The inaugural ConnectWise ITNation M&A Summit set the stage for an unparalleled gathering of industry professionals in downtown Tampa. With nearly 100 attendees, including mergers and acquisitions experts, brokers, legal professionals, accountants, consultants, and Managed Service Providers (MSPs), the event was a beacon of knowledge and innovation. Here are the seven crucial takeaways from this landmark summit:
Strategic Exit Planning is Crucial for MSPs: Hosted by Arlin Sorenson , the summit emphasized the importance of MSPs planning their exits, whether through vertical or horizontal strategies. This highlights the need for MSPs to consider their long-term goals and the paths to achieve them.
Execution Over Ideas: Jason Magee, CEO of ConnectWise, delivered a powerful reminder that learning is only the first step; the real success comes from executing those key takeaways. This principle serves as a guidepost for MSPs to move from concept to action.
Community and Ecosystem Support: Gregg Lalle, SVP & GM of IT Nation at ConnectWise, spoke to the heart of the MSP community, underscoring the vital role service providers play in nurturing a supportive ecosystem. This insight reaffirms the value of collaboration and mutual support.
Benchmarking for Success: Peter Kujawa of ConnectWise shared the innovative work being done with Service Leadership, demonstrating the significance of financial benchmarking in steering MSPs towards industry best practices and success.
The Importance of Seamless Integration: Mike Williams from MSPOS highlighted the necessity of effectively integrating MSPs post-acquisition or merger. This takeaway stresses the importance of a smooth transition process for sustained growth and success.
Adopting a Security-First Mindset: Tony Thomas, Vice President of Strategy at ConnectWise, kicked off day two with a powerful message on the need for MSPs to prioritize security. His emphasis on action over talk and the “Go-Giver” philosophy offers a roadmap for MSPs aiming for excellence in today’s competitive landscape.
Learning from Peer Experiences: The summit was a reflection pool of shared experiences, with one MSP realizing their unpreparedness for acquisition, while another highlighted the value of engaging with smarter peers. These insights underscore the summit’s role as a crucial platform for shared learning and strategic planning.
The ConnectWise ITNation M&A Summit not only marked a significant milestone in the MSP industry but also laid down a framework for success in the complex domain of mergers and acquisitions. This event underscored ConnectWise’s commitment to leading the charge in providing MSPs with the insights, tools, and community support necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the evolving IT landscape.
