The commercial integration and managed services sectors are overlapping now more than ever before. As technology advisors and integrators increasingly adopt recurring revenue models, they face a familiar set of operational and technical challenges: scaling helpdesk operations, managing vendor portfolios, implementing robust cybersecurity protocols and mastering service-based pricing.
Introduction to ASCII Edge 2026
ASCII Edge 2026 offers technology professionals and MSPs the opportunity to tackle these challenges head-on in a peer-led setting. Organized by The ASCII Group, the multi-city event series is explicitly designed to facilitate the exchange of best practices, technical insights and business strategy — all grounded in real-world experience.
For decades, The ASCII Group has served an independent community of technology providers. While our roots are deeply tied to IT and managed services, our community includes a diverse mix of professionals managing hybrid practices that combine integration, ongoing support and sophisticated service delivery.
ASCII Edge provides the blueprint for navigating the ongoing shift from project-based work to high-value, recurring service relationships.
Across the North American tour this year, ASCII Edge is bringing together thousands of technology professionals. Each two-day event features actionable technical sessions, business-focused presentations and peer-to-peer networking for operational improvement and long-term client success.
Core Focus Areas
The topics covered across the ASCII Edge circuit reflect the immediate priorities of today’s IT channel and integration landscapes:
- AI Implementation & Readiness: Moving past the hype to explore how modern service providers can practically leverage artificial intelligence to automate internal workflows and build new client-facing service lines.
- Advanced Cybersecurity Frameworks: Case studies and strategic approaches to protecting hybrid environments, securing client networks and defending against sophisticated digital threats.
- Operational Efficiency and Automation: Practical methods for optimizing staff allocation, implementing automation tools and streamlining helpdesk management to maximize profitability.
- Sales Strategy and Client Management: Insights into structuring profitable agreements, mastering complex sales cycles and setting sustainable expectations with clients.
Featured Sessions and Keynotes
Our curated agenda brings a practical lens to the challenges faced by business owners. These include:
- “AI’s Impact on Today’s MSPs” Keynote: Presented by Carolyn April, VP of research and market intelligence at GTIA. Backed by exclusive ASCII and industry research, this session cuts through the noise to deliver a data-driven look at how AI is actively reshaping business models, operational efficiency and competitive dynamics in the channel. The focus on real-world impact is already hitting home, with one attendee noting that “the conversations around AI were provocative and very helpful.”
- Securing the Modern Workplace: Industry experts dive into actionable frameworks for deploying secure AI environments, with a particular focus on safeguarding sensitive data within cloud ecosystems.
- Visibility and Operational Excellence: Focused workshops outlining how providers can utilize advanced tracking and metrics to eliminate operational blind spots, improve SLA performance and drive workplace accountability.
Every presentation at ASCII Edge is built around real-world application and curated with direct input from a committee of working professionals to ensure alignment with current market trends.
Upcoming Locations for ASCII Edge 2026
The remaining events in the 2026 ASCII Edge series include:
- Washington, D.C. Metro Area: July 22 and 23
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada: August 26 and 27
- Chicago: September 23 and 24
- San Antonio, Texas: October 21 and 22
Who Should Attend
Technology consultants, MSPs and integrators who oversee recurring service contracts, offer IT support or are actively expanding into hybrid service models will find immense value at ASCII Edge.
For more information, full agenda details and to secure your complimentary spot using code CI, visit Events.ASCII.com.
Jessica Turner is senior digital engagement manager at The ASCII Group.
