ConnectWise has unveiled an exciting addition to its IT Nation community — M&A Nation. This immersive two-day program is specifically crafted to equip partners with the essential knowledge and skills required to navigate the intricate landscape of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). M&A Nation will take place March 4-6, 2024, at ConnectWise headquarters in Tampa, Florida.

Building on the success of the recently revived Automation Nation event, which received an overwhelmingly positive response from partners and community members seeking to unlock the potential of hyperautomation, ConnectWise continues to empower and support its network of TSPs.

Tailored for companies seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the M&A process, whether they are looking to acquire or exit within a short-term window or embark on a two- to five-year journey, M&A Nation promises to deliver a comprehensive experience. Led by industry experts with extensive experience in the M&A process, the event will cover a wide range of topics, including financial, legal, operational and emotional preparedness.

"We recognize the challenges that small and medium-sized IT businesses face when considering M&A opportunities," said Arlin Sorensen, vice president of ecosystem evangelism and strategic partnerships, ConnectWise. "With M&A Nation, we are thrilled to bring together a diverse community of professionals who are eager to learn and thrive in the M&A space. Our primary objective is to demystify the process and equip attendees with the necessary tools and insights to make well-informed decisions. M&A Nation will serve as a unique platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, empowering MSPs to strategically propel their businesses forward."

"IT Nation is an empowering community that offers every MSP a platform to learn and connect," said Gregg Lalle, senior vice president and general manager of IT Nation, ConnectWise. "This year, we are thrilled to expand our global presence with an increased number of events across EMEA and APAC. By hosting events like M&A Nation, we aim to further enhance the value we bring to our partners' businesses, supporting their long-term growth and success."

The agenda features a welcome happy hour on March 4 offering valuable networking opportunities, followed by a full day of engaging sessions on March 5. The program culminates on March 6 with a half-day session. Sessions will cover essential topics such as preparing for a sale, insights into a company's value and financials, mastering financial modeling and deal structure, how to effectively manage the due diligence process and much more.

Participants can expect to gain valuable insights into deal flow, from start to finish, and learn best practices for financial, legal, operational and emotional preparedness. M&A Nation offers an unparalleled opportunity for MSPs to network with industry peers and engage directly with experts in the field.

Abe Garver, managing director and MSP team leader, brings a wealth of experience to the table as one of the event's esteemed experts. With a track record of successfully coaching and guiding numerous businesses through M&A events, Garver is excited to contribute his decades of knowledge to a community committed to various forms of growth.

"I take pride in having coached dozens of businesses to achieve successful M&A events," Garver said. "It is my pleasure to share my extensive expertise with a community that is dedicated to fostering growth in all its dimensions."

Limited seats are available for M&A Nation, and interested participants are encouraged to register immediately to secure their spot. For more information and registration details, please click here.

In other news, ConnectWise has announced its CEO, Jason Magee, has been named a 2024 Channel Influencer Award winner by Channel Futures.

Magee has been honored as one of the esteemed 50 individuals acknowledged by the editors of Channel Futures for his influential contributions to shaping the trajectory of the IT channel in 2024. His achievements are showcased in a gallery on the Channel Futures website, as well as in a dedicated digital issue that can be easily downloaded from their platform.

As a 2024 Channel Futures Channel Influencer, Magee will be honored at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo, March 11-14 at the Venetian Resort & Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Since 2018, the Channel Futures Channel Influencer Awards have recognized the industry's 50 top-performing executives in the technology and communications channel. Channel Futures Channel Influencers are a cross section of industry leaders that occupy the highest level of their organizations. These senior leaders represent the future of the channel. They are recognized as the year's highest achievers in areas of strategic thinking and innovation in indirect sales channels. In addition to all 50 executives honored, in recent years, Channel Futures has recognized two influencers from the list — one from the connectivity channel and another from the IT channel — who are considered the year's most influential executives.

The 2024 Channel Influencers join an illustrious group that has left an indelible mark on the entire technology channel, impacting the way today's most innovative IT and connectivity solutions are brought to market, sold, delivered to customers and supported. These executives selected by Channel Futures have distinguished themselves through their unwavering support of the partner community forging deep and trusted relationships across the ecosystem. In selecting this year's influencers, Channel Futures' editors considered the organization's partner growth, channel innovation and the individual's commitment to the indirect sales channel along with the standing each person had among their peers. It was a painstaking process that took place throughout the year and included the perspectives of hundreds of channel executives and industry experts.

"Throughout the year, Channel Futures carefully tracks the impact channel leaders are having on their company's overall channel strategy and growth," said Robert DeMarzo, vice president of content, Informa Tech Channels Group. "Our editorial team also spends time examining the level of innovation these executives bring to the channel when it comes to their programs and go-to-market strategies. With most technology sales coming from the channel today, this recognition is of great importance in the industry. Channel Futures is the only publication recognizing the entire channel — influencers from across the channel ecosystem."

"From security to managed services, networking to unified communications, Channel Futures editors have the industry covered," said Craig Galbraith, editorial director, Channel Futures. "By closely monitoring the entire channel ecosystem, they are excited to reveal 50 of the most influential people working in the channel today."