TL;DR – Key Takeaways
- AI is everywhere, but great MSPs are still winning by staying customer-focused and human
- Tool sprawl is holding MSPs back, making consolidation and better adoption a top priority
- The MSP industry is evolving fast, and those who embrace change and community will grow the strongest
Last week, our team rolled into IT Nation Connect 2025 in Orlando, and there were thrills all around. AI-packed sessions… A live Goo Goo Dolls performance… And an after-hours Universal Studios takeover? Those were pretty great.
But the best part was the conversations. We connected with MSPs of all sizes, dove into dialogue about real challenges, and talked about where the industry is headed next year.
For anyone running, scaling, or supporting an MSP in 2026 and beyond, we had our team tell us their key takeaways.
1. The Customer Still Comes First in the AI Era
“At the end of the day, it’s all about delivering great service to real people. Customer centricity isn’t optional. It’s the reason we’re all here.”
— Vikram Khanna, CEO
AI may have been the biggest buzzword at the show, but underneath all the innovation, MSPs are still in the people business. Every action should improve the client experience.
AI helps your team work smarter, but you should never let it replace the human touch that builds loyalty and trust.
2. The MSP Community Is Still The Best Part of This Industry
“Being in a room with tons of MSPs reminded me how much knowledge is out there. It’s not just about tools and vendors. It’s about the people who show up and share ideas, and help each other move forward.”
— Eric Dieckmann, Business Consultant
Talking shop at our booth, we were reminded how collaborative this space really is. Everyone’s using a slightly different stack and facing different challenges, but there’s a common drive to improve and grow.
This spirit of community is one of the MSP industry’s biggest assets. The conversations we had were a clear sign that progress is so much faster when we learn from each other.
3. Tool Sprawl Is Draining Productivity and Driving Up Costs
“I think I heard that the average MSP has about 75 tools in their toolstack. Most of them aren’t being used well, so there is a lot of work to be done to consolidate. It’s not about more tools, but using what you already have, better.”
— Ella Roland, MSP Success Advisor
We heard this more than once during keynotes and conversations. MSPs are overwhelmed by too many tools that don’t integrate or support each other well. The result is inefficiency, alert fatigue, and wasted time.
Now is the perfect time to evaluate your stack. Focus on improving adoption, streamlining processes, and getting more out of what you’re already paying for.
4. AI Continues to Be a Huge Topic
“AI came up in just about every session I attended, and it’s not just hype. There were real examples of MSPs using AI for lead generation, and key takeaways about AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) that I’m going to start implementing right away.”
— Tori Simmons, Marketing Manager
AI was everywhere at IT Nation this year. The most exciting conversations weren’t about what AI might do someday. They were about how it’s already helping MSPs work faster, market to their niche, and reduce manual workload.
Whether you’re building content, routing tickets, or automating documentation, AI is becoming a practical tool that supports your techs, making certain tasks easier so you and your team can focus on the bigger stuff.
5. Asio Is Showing Progress, But There’s Still a Road Ahead
“I’m getting more optimistic about Asio. It’s encouraging to see how far it’s come, but there are still some gaps to fill before it becomes the platform MSPs are hoping for.”
— Greg White, MSP Success Advisor
“Asio has real potential. But the value won’t be fully realized unless it delivers seamless integration and real usability. That’s what will make it stick.”
— Hector Moises, MSP Technical Solutions Engineer
ConnectWise’s Asio platform drew plenty of attention again this year. The updates showed real progress, and there were signs the platform is maturing. That said, many MSPs are still waiting to see it meet the roadmap expectations that have been set.
Their promises are big, but so is the need for this tool.
6. The MSP Industry Is Changing, and That’s Great!
“New platforms, evolving service models, and client expectations… MSPs have to level up. That’s a good thing, especially when you have strong partners to help.”
— Chase Murphy, Sr. Consultant
“It’s my first time at Connect, and my key takeaways are that I’m amazed by how fast things are evolving, and I’m excited to see where it’s going.”
— Rose Oberti, MSP Advocate
The MSP model is changing. Fast. Clients expect more value, and tools are evolving to keep up.
The MSPs who lean into that change will grow faster and build stronger businesses. Those who stay stuck in their ways are risking falling behind. But, no one has to do it alone and the right guidance makes allllll the difference.
We Can Scale Smarter Together
Whether you came to IT Nation Connect for the insights, the connections, or the Goo Goo Dolls, one thing was obvious. MSPs are ready to move forward. The future isn’t just about more tools. It’s about better tools, better service, and better partnerships.
We hope you enjoyed these key takeaways from the event, and if you’re ready to level up your MSP in 2026, we’re here for it.
👉 Schedule a Discovery Call to take the first step.
