.

Cloud and automation focus: Pax8 Beyond is built for modern, cloud-first MSPs.

End-of-year planning: The September MSP Summit in Orlando is well-timed for strategy sessions before budget season.

Consider your team's size, too. Solo operators and small teams get more value from intimate events like MSPGeekCon where relationships form naturally. Larger teams can split up at massive shows like Channel Partners to cover more ground.

Making the most of your MSP conference investment

Conferences are expensive. Maximize the return.

Before you go: Review the agenda and mark must-attend sessions. Reach out to vendors you want to meet and book appointments. Join the event's Slack or Discord community to start conversations early.

During the event: Take notes on actionable items, not just interesting ideas. Collect contact information from peers facing similar challenges. These relationships often prove more valuable than vendor meetings.

After you return: Schedule a team meeting within one week to share learnings. Implement one new idea within 30 days. Follow up with contacts within two weeks while the connection is fresh.

The MSPs who get the most from conferences treat them as working sessions, not vacations. Show up prepared, engage actively, and execute on what you learn.

Skip the busywork and focus on what matters

Conferences are about learning what works and building relationships that help your business grow. But none of that matters if you're drowning in L1 tickets when you return.

Rallied handles the password resets, account unlocks, and routine requests that pile up while you're away. Your team focuses on the strategic work: the implementations, the client relationships, the business growth.

When you're not fighting fires, you can actually use what you learned at these conferences. See how Rallied works or compare us to other automation options if you're evaluating solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for attending an MSP conference?

Beyond the ticket price ($400-$1,300), budget for flights ($300-$800), hotel ($150-$300/night for 2-3 nights), meals, and ground transportation. Total cost typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 per person depending on location and your travel style.

Which MSP conference is best for someone just starting an MSP?

MSP Expo in February is ideal for new MSPs. The free expo pass lets you explore vendors without a big investment, and you'll see the full landscape of tools available. MSPGeekCon is also great for learning practical skills without the sales pressure.

Are MSP conferences worth it if I'm a solo operator?

Yes, but choose carefully. Smaller events like MSPGeekCon offer better networking for solo operators because you can actually form relationships. Massive shows can feel overwhelming when you're alone. The key is having a specific goal: one good vendor relationship or one implemented idea can pay for the trip.

What's the difference between the April and September MSP Summits?

The April MSP Summit is co-located with Channel Partners in Las Vegas and is much larger (8,000+ attendees). It's business-focused with heavy vendor presence. The September MSP Summit in Orlando is smaller (1,500 attendees), more intimate, and timed for strategic planning. Both are run by Informa Connect.

Can I get continuing education credits at MSP conferences?

Yes. Right of Boom explicitly offers CPE credits and certifications. Most major conferences including Channel Partners and MSP Summit offer CPE credits for attending sessions. Check with the specific conference for details on which certifications they support.

Should my whole team attend or just me?

It depends on the event and your goals. For vendor evaluation at MSP Expo, send your technical decision-maker. For Right of Boom, bring your security lead. For strategic planning at the September MSP Summit, the owner should attend. Many MSPs send 2-3 people to split sessions and compare notes.