GTIA launches PeerTrust Circles for security-led IT peers

GTIA has launched PeerTrust Circles, a peer engagement programme for IT service providers that centres on trust metrics, security-aligned benchmarking, and cybersecurity resources.

The Global Technology Industry Association introduced the model at its North America Community & Councils Forum & Spotlight Awards in Chicago. The programme launches in North America and sits within GTIA's wider community structure for channel organisations.

Peer groups have long been used in the IT services sector to share operational practices and management experience. GTIA is positioning PeerTrust Circles as a more structured format, using member-defined trust measures and benchmarking based on security frameworks.

"GTIA is proud to introduce the PeerTrust Circles program as a new member benefit," said MJ Shoer, GTIA's chief community officer. "Peer collaboration has always been an integral part of the GTIA mission, and this program responds to our members' desire to come together in more intimate and impactful ways. This program elevates members by placing trust, resilience, and security maturity at the center of the experience. By aligning trust metrics with our Cybersecurity Trustmark standards, participants gain meaningful, practical insight that strengthens both their organizations and the wider channel community."

Security focus

The programme includes threat intelligence from GTIA's ISAO and incorporates GTIA's Cybersecurity Trustmark. Participants also receive education on security maturity benchmarking as part of group discussions. Sessions will use anonymised data and case studies.

GTIA describes itself as a vendor-neutral trade association for the IT channel, spanning research, standards, education, and community activity. In the PeerTrust Circles model, those resources help shape membership, discussion topics, and benchmarking.

The scheme also links participation to GTIA cybersecurity programmes and to visibility at events, including ChannelCon. The pathway is positioned as a route to industry recognition tied to involvement in the peer-circle format.

"Collectively, these distinguishing features establish GTIA's PeerTrust Circles as a comprehensive, reputable, and internationally focused platform dedicated to professional, operational, and cybersecurity excellence and leadership," said Shoer.

First circle

The first group under the model is the GTIA GWIT C-Suite PeerTrust Circle, designed for female C-suite leaders. The circle aims to address executive challenges and create an accountability structure within a closed peer forum.

"The PeerTrust model creates a level of trust and candor I haven't experienced elsewhere," said Jennifer Roy, CEO of Nucleus.

"Within the GWIT C-Suite PeerTrust Circle, GTIA has established a forum where senior executives can openly discuss challenges, confidently benchmark, and exchange insights with organizations globally. This initiative not only enhances our individual businesses but also promotes the industry's overall maturation and underscores the notable contributions of female leaders in advancing the IT channel."

How it works

Access to an IT service provider PeerTrust Circle is limited to GTIA members. Membership criteria are designed to avoid direct competition within a circle, with participants operating in different geographic markets or with different service specialisations.

Each circle will have eight to 10 members, with aligned revenues to keep discussions relevant among peers of similar scale.

Meetings will be held quarterly as 90-minute virtual sessions. Each year will also include an in-person gathering at ChannelCon or ChannelCon EMEA. Participants commit to a 12-month term and can renew after that period.

GTIA staff or trained facilitators will run meetings. Participants will operate under the Chatham House Rules, which set confidentiality expectations while allowing members to use the information shared. GTIA is positioning this structure as part of the programme's trust-based design.

Global expansion

Following the North America launch, PeerTrust Circles will expand across GTIA's international communities, including ANZ, ASEAN, Benelux, DACH, North America, and the UK & Ireland.

The regional model is intended to support peer circles that share best practices and market insights across time zones. The approach points to multiple groups running in parallel, with each circle reflecting local market context while drawing on common benchmarking and cybersecurity resources.

GTIA represents more than 2,500 IT service providers, vendors, distributors, and other channel organisations, and says it connects hundreds of thousands of professionals worldwide. The launch adds another member engagement format as managed services providers and other IT service firms face rising security and compliance demands, as well as pressure to demonstrate operational maturity to customers and partners.

The next phase will add more circles under the PeerTrust model, extending participation beyond North America and building regional groups across GTIA's international communities.