IT Nation Connect 2024 brought together an incredible mix of managed service providers (MSPs), tech leaders, and industry experts in Orlando last week. With over 7,000 attendees, the event was a dynamic hub of ideas, growth, and inspiration. I’ve attended every IT Nation Connect since 2007, and this year’s conference stood out in many ways. Here are nine highlights that made IT Nation Connect 2024 an unforgettable experience.
1. The Road Ahead with Manny Rivelo
New CEO Manny Rivelo took the stage to lay out a promising roadmap for ConnectWise and its ASIO platform. Manny’s vision for ASIO is ambitious and promises to continue transforming the industry for the better. His energy and clear direction were exactly what the community needed to hear, setting the tone for an exciting future.
2. A Thoughtful Handoff by Jason Magee
Outgoing CEO Jason Magee made sure the handoff to Manny Rivelo was done with grace and gratitude. Jason took time to thank the community, key leaders, and everyone who helped him along the way. His speech was both heartfelt and inspiring—a true leader passing the torch.
3. Gregg Lalle: Leading the Charge
Gregg Lalle, the leader of IT Nation, did a phenomenal job as the emcee of the event. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his focus on “Wise Together, Rise Together” helped everyone in attendance feel like they were part of something greater. Gregg made IT Nation Connect 2024 a welcoming and unforgettable experience for all.
4. Podcaster’s Row: A New Addition
This year marked the first-ever “Podcaster’s Row” at IT Nation Connect, a vibrant new feature that added a dynamic layer to the event. Nine podcasters, including the Joey Pinz Discipline Conversation podcast, set up on Podcaster’s Row, recording live conversations with attendees, vendors, and IT Nation staff. The lineup of podcasters brought diverse perspectives and showcased the power of storytelling within the MSP community. It was an exciting new avenue for capturing the pulse of the event, offering real-time reflections, insights, and interviews.
Podcaster’s Row was headed by the Joey Pinz Discipline Conversation podcast, and its success was clear from the enthusiasm of both participants and listeners. The presence of these podcasters legitimized the importance of this medium at industry events and demonstrated that podcasts have become a crucial part of the IT Nation experience. Given the proven impact, it’s evident that Podcaster’s Row should become a staple at all future IT Nation gatherings.
5. Tony Hawk’s Inspiring Journey
Tony Hawk, the legendary skateboarder, was a keynote speaker this year, sharing his story of perseverance and his journey in bringing skateboarding to the mainstream. His message about overcoming challenges resonated deeply with the crowd, reminding us all that pushing boundaries and taking risks are key to growth—whether on a skateboard or in the tech industry.
6. Universal Studios Takeover
On Day 2, ConnectWise treated attendees to an unforgettable night at Universal Studios. Attractions, food, music—everything was on point. It was a fantastic opportunity to unwind, network, and enjoy the incredible park experience with industry peers. Few events can pull off something this grand, but IT Nation Connect nailed it.
7. Stone Temple Pilots Rocked the Night
Day 3 closed with a bang as the Stone Temple Pilots took the stage for a high-energy concert. The iconic band’s performance was electric, and my voice is still hoarse from singing along. It was the perfect way to wrap up an exhilarating week—music, camaraderie, and shared excitement for the road ahead.
8. The Community Feel
Since attending my first IT Nation Connect in 2007, the feeling of community has only grown stronger. This year, that community spirit was in full force. From the sessions to casual conversations in the halls, it was clear that the MSP ecosystem is thriving because of the shared values of collaboration and collective progress.
9. A Look at the Future with ASIO
The ASIO platform was a big talking point, with many sessions dedicated to its potential to revolutionize the industry. Manny Rivelo’s roadmap laid the foundation, but the workshops and breakout discussions explored just how impactful ASIO could be for MSPs moving forward. It’s an exciting step for the entire community, and there was a palpable sense of optimism about what’s coming next.
IT Nation Connect 2024 was a spectacular blend of inspiration, insight, and entertainment. From visionary leadership changes to memorable nights with friends and colleagues, this event truly embodied the spirit of “Wise Together, Rise Together.” If you were there, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did—and if you missed it, I highly recommend making it to the next one!
Related Blogs:
5 Key Takeaways for MSPs from IT Nation Grow
New ConnectWise Marketplace: The MSP Gateway to Innovation and Growth
How Hyperautomation Can Transform Your MSP: Key Takeaways from Os Hoque
