BTA IGNITE Kansas City 2026 Educational Sessions
Main Stage Session One: Keynote Address
Master Your Mind & Memory
Sept. 2, 8:30 to 9:50 a.m.
Jim Kwik, founder, Kwik Brain Universe
Every day we are sprinting to catch up — with new technology, new people, new ideas, fast changes and endless updates — in our business, industry and even our daily personal lives. Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the growing data clutter, stressed by all the knowledge you must absorb, process, read and recall. How do you stay on top and deal with it all? During this keynote address, world-renowned brain coach and celebrity memory trainer Kwik will share his secrets to mentally thrive, boost sales, increase productivity and innovation, and win in the face of fierce overload and competition. In this keynote, you will discover how to:
- Confidently remember the names of everyone you meet
- Better recall client and product information
- Rapidly memorize sales scripts and presentations
- Fix mental fog, fatigue and forgetfulness for increased productivity and profit
- Boost reading speed (and comprehension) to master information overload
- Tap laser focus and concentration to get things done
- Leverage the 10 critical keys to unleash your super brain (including the best genius foods you must eat)
- Turn on your "success switch" with the mindset, routines and habits of elite mental performers
- And more!
In today's fast-changing knowledge economy, your greatest wealth-building asset is found between your ears. Kwik will give you the unfair advantage to outlearn and outperform the competition. Get ready to upgrade your brain, as this is sure to be mind and memory training you will always "REMEMBER"!
Kwik is an internationally acclaimed authority in the realm of brain optimization, memory improvement and accelerated learning. With more than 30 years of experience, he has dedicated his life to helping people tap into their brains' full potential. After overcoming learning challenges from a childhood brain injury, Kwik embarked on a journey with the mission to leave no brain behind. Through his teachings, Kwik inspires others to unlock their inner genius, empowering them to live a life of greater power, productivity and purpose.
In 2025, he unveiled an expanded edition of his New York Times and number-one Wall Street Journal bestseller, "Limitless — Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, Unlock Your Exceptional Life." Since its debut in 2020, "Limitless" has sold more than 1 million copies and has emerged as a touchstone in the field, garnering praise from global thought leaders and luminaries. The book has equipped countless readers with tools for unparalleled productivity, personal transformation and professional triumph — including the future of work, brain nutrition, brain types and how AI will impact our daily lives. This new edition is tailored for those keen on staying ahead in our fast-changing world.
Recognized globally for his expertise in brain empowerment and renowned as the world's number-one brain coach, Kwik's influence is vast. He reaches more than 6.5 million followers and subscribers on his social media channels (2.4 million on Instagram, 2 million on YouTube, 1.7 million on TikTok, 380,000 on X). Kwik was the featured in the June 2021 cover story of Entrepreneur Magazine and has been featured in Forbes and Fast Company, and by Good Morning America, The Today Show, "Live with Kelly and Mark," and many more. Through Kwik Learning, present in 195 countries, he is revolutionizing global learning methods. From students and tech mavens to CEOs, Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes, Kwik's teachings resonate with a diverse audience. Industry giants like Google, Virgin, Nike, SpaceX and 20th Century Fox, along with institutions like Harvard and the United Nations, have embraced his methodologies. Kwik's collaborations with entities such as the U.S. Air Force and the Cleveland Clinic further highlight the extensive scope of his influence.
Kwik is also behind the phenomenal success of the podcast "Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik." His podcast boasts millions of listeners and more than 65 million downloads, and is a testament to his ability to connect and inspire. Kwik's passion transcends personal success. His dedication to global education and brain health is remarkable, having spearheaded initiatives for Alzheimer's research and school construction worldwide. In collaboration with organizations like Pencils of Promise and The Unstoppable Foundation, Kwik ensures that underserved children globally receive essential resources, from education to clean water.
Main Stage Session Two: Featured Speaker Session
Innovate or Die Trying
Sept. 2, 1:10 to 2:25 p.m.
Pablos Holman, hacker, inventor and technology futurist
How many taxi companies could have made their own iPhone apps but didn't? Everyone knows they had better innovate or die, but what does that really mean? How do you know if Silicon Valley is going to come after your industry? Can we learn to innovate faster than our competitors? If computers can do the job of a truck driver, what about a factory worker, a chef, a doctor — or you?
Holman is one of the rare technologists who can both understand and explain these new technologies and their potential. Working with them every day at his lab, Holman's team has taken on problems ranging from hurricane suppression to brain surgery, disease eradication and nuclear energy. A futurist, inventor and notorious hacker with a unique view into breaking and building new technologies, Holman works on invention projects that assimilate new technologies — making wild ideas a bit more practical and vice versa. He helped create the world's smallest PC; 3D printers at Makerbot; spaceships with Jeff Bezos; mosquito-zapping lasers with Bill Gates; artificial intelligence agent systems; and the Hackerbot, a Wi-Fi seeking robot. Holman is also an advisor to the biggest crowdfunding campaign in history, raising $27 million in 30 days for the Glowforge 3D printer. During this session, you will:
- Learn about the mindset of the world's most innovative people.
- Get a glimpse into next-generation technologies no one has seen yet.
- Understand how to have a practical relationship with innovation.
Holman is a hacker, inventor and technology futurist with a unique ability to distill complex technology into practical tools. Always building the future, his projects include cryptocurrency in the 1990s; artificial intelligence (AI) for stock market trading; building spaceships at Blue Origin for Jeff Bezos; and creating the world’s smallest PC and 3D printers at Makerbot. Holman helped start the Intellectual Ventures Lab for Nathan Myhrvold to support a wide range of invention projects, including a brain surgery tool; a machine to suppress hurricanes; a nuclear reactor powered by nuclear waste; and a machine that can shoot mosquitoes out of the sky with lasers — part of an impact invention effort to eradicate malaria with Bill Gates. A member of the most prolific team of inventors in the United States, Holman has more than 70 patents.
A world-renowned expert in 3D printing, AI, big data, robotics, automated manufacturing and cryptocurrency, he has contributed to visions for the future of urban transportation, entertainment, education, energy, manufacturing, health care, food delivery, sensor networks, payment systems and cloud computing.
Currently, Holman is host of the "Deep Future" podcast and is leading deep future investments in startups that are implementing science fiction to solve the biggest problems in the world.
Main Stage Session Three
Future-Proofing Your Dealership: Technology Investments That Pay Off
Sept. 2, 3:45 to 4:30 p.m.
Arvind Rao, chief technology officer, GreatAmerica Financial Services
Technology choices can either reduce complexity — or add to it — so office technology dealers need an investment approach that prioritizes outcomes. This session will highlight how the right technology investments can reduce friction, strengthen uptime and position dealerships for the future across remote service, automation, MPaaS and hybrid IT. Attendees will learn how to evaluate investments for real ROI, drive adoption across teams and move toward more unified platforms that scale efficiently. The takeaway: a practical road map for investing with confidence and building a dealership that is ready for what is next.
Rao is the chief technology officer at GreatAmerica, where he guides the company's technology vision and strategy. In his role, Rao manages the architecture, design, development and deployment of solutions that support business objectives, leads engineering and product delivery teams, and stays ahead of emerging technology trends to foster innovation. He is instrumental in scaling infrastructure, ensuring robust cybersecurity, and maintaining regulatory and compliance standards. Rao's prior experience includes serving as CIO for consumer digital banking, retail, wealth management and CRM at Texas Capital Bank, where he was the driving force behind the creation of Bask Bank, an award-winning digital bank. Rao was also global head of data analytics and AI at HP Inc. He holds an MBA from Tulane University's Freeman School of Business and a bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, India.
Main Stage Session Four: Dealer Panel
Who Needs Print Management Now that We Have WMPP, MUP & WPP?
Sept. 3, 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Moderated by Deborah Hawkins, group director, workplace team, Keypoint Intelligence
The Windows Modern Print Platform (WMPP) — including Microsoft Universal Print (MUP) and Windows Protected Print (WPP) — is changing the face of print management. Is it the end for classical print management and its revenue stream? Join Hawkins of Keypoint Intelligence and a panel of experts who will discuss what IT-purchase decision-makers ask for today when it comes to monitoring and managing print devices, usage and costs. Does the WMPP stand the secure test for dealers in cloud environments and modern-day networks? Challenges and barriers to adoption will be addressed, along with a forward-looking analysis of emerging trends and potential disruptors.
As the group director of the workplace team at Keypoint Intelligence, Hawkins guides clients through intricate challenges, helping them innovate processes and propel sustainable growth. With more than three decades of experience, she is a leading document imaging and workplace technology authority. Hawkins leads a team of expert analysts who deliver strategic intelligence, enabling clients to thrive in a dynamic market landscape. Under her leadership, the team has been instrumental in enhancing client performance, achieving significant milestones in global industry opportunity forecasting and completing custom consulting projects on critical topics such as sustainability, the future of work and digital transformation. Prior to joining Keypoint Intelligence, Hawkins worked in the vendor community as a product manager for a prominent vendor. She is a well-respected voice in the document imaging industry, frequently featured in industry publications. Hawkins also serves as a judge for the Technology Reseller Industry Awards, is a board member of the Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) and a member of the International Managed Print Services Global Alliance (IMPSGA).
Dealer panelists to be announced.
Breakout Sessions
Modernizing Prospecting Leadership: How Today’s Dealers Drive More Net-New Meetings Without Burning Out Their Sales Managers
Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to Noon
Sept. 3, 9 to 10 a.m.
Kate Kingston, founder, Kingston Training Group
Most dealerships do not know how to increase their prospecting results. They have sales managers who are overloaded, reps who are inconsistent with outreach and, despite new tools and artificial intelligence (AI), many dealerships still struggle to consistently generate the one metric that drives everything: net-new meetings with qualified prospects. In this fast-paced session, Kingston will show dealership leaders how modern sales organizations are restructuring prospecting to increase meeting volume while reducing management workload. She will outline practical frameworks for setting the right prospecting benchmarks; supporting reps at the beginning, middle and tenured stages of their careers; and using AI and modern tools to simplify outreach while improving results. Attendees will leave with a clear approach for creating a culture where prospecting is consistent, measurable and scalable — because in today's dealership sales environment when you make more meetings, you make more money.
For the last 21 years, Kingston has been exclusively educating office technology sales executives on every type of prospect across 60-plus industries and how they proprietarily use technology. She is a recognized authority on lead generation, recruiting new hires from a prospecting skill-base perspective and new business development. Sales-driven, Kingston is an energized communicator who uses humor, audience participation, proven techniques, handouts and real-time phone calls in her training sessions.
The Future of Office Printing Hardware & the Role of the AI MFP
Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to Noon
Sept. 3, 9 to 10 a.m.
Robert Palmer, research vice president of imaging, printing and document solutions, IDC
The office print market is entering a phase of rapid evolution, driven by the need for vendors to differentiate through hardware innovation and platform-centric strategies. As organizations adapt to new work styles and digital transformation imperatives, IDC expects a significant acceleration in the shift from A3 to A4 devices, a move toward platform-based product architectures and a new wave of vendor investment in office printing solutions. Central to this transformation is the emergence of the artificial intelligence (AI) MFP, which will redefine the user experience, document workflow automation, service automation and integration with broader IT ecosystems. Drawing on IDC's latest FutureScape predictions and insights from a recently fielded survey, this session will explore how AI MFPs are set to become the cornerstone of next-generation office print infrastructure.
Key issues to be addressed include:
- IDC's definition of the AI MFP and how it is differentiated from today's devices
- How the AI MFP will influence product road maps and product development cycles
- Why the AI MFP is expected to accelerate the A3-to-A4 transition
- Vendor strategies around AI at the edge and the implications for channel partners
- Survey-based insights on adoption drivers, challenges and ROI expectations for AI MFPs
Palmer is research vice president with IDC's imaging, printing and document solutions team. He is responsible for written research, forecasts and analysis in multiple practice areas covering managed print services, next-gen document services, document solutions, document workflow automation and optimization, and hard copy transformation. Palmer's research also includes a particular emphasis on the office technology channel, and transformational strategies and technologies impacting the future of the office imaging market. Actively involved in various industry initiatives and educational committees, he currently serves as a board member for the Managed Print Services Association (MPSA).
AI in the Dealer Channel: What's Working, What's Missing & What Must Change Before 2027
Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to Noon
Sept. 3, 9 to 10 a.m.
West McDonald, founder/partner, GoWest.ai
The dealer channel is past the artificial intelligence (AI) hype stage, but not yet at AI maturity. This session will share real examples of where AI is already working in the channel, from service and quoting to knowledge access, internal workflows and productivity, while also examining what has not worked, including the ongoing search for a "canned AI solution" in a channel where dealers are anything but one-size-fits-all. McDonald will also explore where OEMs are hitting the mark, where they still need to catch up to better support their dealer communities and why AI is advancing more quickly outside the channel, where MSPs and adjacent players are increasingly taking the lead. Attendees will leave with a practical, candid view of what must change now for dealers to stay relevant, competitive and better positioned by 2027. They will leave with a clearer understanding of where AI is creating real value today, what has been holding the channel back, where OEM support is helping or falling short, and what actions dealers should take now to build stronger AI strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Real examples of AI working in the dealer channel today
- Insight into where OEMs are making progress — and where dealers still need more support
- A candid look at what has not worked, including one-size-fits-all AI thinking
- Perspective on how MSPs and adjacent players are moving more quickly outside the channel
- A practical view of what dealers must change before 2027
- An exclusive and complementary AI Readiness Assessment framework
This session is designed to help dealers separate noise from momentum and opportunity from risk. Those who get this right will not just keep pace with change; they will be better positioned to lead it.
McDonald is the founder of GoWest.ai and a recognized advisor, speaker and strategist focused on helping businesses turn AI into practical business value. With more than 20 years of experience serving office technology dealers, MSPs, IT solution providers and technology channel partners, he is known for translating AI from buzzword to business strategy. Through GoWest.ai, McDonald helps organizations identify high-impact AI opportunities, strengthen readiness and build practical paths to adoption that improve efficiency, customer experience and growth. He is also the creator of BizVantage, an AI business readiness assessment and enablement offering designed to help dealers, MSPs and their clients uncover workflow opportunities where AI can save time, reduce costs and drive revenue. A sought-after speaker known for humor, candor and no-fluff insight, McDonald has presented at major industry events including the FP Mailing Dealer Summit, BTA National Conference, Executive Connection Summit, CDA, the AI and Business U.S. Summit and three Channel Company XChange events — among the largest and most influential gatherings in the MSP channel. He is also a regular columnist and industry voice on the future of AI in the channel.
The Information Imbalance: How to Sell to Today's Younger, Better-Informed Buyer
Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to Noon
Sept. 3, 9 to 10 a.m.
Troy Harrison, The Sales Navigator, Troy Harrison & Associates
Buyers have changed. Have your salespeople? Here is the reality: The average age of a professional B2B salesperson today is 47.1 years — up from 42 just 15 years ago. Meanwhile, the average B2B purchasing agent is 36, and Millennials and Gen Z now represent 73% of all B2B buying decisions. The gap between who is selling and who is buying has never been wider — and what your salespeople don't understand about how younger buyers think, research and decide is costing them real revenue. Today's buyer arrives at the first conversation already armed. Research shows that 81% of buyers have a preferred vendor in mind before they ever speak with a salesperson — and buyers spend only 17% of their total purchasing process in direct contact with sales reps at all. The sale is largely won or lost before your salesperson walks in the door. That changes everything about how selling needs to work. This is not about generational stereotypes. It is about documented behavioral shifts in how buyers build relationships, how they evaluate credibility and what they need from a salesperson to move toward a decision. Younger buyers do not work the way traditional sales techniques assume — and salespeople who have not adapted are watching business go elsewhere without understanding why. In this session, Harrison will show how to close the gap between how your salespeople sell and how today's buyers actually buy.
Topics covered will include:
- Why younger buyers invert the traditional relationship-building model — and what that means for every sales conversation
- How to earn credibility and access before the first meeting, when 81% of the decision is already forming
- Navigating the buyer's journey: where salespeople add value, where they destroy it and how to tell the difference
- What transparency actually means to younger buyers — and why the salespeople who embrace it win more
- Communication channel fluency: how to meet buyers where they are without abandoning what works
- Practical steps to adapt without starting over — evolution, not revolution
Troy Harrison — "The Sales Navigator" — is a regular contributor to BTA's Office Technology magazine, and a sought-after voice in B2B sales management development. He cuts through the theory and delivers a practical, immediately applicable framework for turning sales professionals into genuine performance catalysts.