Infosecurity Europe grows channel zone amid demand
Mon, 4th May 2026 (Today)Infosecurity Europe will expand its Channel Zone in 2026, following strong demand from partners and rising reliance on managed security services.
Infosecurity Europe will expand its Channel Zone in 2026, building on its first year which drew more than 3,000 channel-focused visitors and reflected increasing reliance on managed security service providers and partner-led delivery models.
The event, scheduled for 2–4 June 2026 at Excel London, will introduce a revised structure for the Channel Zone, including restricted access for partner-focused attendees and additional dedicated facilities aimed at driving commercial engagement across the cyber security ecosystem.
Market demand
"Our research shows 99% of organisations feel that channel partners (MSPs, VARs, integrators) were important to their organisation's cybersecurity operations. Furthermore, 83% of organisations foresee their use of managed security services increasing over the next two years, signalling sustained growth in demand for MSSPs and channel-led security delivery models," said Bradley Maule-ffinch, event director, Infosecurity Europe.
"This shows how in-house teams are becoming reliant on specialist partners to deliver 24/7 monitoring, incident response expertise and integration across increasingly fragmented toolsets," said Maule-ffinch.
"Rising regulatory pressures, persistent skills shortages and the expanding attack surface increase this reliance on the channel. Strong, stable partnerships are required for scaling reach, delivering services and supporting organisations throughout the lifecycle of their cyber security," said Maule-ffinch.
"The channel is no longer simply a route to market; organisations depend on their security/MSP providers to keep the lights on and ensure their businesses remain secure," added Maule-ffinch.
The findings cited by Infosecurity Europe reflect broader industry shifts where enterprises are placing greater operational responsibility on third-party providers to manage complex cyber environments. Increased adoption of managed services has coincided with growing pressure to maintain regulatory compliance, respond to incidents in real time, and integrate multiple security tools.
These factors have contributed to the development of channel ecosystems that extend beyond traditional resale models, with service delivery, monitoring and response now forming a central component of enterprise cyber strategies.
First year
"The Channel Zone attracted over 3,000 channel-focused visitors in its inaugural year, demonstrating strong demand for a dedicated space of this kind. It provided a platform to recognise and elevate the role of the channel within the cyber security ecosystem," said Maule-ffinch.
"Across the three days, the Zone facilitated a high volume of engagement, from structured discussions on the keynote stage to more informal, commercially focused conversations between partners, vendors and peers. The environment successfully reflected the collaborative nature of the channel, creating opportunities for both new business development and relationship building," said Maule-ffinch.
The 2025 launch of the Channel Zone introduced a defined space within the broader Infosecurity Europe event that focused on the operational and commercial dynamics of the channel. Engagement formats ranged from formal sessions addressing strategic issues such as service delivery and partner alignment, to informal networking between vendors and service providers.
Attendance figures and engagement levels have informed the decision to expand the Zone for 2026, with organisers seeking to formalise its role as a dedicated area for partner-led activity within the event.
New features
"The Channel Zone at Infosecurity Europe 2026 has been revamped and expanded specifically for the partner community. Access to the Zone will be exclusive to resellers, integrators, MSSPs, distributors, channel suppliers and vendors, establishing a dedicated arena for meaningful engagement," said Maule-ffinch.
"The space will feature its own networking bar and seating area, dedicated exhibitor stands and a Channel Zone Keynote Theatre," said Maule-ffinch.
"The Channel Zone Keynote Programme will explore buying trends, emerging threats and technologies, new channel initiatives and practical expertise for navigating a market increasingly shaped by AI and cloud-first strategies," said Maule-ffinch.
"The programme will provide insight into how vendors and partners can align go-to-market models, develop differentiated offerings and build more resilient commercial relationships," said Maule-ffinch.
The introduction of access controls marks a structural change to how the Channel Zone will operate in 2026, shifting it towards a more targeted environment aimed at professionals directly involved in channel operations.
Dedicated facilities, including exhibitor stands and networking areas, are intended to support a higher volume of partner interactions while allowing for more focused discussions around business development and service delivery.
The addition of a dedicated keynote theatre also indicates a broader emphasis on structured content, with sessions expected to address commercial strategy, technology adoption, and operational challenges specific to the channel.
Partner focus
"The Channel Zone also represents a significant opportunity for cybersecurity vendors, MSSPs and service providers looking to expand their partner footprint. With managed services adoption projected to rise sharply over the next two years, the Zone provides a timely platform to launch or scale channel programmes, identify new distribution relationships and position solutions within an expanding services-led market," said Maule-ffinch.
The expansion of the Channel Zone aligns with wider industry trends where service-based delivery models continue to gain traction. Vendors are increasingly working through partner networks to deliver services at scale, while managed service providers are broadening their portfolios to meet evolving customer requirements.
Infosecurity Europe's focus on the channel reflects the role of these partnerships in supporting enterprise cyber security strategies, particularly as organisations navigate increased complexity across cloud environments, regulatory requirements, and threat landscapes.
Registration for the Channel Zone is open, with free access available until 5 May, after which entry will cost GBP £49.