The 2024 CompTIA EMEA event was held on 21st and 22nd October at the Park Plaza in London. We sent Lenka and Richard along to find out what’s new.
As always, this was a great opportunity to network, hear from inspiring speakers and to find out what CompTIA has planned for its members and partners in 2025 – and beyond!
*UPDATE* Since we attended this event, CompTIA have been acquired by Thoma Bravo and HIG. These private equity firms have plans to split the organisation. So, from 2025, there will be a for-profit business and a separate non-profit trade association.
This means that the community can thrive, as there will be dedicated teams to focus on each element specifically, including the training and certification side. You can read more about the plans and what it means for the members in their official press release, and in this article from Channel E2E.
Deborah Meaden: Key Strategies for Sustainable Growth and Resilience
Investor, business expert and ‘Dragon’, Deborah Meaden offered advice for MSP’s operating in today’s challenging business environment. The four tips she shared provide a roadmap to balance profit with purpose and allow you to stay ahead.
First, she advises a focus on values and purpose. It’s essential to align your business practices with your core values, especially when it comes to the environment. Second, effective cash flow management is vital. Meticulous planning and regular reviews will make a big difference.
Third, Meaden encourages MSPs to embrace innovation mindfully. Choose tools to enhance your services but don’t compromise on quality. And finally, business success stems from a strong, value-aligned team. Leaders need to foster a workplace that attracts talent who are invested in the company’s mission.
Thomas Reinbacher: Mental Health, Depression and Managing Wellbeing in a High-Stress Industry
Thomas Reinbacher: Mental Health, Depression and Managing Wellbeing in a High-Stress IndustryThomas Reinbacher’s CompTIA EMEA presentation was a reminder to MSPs to prioritise mental health. And that’s for themselves as much as their employees.
Because it’s not only essential for longevity in the industry but also a step towards a healthier, more resilient workplace. He shared four key tips:
1. The Importance of Recognising Stress
Know your personal limits. It’s critical for MSPs to identify and manage stress to avoid burnout.
2. Self-Care and Boundaries
Thomas openly shared about his own experiences. He recommends establishing boundaries to protect mental health. And acknowledging that being constantly available can lead to exhaustion.
3.Recognising Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
MSPs need to stay vigilant about symptoms of problems in themselves and their teams.Warning signs of depression include:
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Lack of concentration
4. Supportive Leadership
Leaders should engage genuinely with their teams and ask open-ended questions for more honest answers. In MSP environments, where rapid change and high client expectations are the norm, compassionate leadership is crucial for employee well-being.
If you’re looking for more mental health resources, please check out our curated list of handy links.
Todd Thibodeaux: Actionable Insights for MSPs
Todd Thibodeaux: Actionable Insights for MSPsPresident and CEO of CompTIA, Todd Thibodeaux gave an inspiring keynote to highlight the organisation’s latest initiatives.
His vision is to support MSP growth in a rapidly evolving tech landscape through upskilling and community. There were five core messages in the keynote:
1. Expand Career Pathways
CompTIA has a goal to offer more certifications and close the skills gap. So whether you’re new to tech or a seasoned pro, you can upskill.
2. Career Exploration
CompTIA now have a Career Explorer tool. It provides a deep dive into IT roles. And for MSPs, it’s a handy recruitment tool to find candidates beyond the usual talent pool.
3. Modular “Expansions”
This is about adding “expansions” to existing certifications. For example, someone with a Security+ can add an AI-specific module.
4. Commitment to Vendor-Neutral Training
CompTIA remains committed to vendor-neutral certifications.
5. Industry Influence and Community Support
CompTIA has global reach and a unique approach to reinvesting revenues into free events and community support.
I also sat down with Todd for an in-depth, wide-ranging chat which included discussions of several of the topics included in his keynote. Listen in now.
Were you at the CompTIA EMEA event? What were your highlights? We’d love to know, so please share in the comments!
Videos from CompTIA EMEA London
We’ve also compiled a list of the dozen or so videos we recorded live, at CompTIA!
Check them out in on YouTube in the playlist below.
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Richard Tubb is one of the best-known experts within the global IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) community. He launched and sold his own MSP business before creating a leading MSP media and consultancy practice. Richard helps IT business owner’s take back control by freeing up their time and building a business that can run without them. He’s the author of the book “The IT Business Owner’s Survival Guide” and writer of the award-winning blog www.tubblog.co.uk
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