ICYMI ChannelVision Magazine is excited to announce that the main stage of CVxEXPO26 will host a live, on-site episode of “The Top Gun Show,” the premier LinkedIn and YouTube video interview podcast hosted by the one and only Steve Farmiloe. The addition of “The Top Gun Show” to the educational agenda of CVxEXPO reinforces its promise to provide the partner community with the most instructive, highly curated content of any channel event. Steve’s special guest on the first-ever live episode of “The Top Gun Show” will be AI agent strategic evangelist and author James Tennant, who currently serves as Global Channel Chief for Quiq.com. With more than 20 years of experience in sales and sales management for innovative cloud companies in both direct and indirect sales channels, James bridges the gap between emerging AI and real-world impact by helping partners and businesses adopt the right solutions with clarity and confidence. James and Steve will be discussing the AI opportunity for partners, where the money is, and AI’s true impact in the contact center. Tailored specifically for communications, network and managed services buyers and sellers, “The Top Gun Show” is dedicated to helping C-level executives make informed decisions through thought-provoking and entertaining conversations with the most engaging executives in the channel. Launched in January 2019, with more than 1,200 episodes recorded, “The Top Gun Show” regularly reaches more than 100,000 connections, including 40,000 C-level buyers and 20,000 independent sales agents and MSPs. The show is the most widely viewed and followed video podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube within the channel partner industry. “While the addition of ‘The Top Gun Show’ sets CVxEXPO26 apart from other partner events by bringing another unique element to the conference, a live version of the popular podcast aligns perfectly with our agenda,” said Martin Vilaboy, ChannelVision editor-in-chief. “Similar to Steve, our goal is to provide audiences and attendees with honest and relevant information, unscripted and pitch-free, while always having a little fun whenever possible.” In addition to hosting “The Top Gun Show,” Farmiloe currently serves as director of channel development for Granite Telecommunications. He brings more than 35 years of experience as a sales leader and business development professional behind the desk of “The Top Gun Show,” and some might say is the hardest working human in the channel. “I’m excited to use the CVxEXPO26 as the first live broadcast ever of ‘The Top Gun Show,” said Farmiloe. “In fact, I called my old friend Jay Leno to ask him for advice on how to get ready for a live audience.” The live episode of “The Top Gun Show” will take the stage at CVxEXPO26 on Tuesday morning, November 17, prior to the day’s keynote and concurrent breakout sessions. CVxEXPO26 take place November 17-18, at the Marriott Renaissance Hotel & Conference Center in Glendale, Ariz. Telinta has developed Auto-Provisioning Profiles for the Snom M500 Pro DECT Multicell Base Station, the Snom M55 SIP DECT Handset, and the Snom M58 SIP DECT Deskset. This cloud-based provisioning enables ITSPs worldwide to streamline and automate deployments of Snom phones via Telinta’s cloud-based softswitch platform. Telinta’s solution is unique since ITSPs can provision Snom IP phones using the same cloud-based platform they use for other important business functions such as billing, call routing, serving resellers and other service provider functions, said the companies. Telinta’s platform also can be used to easily update the IP phone’s firmware, activate and deactivate features and more. ‘The Top Gun Show’ to Broadcast Live at CVxEXPO26 Snom, Telinta to Streamline IP Phone Provisioning Business communications provider 8x8 introduced a new partner program for its direct resell channel that rewards customer retention and expansion with existing customers, in addition to new business activity. According to the company, the program represents a fundamental change in how 8x8 measures partner success. Under the new four-tier structure - Authorized, Silver, Gold, and Platinum - direct resellers can earn financial rewards according to their tier level and gain full access to the 8x8 supporting teams. Monthly performance dashboards provide real-time visibility into progress against these metrics. 8x8 said the program ensures support for partners through the full customer journey – landing new business, expanding through multi-product adoption and retaining their existing customer base. “Most partner programs reward activity – but this one rewards outcomes,” said Emily Masterton, global head of channel at 8x8. “As our business – and the wider industry – have evolved, it’s clear that deep customer relationships drive true value, alongside winning new business. This program reflects that shift, with real investment behind it: dedicated channel account managers, outcome-based enablement, co-marketing support, proactive feedback loops through our Centre of Excellence.” 8x8 tested the new program with select partners around the globe. 8x8’s New Tiered Partner Program Rewards Growth, Retention 48 CHANNELVISION | SUMMER 2026
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