2:00pm - 5:30pm

Welcome to Impact 2026

WatchGuard CMO Michelle Welch kicks off IMPACT with a view of what to expect for the week and how to get the most out of the experience.

What’s New, What’s Next: Innovation in the Age of AI

The AI era is reshaping cybersecurity and creating the biggest channel opportunity in years. In this keynote, WatchGuard CEO Joe Smolarski will lay out the threat, the opportunity, and the playbook for partners to thrive. From AI-powered attacks and growing SMB demand to WatchGuard’s next-generation platform innovation, Rai AI workforce, and new cloud security capabilities, this session will show how MSPs and resellers can scale services, protect customers, increase profitability, and make a greater impact in 2026 and beyond.

The Future of Security, Built for Partner Growth

WatchGuard’s new Chief Product Officer, Vince Hwang, brings a fresh product vision to IMPACT 2026, one focused on faster innovation, smarter security, and new ways for partners to grow. In this keynote, Vince will spotlight the latest announcements and product enhancements across network security management, AI-powered capabilities, Shadow AI detection, and enhanced MDR. Attendees will get a first look at what’s new, what’s next, and how WatchGuard’s product strategy is evolving to help MSPs simplify operations, improve visibility, strengthen protection, and turn innovation into real business momentum.

Security at the Speed of AI

AI has changed the rules of cybersecurity, and attackers are moving fast. In this provocative keynote, WatchGuard CSO Corey Nachreiner explores the rise of agentic AI, frontier models, and the real-world threat landscape now taking shape. Drawing from WatchGuard’s own internal AI security applications and research, Corey will challenge partners to think differently about what AI makes possible for both defenders and adversaries, and what it will take to stay ahead when security moves at machine speed.

IMPACT Starts Now

WatchGuard CRO HoJin closes day one with new opportunities for you to turn action into IMPACT.

6:30pm - 9:00pm

Welcome Reception & Demo Expo

Kick off IMPACT with an interactive reception built for MSP superheroes. Connect with fellow partners, meet the WatchGuard engineers behind the security, and get hands-on with the latest demos, tools, and innovations designed to help you protect customers, simplify operations, and grow your business. This is your chance to go beyond the presentations, ask real questions, see the technology in action, and discover what’s possible when the people building security team up with the partners delivering it.

7:00am

Networking Breakfast

Start the day by connecting with peers and WatchGuardians over breakfast.

8:00am

Tech Bootcamp

Your Bootcamp certification course will kick off with a quick introduction, then straight into hands-on content. 

12:30pm

Lunch

Enjoy lunch while exploring the Demo Expo, meeting WatchGuard experts, and seeing the latest solutions in action.

1:30pm

Tech Bootcamp

Bootcamp Courses continued 

Keynotes & Awards

4:30pm

The IMPACT Awards

Celebrate the partners making the biggest IMPACT in 2026, recognizing standout growth, innovation, and customer success across the WatchGuard community.

6:30pm

IMPACT Live: A Night in Nashville

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, entertainment, great food, and even better company in the heart of downtown Nashville. We'll make our way to Nashville Live, where a signature IMPACT welcome cocktail and live music set the tone for a night built around connection, celebration, and community. Explore interactive Southern-inspired food, take part uniquely Nashville-style activities, live entertainment, dancing, and plenty of opportunities to relax, reconnect, and celebrate with peers from across the MSP community.

7:30am

Breakfast

Start the day by connecting with peers and WatchGuardians over breakfast.

8:00am

Tech Bootcamp 

Your Bootcamp certification course goes into the final day

12:00pm

Lunch & Last Chance Expo

Grab lunch, connect in one-on-ones, and make your final stop at the Last Chance Expo and Deal Desk.