Ferrum Connects With the MSP Community at ASCII Edge 2026 in Oak Brook

Ferrum Technology Services attended the two-day ASCII Edge 2026 conference in Oak Brook, Illinois, on September 23 and 24. As an ASCII member for 11 years, we value the opportunity to connect with fellow managed service providers, technology vendors, and industry leaders who are working through many of the same challenges and opportunities shaping the IT industry.

ASCII Edge is designed to bring the MSP community together for practical education, peer discussions, and conversations with technology partners. This year’s Greater Chicago event gave attendees a chance to compare what is working, discuss what is changing, and explore how managed IT providers can continue delivering meaningful value to the organizations they support.

A new chapter for the ASCII community

The event began with a members-only meeting where attendees openly discussed industry trends, business challenges, and recent successes. It was a useful reminder of the value of peer communities. Managed service providers often face similar questions around cybersecurity, staffing, client expectations, business growth, and emerging technology. Sharing real-world experience helps everyone make more informed decisions.

A major announcement also set the tone for the event. The ASCII Group has become a GTIA community following GTIA’s acquisition of ASCII. The change preserves the ASCII brand, regional events, peer connection, and vendor relationships while adding access to GTIA’s broader research, education, cybersecurity resources, and global IT channel community.

For Ferrum and other long-standing ASCII members, it is an exciting development that strengthens a community already built on practical support and collaboration.

Artificial intelligence remained front and center

Artificial intelligence was one of the most common themes throughout the two days. The conversation has clearly shifted beyond simply asking whether businesses should use AI. The more important questions are how to use it responsibly, where it can create measurable value, and what safeguards are needed to protect sensitive information.

For managed IT providers, AI can support stronger operations, faster workflows, and improved service delivery. For client organizations, the opportunity is to use AI to help employees work more effectively without treating it as a replacement for people or sound business judgment.

One of the closing keynotes focused on this balance. Emily Tell discussed how AI can help businesses and their clients grow when it is used to optimize the workforce, strengthen capabilities, and improve competitiveness. The takeaway aligned with Ferrum’s approach to AI guidance: start with a real business problem, use approved tools and data, establish appropriate governance, and measure the outcome.

Finding opportunity beneath the surface

The first day also featured keynote speaker James Gadomski, who shared stories from his work diving deep underwater to locate lost shipwrecks and aircraft. His presentation encouraged attendees to look for hidden opportunities within their own businesses.

That message resonated with the managed IT community. Often, the most valuable opportunities are not always obvious. They may be found in recurring support issues, underused technology, gaps in security processes, or a client need that has not yet been fully addressed.

For Ferrum, this mindset reflects the role of a Managed Intelligence Provider. Technology planning should go beyond maintaining systems. It should help organizations understand what their technology can do better, where risk can be reduced, and where thoughtful improvements can support future growth.

New solutions and stronger vendor relationships

The second day included a vendor fair where attendees met with leading technology vendors and explored solutions that can help MSPs serve clients more effectively. These conversations are an important part of the event because the technology landscape changes quickly. Staying informed helps managed IT providers evaluate tools carefully and recommend solutions that fit each client’s operational, security, and business needs.

Ferrum ASCII 2026 Photo1

The event concluded with vendor awards, presentations, and giveaways. Ferrum appreciates Augmentt and Livewire Cloud for the prizes awarded during the event.

Looking ahead

ASCII Edge 2026 reinforced the importance of staying connected to the wider IT channel. Cybersecurity, AI, business continuity, and operational efficiency continue to evolve, and the best way to keep pace is through ongoing learning, peer connection, and strategic technology partnerships.

Ferrum is proud to have been part of the ASCII community for 11 years. We look forward to the opportunities ahead as ASCII continues as a GTIA community and as the managed IT industry continues to evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ASCII Edge?

ASCII Edge is a two-day conference series for managed service providers, IT leaders, technology vendors, and channel partners. Events include educational sessions, peer discussions, keynotes, networking, and vendor conversations.

What does the GTIA acquisition of ASCII mean for members?

ASCII now operates as a community within GTIA. Its brand, events, peer culture, and member experience remain in place, while members gain access to expanded GTIA resources, research, education, cybersecurity support, and a broader global IT channel community.

Why is AI important to managed IT services?

AI can help organizations improve workflows, automate certain tasks, and make better use of information. However, it should be introduced with clear goals, approved tools, data protection safeguards, and appropriate oversight.

Why does Ferrum attend industry events like ASCII Edge?

Events like ASCII Edge help Ferrum stay informed about new technologies, cybersecurity trends, and business challenges affecting the managed IT industry. Those insights help us continue providing practical, forward-looking guidance to the organizations we support.

Sources