Jared Casner, co-founder of Blacksmith InfoSec (Blacksmith), shared his experience as a vendor at IT Nation, highlighting the event’s unique ability to foster authentic community, collaboration, and growth.

Building Trust Through Community and Collaboration

Casner emphasized how IT Nation has become a cornerstone in Blacksmith’s journey within the MSP space. Blacksmith has attended three IT Nation events, with 2025 marking their second time in the Solutions Pavilion. Reflecting on their involvement, Casner shared, “This is our second IT Nation event that we've been a part of, but our third that we've attended. And I'm so happy to be here.” Their continued presence reflects a strategic commitment to building relationships and learning from peers in the ConnectWise ecosystem.

For a growing MSP like Blacksmith, standing out in a competitive IT landscape requires more than just a booth presence. The challenge lies in building trust, forming strategic alliances, and learning from others who have navigated similar paths.

IT Nation offered Blacksmith a platform to connect meaningfully with MSPs, vendors, and even competitors. Casner explained, “What makes an IT Nation event different is the community and the connections that we make.” He emphasized that the value goes beyond the expo floor: “It’s the opportunity to not just talk to the partners that are coming by our booth, but to see some characters that are dressed up in a little bit of flair and having some fun with it.”

The event also fostered learning across vendor lines. “It’s also the vendors that are completely disconnected from us, that we can learn from… and even some of our competition, where we can learn from them and grow with them,” Casner said. This openness to collaboration—even with competitors—underscores the inclusive spirit of the IT Nation community.

Sponsorship as a Strategic Lever

Blacksmith’s decision to sponsor IT Nation was a pivotal move in accelerating their visibility and growth. Sponsorship provided premium exposure to a highly targeted audience of MSPs and technology leaders, helping the team scale their brand presence and build a stronger sales pipeline. 

“Being a sponsor gave us the platform to not just show up—but to stand out,” Casner noted. The sponsorship also unlocked exclusive networking opportunities, positioning Blacksmith as a serious player in the ecosystem. “It’s not just about leads—it’s about being seen as part of the future of this space,” he added.

The Measurable Impact of Engagement

• Blacksmith’s participation in IT Nation Secure has led to:
• Stronger relationships with MSP partners and fellow vendors.
• Valuable insights from others’ journeys in the space.
• Increased visibility and credibility within the ConnectWise ecosystem.
• A deeper sense of purpose in contributing to the broader MSP mission.

Casner summed it up powerfully: “At the end of the day, we’re all trying to be successful, and we’re all trying to lift up the MSP community—and more importantly, lift up their clients.” He added, “There’s a lot of fish in the sea. There’s a lot of opportunity for all of us to be successful, and this is really the opportunity for us to teach each other and to learn from each other and to grow as a community.”

Looking Ahead: Momentum, Mission, and Return to IT Nation

Looking ahead, Blacksmith is committed to continuing its involvement. “We will be back for Connect in the fall, that’s for sure,” Casner confirmed. As part of the PitchIT cohort, the team is excited to return in November and continue building momentum.

For Blacksmith, IT Nation was more than a vendor event—it was a catalyst for connection, learning, and shared success. Through community, collaboration, and a spirit of mutual growth, Blacksmith is forging a stronger future in the MSP ecosystem—one relationship at a time.