Big ideas. Breakthrough innovations. And uplifting inspiration.

These are the things you want in a business conference. But let’s be frank, not all deliver. Let me make the case as to why I believe the upcoming Channel Partners Evolution Conference & Expo in Philadelphia will — and why you should add it to your fall calendar.

Slated for Oct. 9-12 at the Philadelphia Convention Center, the event is expected to be one of the largest events for channel companies in 2018. In all, 3,000+ attendees are expected to be on hand, representing VARs, MSPs, telecom agents, distributors, digital service providers (DSPs) and more. (Registration opens very soon.)

Given that we will be in the cradle of The American Revolution, we thought it fitting to pull out all stops and provide you with the kind of experience that you need to take your business to the next level. Our theme?: Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Profit.

Recognizing the channel is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history, we want to provide you three key things: unrivaled peer-to-peer sharing, hands-on engagement with the IT technology vendors and telecommunications providers that matter most to you, and access to some of the best minds from business, academia and the public sector. Oh, and for the very best and brightest among you, there will be plenty of peer recognition in the form of new industry awards being launched in Philadelphia. (More on those below.)

Unlike other events, we promise a 360° view of the market, meaning you’ll hear from the companies that develop innovation; fellow practitioners like yourself that sell, integrate and manage tech innovations; and end customers who buy them.

To that end, we have invited several top executives from some of the biggest names in technology to share their views on where the market is heading. We have secured commitments from top industry developers, who will be on hand to showcase the latest in RMM and PSA technology, AI, blockchain and more. And we have arranged for peer sharing and workshopping in one of the most historic venues possible. But just don’t take my work for it. Here is just a sampling of what you can expect:

For more information, please be sure to check out the Channel Partners Evolution agenda, which went live on Monday, May 14. We will update it regularly.

As for the big ideas, breakthrough innovations and uplifting inspiration, let me wrap by saying that we’re working with one of the leading universities in the area to provide exposure to some of this best in business thinking. We’re also doubling down on the technologies that you are interested most — everything from blockchain, as I mentioned, to UCaaS, SD-WAN, IoT and more. And if you want inspiration, we have plenty.

This year, for example, we will honor members of the forthcoming MSP 501. In addition to recognizing MSP 501 companies on hand, we plan on unveiling several award winners sure to provide inspiration.

This includes CEO of the Year, Company of the Year and the MSP 501 Lifetime Achievement Award. If you or someone at your company is deserving of one of these awards, then note there is still time to apply here. But hurry, the deadline is fast approaching.

My colleague, Lorna Garey, explains how Channel Partners Evolution aims to help you pull together an omnichannel set of products and services to delight your customers. Here’s hoping to see you in Philadelphia!