This site is part of the Informa Connect Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 3099067.

The MSP Summit
Sept 28-30, 2026
Loews Royal PacificOrlando, FL
Subscribe
Menu
Subscribe
2026 MSP 501 Applications Open: Showcase Your Excellence in Managed Services
By Dave RaffoShareshare

It’s that time again, MSPs. The application process for the highly anticipated 2026 MSP 501 is officially open, so gather your financial data from last year and get ready to apply.

Managed service providers (MSPs) from around the globe are invited to apply for this prestigious recognition, which has been celebrating the top-performing and most innovative companies in the managed services industry since 2007. The application deadline is Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST but there’s no need to wait.

Why Apply for the MSP 501?

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your business and gain industry recognition. The 2026 MSP 501 application is your gateway to showcasing your success, innovation, and potential. Fill out the nomination form to take the first step toward joining the ranks of the most influential MSPs in the world.

The MSP 501 is more than just a list—it’s a platform for recognition, growth, and opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned industry leader or an emerging MSP with big ambitions, this is your chance to gain visibility and credibility in the channel. You’ll also have a chance to apply for MSP 501 Special Awards, such as MSP of the Year, MSP Executive of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement.

“Earning a place on the MSP 501 reflects our commitment to operational excellence and reliability in healthcare IT, where trust, resiliency, and performance matter most,” said CloudWave CEO Erik Littlejohn, a first-time MSP 501 winner in 2025.

Xperteks Marcial Velez, whose MSP is a frequent 501 winner, said making the list helps establish trust with customers and prospects, benchmark his company against peers, and attract the best employees.

“Nothing says that you're a trusted advisor more than being among the best of the best on the MSP 501,” Velez said. “Because it's a credibility that you cannot self-claim. You have to be on the 501 list to claim that.”

Jay Morris, Channel Chief of multiple MSP 501-winner KeyStone Solutions, added: “At KeyStone Solutions, we take great pride in being recognized by the MSP 501. To us, that recognition sits right alongside our annual SOC 2 Type II accreditation as a critical marker of our credibility and commitment to excellence. We are particularly proud of the fair, unbiased, and transparent way the MSP 501 approaches its rankings. It’s clearly not a pay‑for‑play award, which is exactly why it carries so much weight within the MSP community.”

What You’ll Need to Apply for MSP 501

We judge nominations based on metrics refined every year by a panel of industry experts. We look at data such as total revenue, recurring revenue, growth, 2026 forecasts and other stats. We do not require MSPs to disclose profit or EBITDA, but will give bonus points for companies that share that information. Another crucial factor we use to judge is how much the MSP invests back in the business to accelerate growth.

Here is what MSPs need to apply: 2024 and 2025 financials including revenue, managed services, recurring revenue, and company demographics such as headcount and ownership. In addition, the form asks for 2026 forecasts as well as cybersecurity, cloud, and AI.

We do not share or disclose any company specific data.

What the 2025 MSP 501 Looked Like

Here is a snapshot of the companies that made the 2025 501 list:

  • Average revenue of $27.5M
  • Managed services accounted for 51% of revenue, followed by recurring cloud services (14%) and professional services (13%)
  • 79% of MSPs offered artificial intelligence solutions, though they represented only 3.2% of overall revenue
  • Security services remained the top focus area, with 99% of MSPs offering managed security and 73% expecting it to be their biggest revenue gainer in 2025

Benefits of the MSP 501

Besides bragging rights for attracting customers and employees, making the MSP 501 has other benefits. The include:

  • Free marketing materials to let your customers know your business is ranked among the best in the world.
  • Editorial coverage on the MSP Summit web site and in weekly MSP 501 newsletters.
  • Thought leadership and speaking opportunities at MSP Summit events.
  • Free VIP access to all Channel Partners Conference and MSP Summit events.
  • An invite the MSP 501 Awards Gala at the MSP Summit, Sept. 28-30, in Orlando, FL.

Other MSP 501 Awards

Even if your company doesn’t meet the traditional revenue thresholds for the MSP 501, your application could lead to recognition in one of our additional categories:

  • MSPs to Watch: Highlighting up-and-coming MSPs with strong growth potential, high recurring revenue percentages, and a focus on managed services.
  • Next Generation: Celebrating trailblazing MSPs excelling in areas like managed services, professional services, recurring cloud services, and innovative technologies.

Upon completing your MSP 501 application, you’ll be redirected to apply for additional awards, including MSP of the Year, Executive of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Vanguard of the Year, Digital Innovator of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year.

Best of luck to all applicants—we look forward to reviewing your submissions. And may the best 501 MSPs win.