The 2025 Channel Partners Conference & Expo at The Venetian in Las Vegas brought together thousands of technology vendors, consultants, and managed service providers (MSPs) to discuss the future of business technology. From AI to network infrastructure, the conference made one thing clear: technology continues to shape how small and mid-sized businesses operate every day.
Salt Peak attended the event to meet with vendors, scout practical solutions, and gather insights for clients looking to modernize without unnecessary complexity.
As a technology consultant and trusted advisor, Salt Peak helps business leaders cut through the noise and choose technology that actually works. From selecting the right vendors to making sure the tools fit your business, Salt Peak serves as a trusted guide. If you are considering new technology or want to make sure your current systems are pulling their weight, let’s talk.
The Shift: Practical Solutions Over Hype
The conversation on the show floor was refreshingly practical. Rather than overhyping trends, vendors focused on what small businesses can actually use today:
- AI was front and center, but it wasn’t about futuristic promises. Vendors highlighted use-cases showing how AI is already improving customer service, automating repetitive tasks, and making businesses more responsive.
- Networking, security, and cloud solutions were presented not as “nice-to-haves” but as essential foundations for running stable, connected operations.
- We’re not surviving change, we’re confidently taking advantage of it.
Vendors That Caught Salt Peak’s Attention
Meg focused on vendors who brought straightforward, actionable tools for small and mid-sized businesses.
Peplink highlighted SIM-based wireless solutions, perfect for temporary offices, construction sites, or remote teams. Their approach to mobile connectivity offers reliability where wired internet isn’t practical.
ngenious showed off a powerful platform for managing connected infrastructure, such as cameras, sensors, and network devices, all from a single dashboard. This could be a great fit for businesses looking to improve security or facility management or centrally manage an IoT solution. There’s also an interesting use-case here in education, like managing electric bus fleets and enhancing school safety.
Sinch made a strong case for using text messaging to engage customers and follow up on leads. Their tools integrate with common CRM and marketing systems, making adoption simple.
Data2Go Wireless presented flexible wireless internet options, especially useful for backup internet, pop-up locations, or keeping remote teams connected. Their focus on speed-to-deployment and reliable connectivity stood out.
888VoIP, a hands-on distributor offering business phones, networking gear, and collaboration tools, impressed with their personal approach, especially for businesses that need help selecting the right equipment without getting lost in technical jargon. Based out of Buffalo, New York, we’re excited to introduce 888Voip as a New York business with in-state distribution to serve our fellow business leaders. We’re impressed with the company leadership and look forward to a growing partnership with fellow Bills fans.
Vonage, a familiar name but with a fresh focus on AI-powered customer communication, showed how AI can handle common customer service tasks, freeing up staff for higher-value work. As a Vonage Verified Partner, Salt Peak is already positioned to help businesses integrate these tools.
AI Now More Practical Than Ever
This year, AI wasn’t discussed as something “coming soon.” Vendors demonstrated real tools already being used by businesses to:
For example, PolyAI showed how voice assistants are helping businesses manage seasonal call volumes more smoothly, while Yellow.ai shared examples of chatbots handling customer questions 24/7.
Security and governance continue to be priorities for businesses as AI policies are adopted. As an immediate solution to data security, AppDirect introduced devs.ai, a MFA-protected Azure data storage solution leveraging all of the LLMs for private business-use of generative AI.
Key Takeaways for Small Businesses
Meg returned from the conference with a clear message: business technology is becoming more helpful, less complicated, and more adaptable to how small businesses actually work. Some of the most important lessons:
- Automation is now within reach even for smaller teams.
- Wireless internet and mobile connectivity are practical alternatives to traditional infrastructure.
- Simple, scalable tools are replacing complex, enterprise-only platforms.
- AI isn’t about replacing jobs, it is about freeing up people to do more meaningful work.
The 2025 Channel Partners Conference made it clear that the right tools are already available to help small businesses operate more smoothly, serve customers better, and prepare for the future without needing an IT department to make it happen.
At Salt Peak, we help business leaders make confident technology decisions. Choosing the right vendors and tools can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We work alongside you to evaluate options, simplify the process, and match your business with solutions that make a real difference. If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of selecting technology, Salt Peak is here to guide you. Contact us today to get started.
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