Jay McBain is a highly accomplished speaker, author, and innovator in the IT industry with 26 years of experience in executive sales, marketing, channel, and strategy roles for major companies like IBM, Lenovo, Autotask, and now Forrester. He has been recognized as a Top 40 Under Forty by the Business Review, Top 8 Influencer by Channel Partners, and Top 25 Newsmaker by CDN Magazine. Jay is also a recognized expert in the future of channels, alliances, partnering, and the study of emerging go-to-market models. As the Principal Analyst for Global Channels at Forrester, he is sought after for keynotes, consulting, thought leadership, and industry guidance.

Jay has studied both MBA and Bachelor of Commerce degrees in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies, Management Information Systems & Public Administration, respectively. He has also served as a board member of Channel Partners, Channel Vanguard Council, Ziff Davis Leadership Council, and CRN Channel Intelligence Council. Jay's extensive experience also includes leading several communities at CompTIA including Vendor Advisory Council, Managed Services Community, Advancing Women in Tech, and Emerging Tech.

Jay is an avid blogger, community and social media expert, and has developed an innovative "dandelion marketing" approach engaging in a wide range of communities around the world. He has lived in several cities such as Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Raleigh, Albany & Boynton Beach, actively giving back to the community and serving as a board member of the United Way, National Cristina Organization, and Junior Achievement.