Pax8 Beyond 2026: The Good, The Swag & The Ugly (1021)

Pax8 Beyond delivered a clear message that MSPs need to move from managing endpoints to managing intelligence, and I break down what that actually looks like in the real world. I also share my favorite (and not-so-favorite) swag from the show and walk through practical network performance testing strategies you can use without buying expensive gear.
Pax8 is planting a flag around the “managed intelligence provider” idea, and this episode unpacks how that changes the story you tell clients about AI, data, and business outcomes. I walk through what I heard in Salt Lake City, from the new AI agent store and marketplace updates to how Pax8 wants to help you go from playing with AI internally to delivering real, billable outcomes for customers.
I also have some fun with conference life: a honest rundown of the swag that worked, the swag that absolutely didn’t, and why vendors should care if their Bluetooth speaker won’t even turn off. From clever hats to custom-engraved keychains, it’s a practical look at what actually keeps your brand in an MSP’s bag instead of their hotel trash can. On top of that, I revisit my EnGenius network test, explain what went wrong, and show you how to use tools like NetAlly, iPerf3, and even simple ping and traceroute to validate your networks.
=== Chapters
- 01:04 PAX 8 Recap Introduction
- 03:10 Show Topics Tonight
- 06:30 Sponsor Spotlight
- 09:29 Network Test Results
- 14:37 Fixing the Packet Loss
- 18:49 Pax8 Beyond Takeaways
- 25:06 Swag Winners and Fails
- 34:31 Wrapping Up PAX 8
=== Shout-outs
- Eric Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esanthony/
- Jared Castner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredmcasner/
- Jason Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-miller-32a03530/
- Carrie Holzman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/careyholzman/
=== Companies / Products Mentioned
- NetAlly EtherScope nXG 300: https://amzn.to/4a592FT
- Pax8: https://www.pax8.com
- TechCon Unplugged: https://techconunplugged.com
- MSP Unplugged: https://www.mspunplugged.com
- EnGenius: https://www.engeniustech.com
- BlackPoint Cyber: https://www.blackpointcyber.com
- Kaseya: https://www.kaseya.com
=== SPONSORS:
- Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker
- Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
- Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip
- Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid
- Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready
=== SHOW MUSIC:
- Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo
- Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET
- Author Username: AlexanderRufire
- Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML
=== Connect with Uncle Marv
🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
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