The Channel Partners Evolution event is going on in Washington, D.C., August 14 to 17 focusing on emerging channel opportunities and the digital evolution. “Evolution of” education sessions include tracks for business, cloud, IoT, mobility, and security. The expo floor is featuring experience areas on mobility, IoT, and cloud computing. These zones let attendees see technology in action and meet experts who can explain not only how it works, but how you can sell it.
And taking a different tack with keynotes, the sessions are highlighting and addressing the specific digital business needs of startup Acme Connected Apparel (ACA) as it brings its line of connected apparel to market. The intent is to help MSPs, VARs, integrators, and consultants visualize ways to serve their own customers with the same issues.
The event kicked off with a Women in the Channel Networking Mixer and a first-time attendee reception Sunday evening.
On Monday, Rick Reed, senior vice president of U.S. Sales, Channel Partners, delivered the welcome remarks. Art Wittmann, group vice president, business Technology Group, Channel Partners, delivered the morning keynote, “The Digital Business Evolution.” And AT&T presented a keynote and panel discussion on “Power of Mobility in the Channel.”
Afternoon keynotes included “Gearing up for Success,” a moderated panel discussion on the best way to position ACA for digital-powered growth; and “Customer Support in a Connected World,” a moderated panel discussion on if ACA can find a single platform that can provision on-site and remote customer support staff and provide meaningful call-type, resolution time, and satisfaction statistics.
On Tuesday, the keynote “Working with Startups for Long-Term Profit” Richardson Communications and Consulting (RCC) presents its approach to serving the needs of its client Enflux (a company similar to ACA) as it enters the market with a line of connected clothing. RCC’s Rachel McNeese and Jaime Zarate plus Enflux founder Mickey Ferri talk about working with early stage companies as they gear up for success.
Verizon delivers a keynote “So You Think You Have Time? Your 18-Month Business Plan for Success” that discusses how to better understand your customer and anticipate market evolutions, attract and retain innovative people, and stay ahead of the technology curve.
In the “SMB Security in a Globalized World” keynote, Leo Taddeo, former special agent in charge of the FBI’s Special Operations/Cyber Division, steps in as ACA’s theoretical CISO. †And in the keynote panel, “The Evolving Services Distributor Role,” leading distributors and masters† talk through new ways that partners can leverage their resources to deliver big for customers.
Best of Show awards are tonight, and Wednesday wraps up with the expo open from 10 to 12.
