The Pax8 Beyond 2025 event wasn’t just another tech show. It was a transformative moment for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) looking to stay relevant, resilient, and revenue-focused in a rapidly shifting landscape.
Here are 10 takeaways every MSP should know:
1. MSP to MIP Is the Real Shift
Pax8 introduced the evolution from MSP (Managed Services) to MIP (Managed Intelligence Providers) with 5 core shifts:
- Systems ➔ Intelligence
- Support ➔ Strategy
- Tools ➔ Agents
- Templates ➔ Customization
- Monitoring ➔ Optimization
Smart MSPs are already becoming MIPs. Are you?
2. This Year’s Numbers Were Huge
- 2,440+ Beyond partner registrations
- 3,400+ total attendees
- 42 breakouts, 13 vendor boardrooms, 8 keynotes
- 43 Pax8-led education sessions
This wasn’t just the biggest Pax8 Beyond yet—it was the most focused on community, education, and innovation.
3. The Podcast That Captured the Pulse
During the event, I recorded 24 powerful podcast interviews with MSP and cybersecurity leaders. From golf metaphors to AI strategy, these conversations go way beyond tech. Here’s the full lineup:
- Kathleen Lord – Lessons from the Saddle: Grit, Growth, and Tech Insight
- Aaron Peterik – Coaching, Cybersecurity & Real-Life Comebacks
- Shlomi Gian – Smarter Email Security for MSPs
- Kim Simmonds – Creativity Meets Contracts
- Colin Britton – From Formula One to Intune
- Marco La Vecchia – Data, Purpose & the MSP Playbook
- Rex Frank – Mustang Builds to AI Shifts
- Lorna Burman – Riding Malibu & Running MSP Ops
- Tom Harshbarger – Metallica, Misconfigs & Mindset
- Louis Bagdonas – Meatballs, Mindset & MSP Projects
- Darrin Swan – Vinyl, Espresso & Cyber Trust
- Pinar Ormeci – Pickleball, Possums & Proactive Security
- Tanya Alfonso – From Kitchen to Cybersecurity
- Damo Vasudevan – Barbells & AI for MSPs
- Charlie Tomeo – Fishing & MSP Automation
- Ryan Ettridge – Black Belts & CyberCert
- Joe Saunders – Cigars, Security & Self-Reflection
- Rob Rae – Peer Power & Platform Innovation
- Drew Schlussel – Partner-First Storage
- Chance Weaver – AI Adoption Without Burnout
- Christopher Marquez – Chili, Coaching & Cyber Threats
- Chris Day – From IT Glue to AI Glue
- Gene Kim – Surfboards, Security & Staying Operational
- Ken Tripp – Microsoft, Copilot & Compliance
4. MSPs Are Struggling With the Same Pain Points
Across conversations and sessions, common themes emerged:
- Security complexity
- Human capital constraints
- AI adoption anxiety
- Compliance overload
- Vendor overload and burnout
5. AI Was Everywhere
From automation to augmentation, AI wasn’t just a buzzword—it was a survival strategy. MSPs must:
- Understand what AI can automate
- Educate clients on value, not fear
- Integrate AI into processes, not just products
6. Your Customers Want Outcomes, Not Tools
MSPs who stand out in 2025 will move beyond QBRs and tickets. They’ll:
- Tie services to business outcomes
- Use tools like Lifecycle Manager X to drive client conversations
- Prioritize proactive guidance over reactive support
7. Partnerships, Not Just Vendors
Vendors like Netwrix, Absolute, IronScales, and others pushed one key message:
“Don’t just resell us. Partner with us.”
8. Metrics-Driven Mindsets Win
Whether it was surfing stats, fitness apps, or ticket close times, one thing was clear: High-performing MSPs track what matters.
9. Stories Stick. Real Ones.
Guests opened up about weight loss, burnout, coaching, family routines, and side hobbies. Why? Because people trust people, not sales decks. Use story to build connection.
10. This Is Your Moment to Shift
MSPs that resist change will survive. MSPs that drive change will lead.
Pax8 Beyond was a call to action. It was a mirror. It was a map.
The full podcast series drops this July at JoeyPinz.com. If you’re building, scaling, or rebuilding an MSP, start here.
#MSP #Pax8Beyond2025 #JoeyPinzPodcast #Cybersecurity #MSPCommunity #AIForMSPs #Leadership #PartnerGrowth
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