MDs of Softcat, Bytes, CCS Media, Block and Logicalis among speakers for CRN's first DeskFlix event

The first virtual event of CRN's DeskFlix series will take place on 27 May

A host of channel bosses are lined up for CRN's inaugural DeskFlix to discuss how the dramatic shift to remote working is set to shape the industry for years to come.

CRN's first virtual DeskFlix event will run on 27 May and see managing directors from the likes of Block Solutions, Bytes, CCS Media, Logicalis and Softcat open up on how they have kept themselves and their customers operational in unprecedented times. You can register for the event here.

The speed at which the channel helped its customers adapt is no better encapsulated than by Block Solutions' work in rolling out the IT infrastructure at NHS Nightingale London in a matter of days.

Block boss Marc Chang (pictured, bottom left) will speak as part of a panel discussing the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on virtually every industry. He'll be joined by Bytes managing director Neil Murphy (pictured centre) and Logicalis MD Alex Louth (pictured, top left).

Murphy recently told CRN how Bytes rolled out an incredible 1.25 million licences to the NHS over the course of a weekend, while Louth talked us through how Logicalis has managing its own restructuring during such turbulent times.

The full agenda for the event can be seen here.

Culture Club

At a time of skills shortage, retaining top talent is key. Our culture panel will feature leaders from businesses renowned for cultivating great working atmospheres.

Softcat managing director Colin Brown (pictured, bottom right) will discuss how the reseller has recreated its famed culture in a remote environment, while CCS Media MD James Hardy (pictured, top right) will explain how an existing remote working set-up meant the firm was able to make the transition seamlessly.

We'll also be looking at the situation from the perspective of those on the frontline, with our end-user panel featuring CIOs that were tasked with reorganising their business' IT virtual overnight.

Vendor View

While partners are all hands on deck keeping their customers afloat, it has been the role of vendors and distributors to make sure their channels are fully equipped.

Senior execs from some of the biggest vendors and disties in the channel - including Google Chrome Enterprise, Arrow, Barracuda, Mimecast and Kaseya - will open up on how the have adapted to keep serving partners effectively.

This will include sessions from Google Chrome Enterprise EMEA channel boss Sylvaine Smith and Computacenter CTO Paul Bray will discuss how cloud-based remote working tools have been the saviour for both partners and customers over recent months.

Meanwhile Kaseya director Rachael Chipman will offer a view from the managed services perspective, and will talk through how MSPs can prepare for post-COVID life.

Register for the event here