From The Editor | May 16, 2011

Three, Two, One: Countdown To Autotask Community Live

Source: Autotask Corporation

By Gennifer Biggs, security, storage, and managed services editor

Each spring, I look forward to the Autotask Community Live event. Maybe it's because, three years ago, it was my first event as a new editor, and I was greeted with gracious hospitality. Maybe it's because it is early in the travel season. Or, maybe it's because the event, while more than 700 MSPs strong, still feels cozy and comfortable, like hanging out with old friends.

Before this year's event kicks off next week, I managed to wheedle some details from Jay McBain, SVP of strategy and market development at Autotask, so here are a couple teasers:

  • What's new? With a revitalized focus on community, Autotask has some neat tricks up its sleeve when it comes to connecting attendees at its third annual partner conference. McBain says the vendor is using today's social technology to help attendees connect with each other, vendors, and the Autotask team. "We have some surprises to encourage connections and collaboration," says McBain. Then, as usual, event highlights will be shared via social media such as live Twitter feeds (the hashtag for Community Live is #CommLive if you want to follow along). You will also be able to follow my live coverage at BSMinfo.com.
  • Because Autotask runs one of the first events of the year, McBain says the vendor wants Community Live to set the tone for the year. That tone: Openness with a dash of "doing what's best for the channel." That approach will be reflected in some speaker choices that might surprise long-time Autotask partners.
  • Also, with several changes within the leadership ranks of Autotask — the vendor has added a new CEO, a new VP of sales, and McBain in the last six months or so — attendees should expect many opportunities to talk with the new management team, and to hear that team's vision for the remainder of 2011. That said, Autotask founder Bob Godgart has plenty planned for the event, including a keynote that promises to dazzle.

Still curious? I'll have another sneak peek later this week!