Are you looking for the best MSP conferences not to miss in 2026?
So are we!
MSP conferences are still one of the best investments for managed services leaders in 2026.
With AI-driven service delivery, tighter margins, and more consolidation happening this year, the right event can give you a new playbook, a valuable vendor partnership, or a peer connection that could change your growth path.
That’s why we put together a list of the conferences neither of us should miss.
Why You Can’t Miss an MSP Conference in 2026
The 2026 calendar shows the industry is at a turning point.
AI has moved from testing to real use.
Now, the main questions are:
- How to price it.
- Put it into daily operations
- And show its value to clients.
M&A talks are everywhere, whether you’re buying, selling, or just figuring out your company’s value.
The biggest value of MSP conferences
More than the sessions themselves, conferences give you the opportunity to meet people who have already scaled their service desk, responded to security incidents, or completed successful acquisitions—and who are willing to share the practical lessons and strategies that helped them get there.
Top MSP Conferences Not to Miss in 2026
Here are the events that are worth your travel budget this year.
| Conference | Date & Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Build IT LIVE | Aug. 3–5 – Jersey City, NJ | AI, leadership, operational scaling, and MSP growth. |
| Managed Services Summit Series | Europe – Multiple Dates | Executive networking, AI services, cybersecurity, and cloud. |
| MSP Show Utrecht | Sept. 22 – Netherlands | ITSM, AI-powered support, and modern service delivery. |
| MSP Summit – Fall Edition | Sept. 28–30 – Orlando, FL | Business growth, networking, and the MSP 501 Gala. |
| MSP GLOBAL | Oct. 21–22 – Barcelona, Spain | AI, cybersecurity, partnerships, and international networking. |
| IT Nation Connect Global | Nov. 4–6 – Orlando, FL | Leadership, AI, cybersecurity, Microsoft 365, and M&A. |
1. Build IT LIVE – August 3–5, Jersey City, NJ
If you can only go to one MSP conference in 2026, choose Build IT LIVE.
IT By Design hosts this event.
They are the operating partner for hundreds of growing MSPs. The focus is on real execution, not vendor pitches.
Topics include scaling delivery teams without losing margin, using AI in daily work, and building strong leadership teams that can handle growth.
It’s also the main event for the Build IT Community, a network of over 5,000 MSP founders and executives.
The AI sessions come from ITBD’s own AI By Design practice.
2. Managed Services Summit Series – Various dates and locations
This is a traveling European series with London (September 9), Stockholm (November 5), and Manchester (November 17).
Directors and senior managers can register for free. The event combines high-level presentations with structured networking.
Topics include cybersecurity, cloud optimization, AI-led services, and client retention.
3. MSP Show & Service Desk Show Utrecht – September 22, Netherlands
MSP Show & Service Desk Show Utrecht is making its Dutch debut at Jaarbeurs and is co-located with the Service Desk & IT Support Show.
There will be over 60 vendors and a free training program on ITSM best practices, AI integration in support workflows, and the tools shaping modern service delivery.
It’s a compact, one-day option for European MSPs.
4. MSP Summit – Fall Edition — September 28–30, Orlando, FL
MSP Summit is a major US event at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort. It attracts over 1,500 professionals and features an expo with more than 120 vendors and special MSP partner programs.
The main highlight is the MSP 501 Gala, which celebrates the year’s top providers.
Peer groups are divided by business size, so discussions stay relevant to your company.
5. MSP GLOBAL – October 21–22, Barcelona, Spain
The CloudFest team is hosting Europe’s only MSP festival at PortAventura theme park, with over 3,000 attendees expected.
The 2026 theme, Serve Your Ecosystem, covers six tracks, including AI integration, cybersecurity, digital sovereignty, and partnership ecosystems.
It’s a truly international networking opportunity.
6. IT Nation Connect Global – November 4–6, Orlando, FL
ConnectWise’s main event wraps up the year at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel with three days focused on leadership, operations, sales, cybersecurity, and M&A.
In 2026, topics include AI-driven changes in MSP workflows, ransomware response and negotiation, Microsoft 365 security monetization, and hiring in the age of AI automation.
In Summary
The top MSP conferences in 2026 cover every important topic.
Build IT LIVE is great for peer learning and practical execution.
MSP Summit is the main event for the US market. In Europe, the Managed Services Summit series and MSP GLOBAL are key, while IT Nation Connect is perfect for planning your year-end strategy.
If you want to grow your business while staying in control, consider attending Build IT LIVE in August or using their global delivery teams and AI By Design services.
Want to explore more news of the MSP industry? Visit our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which MSP conferences in 2026 are best for first-time attendees?
For first-time attendees, MSP Summit is the best way to get to know the US market. Build IT LIVE is the most practical event, with peer-driven content for owners who want to improve operations and grow.
2. What does IT By Design offer MSPs beyond Build IT LIVE?
IT By Design works as an operating partner for MSPs. They set up dedicated global delivery teams, manage 24/7 NOC and SOC operations, offer AI automation with AI By Design, and help with performance management using TeamGPS. Their community includes over 5,000 members.
Are there strong MSP conference options in Europe for 2026?
3. Yes. The Managed Services Summit series, MSP Show Utrecht, and MSP GLOBAL in Barcelona offer European MSPs a full calendar of events, so there’s no need to travel across the Atlantic.
4. Should MSPs send technical staff to conferences, or just owners?
It’s best to send both owners and technical staff. Events like MSP Show Utrecht and IT Nation Connect have special sessions for engineers and service leaders. You’ll get more value when multiple team members return with useful ideas.
