Agenda

Nicolas Desmarais will cut through the AI noise and share a clear perspective on the forces shaping B2B technology, commerce, and go-to-market strategy.

Following the opening keynote, AppDirect's technology leaders will take the stage to show how that future is being built right now in real code, on a real platform for real customers.

This fireside chat will explore how AppDirect, Tackle.io, and PartnerStack are redefining partner-led growth by unifying marketplaces, ecosystems, and monetization strategies to help technology companies get discovered, accelerate distribution, and drive revenue across the evolving B2B commerce landscape. Speakers: John Jahnke, Bryn Jones, Rita Bereski.

CrowdStrike's CFO Burt Podbere will discuss how technology leaders are navigating AI-driven disruption, balancing innovation with resilience, and building companies that can adapt and grow through rapid industry transformation.

As customer expectations evolve and AI reshapes the way businesses operate, leaders from across the AppDirect ecosystem, including technology advisors, MSPs, energy brokers, and affiliates, will share how they're adapting their business models, expanding customer value, and finding new paths to growth in an increasingly competitive market.

Verizon Business Channel Chief Mark Tina will explore how reimagining the partner experience through AI, security, education, and partner-first programs can simplify technology complexity, strengthen customer relationships, and drive growth in an increasingly connected digital ecosystem.

This forward-looking discussion with AI innovators and adopters will look at how organizations can move beyond experimentation to build human-first, AI-driven businesses that create real operational, customer, and revenue impact.

Microsoft will share a practical framework for how SMBs can navigate their AI Frontier Journey, from building secure, governed data foundations to adopting copilots and autonomous AI agents. The framework is designed to drive meaningful business outcomes at every stage of AI maturity.

Zack Kass will share his expert perspective on AI, helping leaders cut through the hype to understand where the market is headed and how to confidently lead through the next wave of business transformation.

Steven Bartlett will join Laurie Segall to share lessons learned from building and investing in fast-growing companies and deep conversations with global tech leaders. They will explore how modern leaders can navigate chaos, embrace AI-driven change, and build resilient, high-velocity organizations.

In this customer spotlight, Vodafone Business will share how it has spent more than a decade partnering with AppDirect to evolve its global marketplace strategy, scale partner ecosystems, and leverage AI and automation to transform its commerce model and drive new growth opportunities.

This event will celebrate the AppDirect Digital Heroes & Provider Awards winners, individuals and organizations who challenge the status quo, drive innovation, and embody AppDirect's core values, while inspiring others through their commitment to transforming the digital economy.