XChange MSP: Q&A with Mike Barron, Synaxon UK and Dr Colin Williams, Computacenter

As XChange MSP draws nearer, CRN sat down with two of the event’s advisory board members, Synaxon’s Mike Barron and Computacenter’s Dr Colin Williams, to get their key takeaways about the event

Founded CRN's XChange MSP 2025 conference is drawing nearer.

Ahead of the event, set to take place on 2 October, at One Moorgate Place, London, we sat down with two members of the advisory board Mike Barron, managing director, Synaxon UK and Dr Colin Williams, business CTO security, Computacenter to get their take on the invaluable experiences and connections gained through past XChange events.

Read on to find out what attendees at the channel's foremost managed services event can expect this year.

CRN: What is the most rewarding part of your role as a member of the XChange advisory board?

Mike Barron: “Aside from forging lasting friendships – is seeing our discussions and feedback sessions being turned into really good initiatives that benefit the delegates. The recent introduction of roundtables where delegates discuss their operational challenges is a great example.”

CRN: Why XChange? How do these events differ, in your opinion, from other channel conferences?

Dr Colin Williams: “XChange is more action orientated for the attendees, with the presentations in the main area always tangible and activity centric followed by the boardrooms that really give participants an opportunity for deeper, more personal engagement.”

CRN: What advice would you give to a first-time attendee to make the most of an XChange conference?

Mike Barron: “Speak to people. Be prepared to have conversations on all aspects of business, not just those that are product or service led. Delegates often want to talk about operational issues or ask for your perspective on a certain aspect of business, or what you think about a particular technology or issue. I think it’s important to be open and to give your genuine views. That helps us all to learn from each other, spread best practice and build trust. “

CRN: As an AB member, you regularly find yourself chairing boardrooms at the conferences. How do these discussions inform the rest of your work?

Dr Colin Williams: “The boardrooms in a succinct manner help to expand my understanding of vendors and concepts in already known technology areas and also emerging unfamiliar areas I have yet to explore.”

CRN: What has been your best memory from XChange so far?

Mike Barron: “The chats with fellow Advisory Board members over a beer in the evening are a highlight, but my best memory has to be the sunset on the beach in the Netherlands.” (Xchange EMEA).

To find out more about XChange MSP or register to attend, click here.