The 2024 Managed Services Summit London on 11th September delivered a packed agenda of insightful keynotes, engaging panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. The event once again solidified its position as the go-to gathering for IT channel professionals, managed service providers (MSPs), and industry leaders, setting the tone for the future of managed services.

Here’s a look back at the key highlights from the day:

Setting the Stage: A Dive into the UK MSP Landscape

The day kicked off with an engaging panel session exploring the current state of the MSP sector in the UK. Panelists from Pax8, Kaseya, GFI Software, BlackFog, Lenovo, and ConnectWise dove deep into the challenges and opportunities in sales, marketing, and service delivery, offering actionable strategies to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Keynote: Unleashing Your Inner Sat Nav

A major highlight was the keynote by Derek Redmond, the renowned Olympic athlete, who shared valuable lessons on resilience and adapting to change. His talk, Unleashing Your Inner Sat Nav, inspired attendees to embrace challenges, adapt in the face of disruption, and stay resilient in today’s unpredictable business climate.

Future-Proofing: Looking Ahead to the Next Five Years

As technology rapidly evolves, staying ahead of trends is critical for success. The second panel session of the day focused on long-term strategies, exploring how MSPs can future-proof their businesses by incorporating AI, navigating regulatory changes, and adapting to market forces. Experts from Stellar Cyber, SonicWall, Good Sign, Atera, and Giacom shared invaluable insights.

Breakout Sessions: Tailored Insights for Every MSP

With a wide array of breakout sessions led by top industry experts, attendees had the opportunity to deep-dive into a variety of critical topics. From leadership and cybersecurity to compliance and the role of AI in IT, the sessions offered something for every attendee, ensuring that MSPs left with actionable strategies tailored to their needs.

Exploring AI's Impact on the Future

In the afternoon keynote, Professor Lisa Wilson captivated the audience with her presentation on the role of AI in shaping the future of the IT sector. She discussed the evolving role of AI, its potential to transform business processes, and how it can enhance productivity while raising critical questions about its societal impact.

The Big Debate: Closing with Industry Insights

The day wrapped up with “The Big Debate”, a lively and interactive panel session featuring industry leaders from Ghost Enterprises, Cobweb, SHARP, and AirIT. Audience members had the chance to ask questions and share their views, providing valuable insights into the evolving role of MSPs in a fast-changing digital world.

Networking and Prizes

Throughout the day, there were ample opportunities for networking, with attendees connecting with peers, vendors, and potential business partners over coffee breaks and the post-event networking drinks reception. The day closed with exciting prize giveaways, including Apple AirPods Pro and hospitality tickets for the England vs. Scotland Six Nations match.

Looking Ahead

The Managed Services Summit London 2024 was an outstanding success, leaving attendees with fresh perspectives, new connections, and clear strategies to drive their businesses forward. As we reflect on the insights and conversations from this year’s summit, it’s clear that the MSP sector is set for continued innovation and growth.

We look forward to seeing you at future events, including the MSS Nordics in Stockholm and the MSS Manchester in November 2024. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage, learn, and grow within the managed services industry.

Until next time!