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Full Agenda

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Connect and Refresh
8:30 - 9 a.m.
Join our 30-minute session, led by Leona Kral of JSG, before you start your day to learn simple practices that help you connect with your breath, nature, and body. Develop your leadership skills through mindfulness exercises and self-care, remembering that self-care is the first step to effective leadership.

Breakfast
9 - 9:20 a.m.
Fuel up for the day! Enjoy breakfast, coffee, and networking with your fellow attendees before the program starts. 

View all sessions below. Click the name of the session to view the session description.

9:20 - 9:30 a.m.

Speakers: Kelly Danziger, Vice President, Channel, Informa, Debbie Kane, Principal Channel Consultant, Omdia Channel/Canalys, and Annie McKnight, Senior Director, Head of Sales, Events, Informa.

Join us as we explore the essence of tech leadership, a revolutionary vision where the worlds of technology and development unite to sculpt a digital landscape that not only empowers but elevates every woman in the channel. This isn’t just about carving out opportunities; it’s about building a world where every woman’s voice is heard, every idea is respected, and every contribution has the potential to create a significant impact.

Our inaugural session, spearheaded by Kelly Danziger of Informa, Debbie Kane of Omdia Channel/Canalys, and Annie McKnight of Informa, is set to be a source of inspiration. We’re laying the groundwork for a deep and meaningful discussion on how technology and leadership can be harnessed to empower women, driving career development and paving the way for future female leaders in every field.

This journey is more than an exploration, it's a call to action for leaders in the tech space to come together and weave a tapestry of progress that reflects the true diversity of our industry.

9:30 - 9:40 a.m.

Speaker: Kathleen Martin, Senior VP of Community at JS Group

Presented by  Kathleen Martin of JS Group. 

Upskilling, career cushioning - whatever you call it, the time to invest in your career and leadership development is now and it has never been more important. The ALN Tech Leadership Certification is the path to increasing your knowledge, career, and leadership skills to promote inside your organization or to develop the path to your next role, even if that role is entrepreneurship.

9:40 - 10 a.m.

Speaker: Janet Schijns, CEO of JS Group

This session is designed to equip attendees with the tools, knowledge and confidence to architect their own paths to success. With an innovative approach that intertwines practical career planning with groundbreaking strategies to shatter invisible barriers, this session promises to be a transformative experience.

We will explore insightful case studies based on Janet Schijns’ journey to and through the C-suite and the boardroom to reveal the secrets to crafting a career road map that not only transcends traditional limitations but also aligns with your unique ambitions and values. Whether you're aiming for a leadership position, contemplating a career pivot or seeking to amplify your impact within your current role, this session will offer a fresh perspective on how to navigate the complex landscape of professional advancement with agility and authority. 

Beyond strategies and tools, this session is a clarion call to those who dare to dream big and are ready to step into their power. It's for the visionaries who believe in a future where the glass ceiling doesn't just have cracks, it ceases to exist. As we chart this new territory together, you'll not only gain a road map but also join a community of women who are collectively pushing the boundaries of what's achievable in their careers. Ready to turn your professional dreams into reality? "Beyond Glass Ceilings: Your Career Plan Road Map" is your pivotal first step.

10 - 10:30 a.m.

Speaker: Dr. Georgette Fraser-Moore, CEO & Owner, Transformation Lead LLC

Join Dr. Georgette Fraser-Moore for an engaging and insightful keynote on mastering the art of adaptability in today's fast-paced tech world. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, our ability to adapt is more crucial than ever. Dr. Fraser-Moore will share her expertise on embracing change, navigating challenges, and turning obstacles into opportunities. Learn how to see change not as a threat, but as a pathway to growth and innovation. Discover practical strategies for tackling the hurdles that come with a tech-driven environment, and gain the tools to stay flexible and responsive. Dr. Fraser-Moore will discuss how to harness adaptability to not only survive but thrive by using resilience and innovative thinking to transform setbacks into stepping stones. She will describe how to identify common barriers in the tech industry and learn creative problem-solving techniques to overcome them. Be inspired by real-world examples told through captivating stories that illustrate the power of adaptability in achieving long-term success in the digital age. This keynote will provide strategies to help you and your organization thrive. Whether you're a tech professional, leader, or enthusiast, you'll walk away empowered and ready to embrace the future with confidence.

10:30 - 10:50 a.m.

Speaker: Heather Tenuto, Growth-Focused Senior Executive

Mastering the nuances of financial management is not just an advantage — it's a necessity. This 20-minute session will equip you with the critical financial enablement tools needed to thrive in today's competitive ecosystem market.

This session has been created for channel professionals looking to deepen their financial acumen, from understanding the complexities of channel finance P&Ls  to implementing best practices for budget management and profitability optimization. Whether you're a seasoned manager seeking to refine your financial strategies or a newcomer aiming to establish a solid financial foundation, this workshop will provide valuable insights on understanding your channel's finances and aligning them with your organization's goals. 

Led by channel veteran turned CEO Heather Tenuto, this session will cover a spectrum of key topics, including financial planning and analysis, margin management, incentive program design and risk assessment. Through a blend of presentations, real-world case studies and interactive discussions, you'll understand how to leverage financial principles to foster growth, enhance partner relationships and achieve your business objectives. 

10:50 - 11:20 a.m.

Moderator: Kelly Danziger General Manager, VP Channel, Informa | Panelists: Tina Gravel, Vice President Global Strategic Alliances at Majesco, Jackie Steinberg, Channel Chief at DartPoints, and Michelle Accardi, CEO of Liongard

At the heart of professional empowerment lies not just career advancement, but also the mastery of personal financial planning. "Financial Futures: How to Build Your Personal Financial Plan" is an essential session at the Women’s Channel Summit, designed for forward-thinking professionals seeking to secure their financial independence and build a robust financial foundation for their future.

This high-power panel will navigate the intricate landscape of personal finance, guiding you through the process of beginning your personalized financial plan that resonates with your life goals and career aspirations. Whether you’re aiming to achieve financial security, prepare for retirement or invest in your next big venture, this session is your stepping stone to becoming the architect of your financial destiny.

Led by financially savvy leaders who understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the channel industry, including  Kelly Danziger of Informa, Tina Gravel of Majesco, Jackie Steinberg of DartPoints, and Michelle Accardi of Liongard, this 30-minute panel session will cover a wide range of topics including budgeting best practices, investment strategies, retirement planning and risk management. You’ll learn how to evaluate your financial health, set realistic and achievable goals, and implement strategies that can adapt to life’s ever-changing circumstances.

11:20 - 11:50 a.m.

Moderator: Janet Schijns, CEO of JS Group | Speaker: Sayoung Jung, Head of Strategy & COO at Zift

Staying ahead means not just keeping pace with current trends but anticipating the next big breakthroughs. "Tech Futures: Harnessing Emerging Technology for Growth" is a fireside chat designed to explore technological innovation and its vast potential for driving growth. This conversation will look deep into the heart of what's next in tech and offer a view of the opportunities these technologies present.

Join industry experts at the forefront of their fields, Sayoung Jung of Zift and Janet Schijns of JS Group, for an insightful conversation on the critical role that emerging technologies play in driving growth and innovation in leadership. In this session, they will explore why it is essential for women leaders to stay informed about the latest tech trends and tools and how these technologies can empower them to lead more effectively across different organizations.

This discussion will challenge traditional perspectives, emphasizing the importance of understanding and leveraging technology—without needing to be a tech expert—to make strategic decisions that propel careers and businesses forward. Sayoung will share her experiences in navigating tech stacks across various companies and offer practical advice on how leaders can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Expect to walk away with actionable insights on how to integrate new tech solutions into your leadership toolkit and enhance your ability to make informed decisions that drive success.

11:50 - 12:20 p.m.

Moderator: Khali Henderson, Senior Partner, BuzzTheory | Panelist: Kathryn Rose, CEO, channelWise, Brook Lee, Director of Channel at Scalepad, and Hannah Pencek, Senior Manager of Inside Sales at Vonage

Building on the insights gained from exploring emerging technologies in the previous session, "Tech Futures: Investing in Tech Skills for Your Career Plan" is a pivotal session that focuses on translating this knowledge into actionable strategies for your personal career advancement. This workshop is designed to help you navigate the technology-driven future by identifying and developing the critical skills and experiences required in tomorrow’s tech ecosystem.

In this session moderated by Khali Henderson of BuzzTheory and featuring Kathryn Rose of channelWise, Brook Lee of Scalepad, and Hannah Pencek of Vonage, our panel will delve into the practical aspects of applying these emerging technology insights into your own career path. Understand the importance of AI literacy, the fundamentals of quantum computing, the nuances of edge computing, the expansive potential of cloud technologies, and the imperatives of cybersecurity. More importantly, learn how to assess your current skill set, identify gaps, and strategically invest in the tech skills that will position you as a leader in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Whether you’re aiming to pivot your career toward a tech-focused role, enhance your current position with advanced tech skills or lead your organization’s innovation efforts, this session offers the blueprint for success.

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

"Building Your Network, Advancing Your Career" isn’t just a networking event, it’s a collaborative discussion (with a meal) that harnesses the collective wisdom of participants to unlock new pathways for career advancement.

The session kicks off with a brief yet insightful overview from a speaker on the art and science of networking. Learn the strategies that top professionals use to cultivate meaningful relationships, expand their influence and open doors to opportunities that align with their career ambitions. Then, as you enjoy lunch, engage in guided discussions at your table to brainstorm and map out how to strategically build and leverage your network to support your career plan.

Each table will work as a team to identify actionable steps each participant can take to expand their professional network in ways that are both authentic and strategic. Discuss the challenges and solutions to networking in today's digital age, share experiences and draw from diverse perspectives to create a personalized networking strategy that resonates with your career goals.

1:30 - 1:40 p.m.

After lunch, JS Group will lead a structured discussion where participants will have a chance to answer and consider questions from the organizers about their takeaways from the sessions so far. 

1:40 - 2:10 p.m.

Moderator: Mel Kolinski, Ostra Cybersecurity | Panelists: Mayka Rosales-Peterson of ACW, Ashley Cole of Fusion Connect, Akilah Murrell of 360insights, and Amy Bailey of Unusually Unusual Consulting

"Personal Branding and Marketing: Growing as a Leader" is a crucial session designed for ambitious professionals who want to carve out a distinct identity in the crowded marketplace and ascend the leadership ladder with confidence and integrity. Mel Kolinski, Director of Channel Development at Ostra Cybersecurity, will moderate the session, which will feature panelists Mayka Rosales-Peterson, President of the Alliance of Channel Women, Ashley Cole, Senior Channel Manager at Fusion Connect, Akilah Murrell, Senior Manager of Channel Marketing at 360insights, and Amy Bailey, Founder of Unusually Unusual Consulting.

This dynamic session delves into the art and science of personal branding and marketing, providing you with the tools and strategies needed to build a powerful, transparent brand that captures your unique value proposition and elevates your profile within your industry and beyond. Whether you’re looking to position yourself for a new leadership role, enhance your visibility or influence your field, this workshop offers a road map to achieving your objectives with clarity and impact.

Led by experts in brand development and marketing, attendees will explore a range of topics, including:

  • Defining Your Brand: Uncover the essence of your professional identity and learn how to articulate your unique strengths, values and aspirations.
  • Strategic Visibility: Master the tactics for increasing your visibility and influence through social media, networking and public speaking, ensuring your brand reaches your target audience.
  • Leadership Marketing: Discover how to market yourself for the position you want, aligning your personal brand with your actions and communications to build trust and credibility.
  • Leadership Through Branding: Learn how a strong personal brand can enhance your leadership capabilities, drive engagement and inspire others.

Participants will leave this session equipped with practical, actionable insights on crafting and promoting their personal brand, ready to accelerate their growth as influential leaders in their fields.

2:10 - 2:25

Grab a coffee, stretch your legs, and chat with your fellow workshop participants before the next session.

2:25 - 3 p.m.

Moderator: MeiLee Langley, Vice President, Global Indirect Marketing at Nextiva | Panelists: Pam Diaz, CEO & Founder of Entara, and Holly Hunt, VP Channel Sales at Cipher

Are you ready to take your career to the next level and prepare for leadership roles, even board or advisory board positions? Join our session, "10 Things to Do to Elevate Your Career," designed for professionals at all stages eager to grow both within their current roles and externally.

Moderated by MeiLee Langley of Nextiva and featuring Pam Diaz of Entara and Holly Hunt of Cipher.

We will explore key strategies for setting clear goals, seeking new opportunities, and finding mentors to guide you. Learn the importance of discussing your aspirations with managers, expanding your professional network, and tracking your progress. Discover how to master your craft, pursue leadership development, and enhance your communication skills. Understand the significance of furthering your education to open new career opportunities and increase your earning potential. 

If you aspire to a board position one day, we provide advice on networking with current board members, identifying suitable companies, building a compelling profile, gaining relevant experience, and developing essential skills. By the end of this session, you will have a clear roadmap for elevating your career, extending your professional brand, and preparing yourself for leadership roles. Empower yourself to achieve your professional aspirations with these actionable strategies.

3 - 4 p.m.

Speakers: Dr. Ashlyn Szilva, Vice President of ecosystems, influence, and research, JS Group

Led by Dr. Ashlyn Szilva, this workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to take action on the insights and knowledge gathered during the day-long education sessions. Whether you're eyeing a promotion, considering a career pivot or aiming to break into a new industry, this workshop provides the road map and tools essential for actionable planning and execution.

In this interactive session, you'll work closely with the network of peers at your table to dive into the strategies that make career plans work. This workshop emphasizes personalized action plans, ensuring that every participant leaves with a clear, tailored strategy that aligns with their unique aspirations and professional landscape.

What to Expect:

  • Goal Setting: Set achievable, meaningful career goals that reflect your values and aspirations.

  • Skills Assessment: Identify your strengths and areas for development, and discuss how you will acquire the skills needed for your next career move.

  • Networking Strategies: Commit to the networking techniques that can open doors to new opportunities and bolster your career plan.

  • Action Planning: Create actionable career plan decisions that will enable you to complete a full career plan post session with milestones, KPIs and a timeline to keep you on track.

  • Feedback and Refinement: Engage in peer reviews and receive expert feedback on your career plan, allowing for refinement and strengthening of your strategy.

"Putting Your Career Plan in Play" is more than just a workshop. It's a transformative experience designed to equip you with the clarity, tools and motivation needed to actively pursue your career goals.

4 - 4:15 p.m.

Speaker: Sayoung Jung of Zift, Janet Schijns of JS Group, and Kelly Danziger of Informa

Join us for a final, impactful 15-minute session: "Putting It All Together: Leading When We Leave the Room." In these crucial minutes, we’ll summarize our time together, emphasizing how to apply the knowledge, connections and inspiration we've garnered to not just navigate but lead in our respective fields. You'll leave equipped with a clear vision of how to implement the breakthroughs and best practices discussed, ensuring that the momentum gained here continues to propel you forward. Presented by Sayoung Jung of Zift, Janet Schijns of JS Group, and Kelly Danziger of Informa.

Expect a powerful charge to action, urging each of us to become catalysts for change, embody the leadership qualities we’ve admired and discussed, and make a tangible impact in our careers and communities. "Leading When We Leave the Room" is a commitment to ourselves and each other to be the leaders we’ve always aspired to be, starting the moment we step outside to the MSP Summit.

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Unwind and debrief with your fellow workshop participants at the end of the day, and celebrate your accomplishment in finishing the Elevating Women in Channels Workshop! This is the perfect time to solidify those connections you made throughout the day, and exchange contact info with the new members of your support network. 

Are You Ready to Take The Next Step In Your Channel Career?

Elevating Women in Channels: A Channel Partners Workshop is limited to 150 participants. Register today to guarantee your spot!

Access to the workshop is included with the Summit Pass, can be purchased as an add-on to an Expo + Keynote Pass, or can be purchased separately.

The cost to attend for non-Summit Pass holders is $299, whether it is purchased as a stand-alone package or as an add-on.

Visit our passes and pricing page at the link below to view all passes and inclusions.