GTIA: A New Name, a Renewed Commitment to the Global IT Channel, Podcast

Telecom Reseller / Technology Reseller News

“We’ve got a new name, but it’s the same mission—serving the channel with even more focus and energy than before.” — MJ Shoer, Chief Community Officer, Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) In January, a major shift quietly reshaped one of the most familiar names in the IT channel. The CompTIA Community officially became the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA)—marking the start of a new era for the 42-year-old organization. In a recent Technology Reseller News podcast, MJ Shoer, Chief Community Officer of GTIA, sat down with us to explain the rebrand, what it means for members, and why now is a pivotal moment for global IT channel professionals. A New Name—and New Clarity The change stems from the sale of the CompTIA name and its training/certification business, which now operates as a separate for-profit entity under CompTIA Inc. What remains is the long-standing nonprofit trade association—now rebranded as GTIA—still dedicated to serving MSPs, solution providers, vendors, and distributors. “We had to change the name because we sold the brand. But what that allowed us to do was focus entirely on our membership. No distractions—just service to the channel,” said Shoer. GTIA is backed by a perpetual endowment created from the sale, ensuring stable funding for operations and long-term growth. According to Shoer, this structure enables GTIA to expand its global reach and deepen its core programming. What Members Can Expect GTIA members can expect everything they’ve come to rely on—plus more. That includes: Flagship benefits like industry research, member education, advisory councils, and cybersecurity programs Expanded charitable giving to help underserved and remote communities access tech careers and services Greater global engagement, with regional events, localized content, and new programming across GTIA’s six global regions: North America, UK & Ireland, Benelux, DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), ASEAN, and Australia/New Zealand GTIA has already held record-attendance events since the rebrand and plans to extend its global offerings even further in 2025. “We’ve hosted global town halls, opened a suggestion box, and invited feedback. We’re listening—and we’re building what the channel needs,” said Shoer. ChannelCon and Global Events GTIA’s premier event, ChannelCon, will return July 29–31, 2025, in Nashville, with a fresh format and dual keynotes—one on AI, the other on radical candor and culture. Shoer notes the program will deliver “actionable insights members can use the moment they return to their business.” Other major events include: ChannelCon EMEA in London this October DACH Community Meeting in Munich (May) UK & Ireland Community Forum + Spotlight Awards (June, black tie!) ANZ Forum + Spotlight Awards in Sydney (September) “We’ve created a global calendar of engagement—from in-person events to online meetups. There are opportunities every month to connect and contribute.” Cybersecurity and Trust GTIA also continues to lead in cybersecurity with initiatives like: GTIA ISAO (Information Sharing and Analysis Organization) for real-time threat intelligence Cybersecurity Trustmark to help MSPs validate and enhance their security readiness Both programs aim to help members stay ahead of regulations and threats in a rapidly evolving landscape. Open to All GTIA isn’t just for paying members. Anyone can sign up as a subscriber to access public resources, join events, and explore what the organization offers. If your company is already a member, you’ll automatically gain access. If not, you’ll still get a front-row seat to everything GTIA is doing. “You don’t have to commit on day one. Dip your toe in. Come to an event. Check out the content. We’re confident you’ll see the value.” Learn More To explore membership, resources, and the full calendar of global events, visit gtia.org. For ChannelCon details,