Managed Print Services Conference: End-Users Welcome

When it comes to managed services events, most conferences involve VARs and MSPs (managed service providers) sharing best practices with one another. But the Managed Print Services Conference is making a rather interesting move, building two conference tracks — one for end-users and one for channel partners. Here’s a look at the strategy.

First, a little background. I’m not booked to attend the Managed Print Services Conference (April 26-28, San Antonio, Texas) but I’ve been watching its development from afar. Promoting the MPS conference can be a bit tricky during a recession — especially when well-known events like MSPWorld (from the MSPAlliance, April 30-May 1, Orlando, Fla.) and SMB Nation (May 1-3, near New York City) are right around the corner.

But the Managed Print Services Conference is breaking with tradition in the IT channel by inviting end-users (CIOs, IT managers, facilities managers and purchasing departments) to join the conversation. I know the folks at Everything Channel often invite CIOs to speak at their channel conferences. But I think the Managed Print Services Conference is going a step further by building out a content track especially for end users.

Will the strategy work? Will end users show up? Time will tell. But I do know this: MSP software companies are striving to communicate the value of managed services to end-customers. It looks like the Managed Print Services Conference has heard the message loud and clear.

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