CompTIA’s flagship event, ChannelCon, concluded its 2025 edition in Nashville today, bringing together a cross-section of the global IT channel community for three days of expert-led sessions, emerging technology showcases, and strategic networking. Hosted under the banner of the newly branded Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA), the event drew hundreds of attendees ranging from managed service providers (MSPs) and solution vendors to tech startups and policy influencers, all converging at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
The central focus of this year’s gathering was the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence in business operations and service delivery. Keynote addresses delivered by leading voices in AI and enterprise tech highlighted the transformational impact of these tools, especially in managed services, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Among the most anticipated speakers was Noelle Russell, an AI industry veteran and founder of the AI Leadership Institute, who urged organizations to move beyond the hype and prioritize responsible AI practices in real-world deployment.
Her talk, titled Scaling Responsible AI: From Enthusiasm to Execution, emphasized that the successful integration of AI must be guided by ethics, accountability, and practical strategy. Russell discussed case studies and frameworks companies could use to ensure compliance, avoid algorithmic bias, and train staff to work alongside AI systems effectively. She noted that “AI done right is not just a productivity multiplier—it’s a trust multiplier.”
GTIA CEO Dan Wensley offered a broader perspective on the association’s mission during his keynote, reiterating GTIA’s commitment to vendor-neutral collaboration, channel development, and community education. He described the association’s role as a “hub for innovation and integrity in tech” and praised the record attendance at ChannelCon 2025 as a sign of the industry’s appetite for transformation.
Breakout sessions across the event spanned several core themes. In the MSP track, panelists explored how service providers can bundle AI-enabled tools with traditional offerings to improve client outcomes. Cybersecurity workshops delved into AI’s dual role as a defense mechanism and potential threat vector. Attendees also participated in community forums aimed at nurturing diversity, talent pipelines, and ecosystem partnerships in the IT industry.
One of the event’s standout characteristics was its emphasis on the human dimension of technology. With the overarching theme, The Future Is Human, ChannelCon sought to reframe the conversation around automation and AI. Rather than viewing machines as replacements, speakers and panelists argued that the real opportunity lies in augmentation—where AI enhances human judgment, creativity, and speed. Several sessions spotlighted real-world examples of hybrid teams leveraging AI for customer support, data analysis, and network management.
GTIA leadership was intentional in fostering a welcoming, non-commercial environment where attendees could freely exchange ideas. Chief Community Officer MJ Shoer emphasized that ChannelCon remains a rare space in the tech conference circuit: free from heavy sales pitches and focused instead on professional growth, technical insight, and peer learning. The event’s vendor-neutrality was particularly important in an era when many conferences are heavily brand-driven.
This year’s ChannelCon also marked the largest in-person gathering since the CompTIA Community transitioned to GTIA earlier in 2025. The rebrand signaled a renewed focus on global collaboration, educational initiatives, and the need to address the full technology lifecycle—from infrastructure to policy. Participants from over a dozen countries were in attendance, underscoring the international scope and influence of the organization.
For many attendees, ChannelCon arrived at a pivotal moment. With generative AI, edge computing, and secure cloud infrastructures now key priorities for businesses, companies are racing to equip themselves with the right tools, strategies, and partnerships. Feedback from participants indicated that the conference struck a balance between visionary discourse and actionable takeaways. Many praised the workshops and networking opportunities for providing direct paths to implementation.
As enterprise adoption of AI accelerates, events like ChannelCon are becoming critical knowledge hubs where industry professionals can both shape and respond to emerging trends. GTIA’s plan to build on this year’s momentum includes expanded regional gatherings, deeper integration with training programs, and new research publications aimed at guiding ethical and effective tech innovation.
The 2025 edition of ChannelCon confirmed its place not just as a professional conference, but as a strategic inflection point for the IT channel—positioning AI and human collaboration at the center of the industry’s next chapter.
