An SI’s Guide to Channel Partners 2016

If you’re a systems integrator, no doubt you have plans to attend the 2016 Channel Partners Conference & Expo, March 16-18, at the Venetian & Sands Expo in Las Vegas.

Just in case you need convincing, try this on for size:

Our theme this year is “Let’s Go Big,” with first-time appearances from vendors such as Microsoft; a Cloud Migration Lab to show solution providers a real-world example of moving applications to the cloud; plus, all of the traditional networking opportunities, education, expo hall and cutting-edge technology discussions you’ve come to expect.

Each year, thousands converge to share ideas and drive discussion on the topics shaping our industry. Equal parts networking, exploring and learning, #CPExpo equips you to better serve your clients, conquer new markets and drive your business to new heights. Channel Partners Las Vegas is your source for inspiration, innovation and rejuvenation.

It’s not too late to sign up for the Channel Partners Conference & Expo. Register here.

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Tues., March 15

5-8 p.m.

The Women in the Channel Networking Mixer is the perfect way to kick off another exciting Channel Partners event! Following an hour of networking, a keynote panel featuring male and female executives from AT&T, Level 3, TelePacific and Telarus tackles “The Gender Diversity Payoff.” Admission is free to all WiC members and $20 for non-members. Men admitted by invitation only.

Tues., March 15

6-8 p.m.

Channel Partners welcomes attendees visiting the show for the first time! Sponsored by AT&T, this reception offers a fun and intimate setting for new participants to meet with various members of the Channel Partners team, industry rock stars and show supporters, as well as other first-timers.

Wed., March 16

9:40-10:15 a.m.

12:15-12:55 p.m.

1:15-1:45 p.m.

Thurs., March 17

9-9:30 a.m.

9:55-10:25 a.m.

12:25-12:55 p.m.

1:10-1:45 p.m.

March 16-17

Wednesday

I: 9:20 – 9:40 a.m.

II:12:55-1:15 p.m.

Thursday

III: 9:45-9:55 a.m.

IV:12:55-1:10 p.m.

You told us you want to hear about hot new products and services. Fastball delivers. Exhibitors get six minutes to pitch offerings launched within the past 90 days — and yes, we’re timing them. At the end of each presentation, you can decide for yourself: home run or strikeout?

Wed., March 16

11:20 a.m.-12:05 p.m.

Colo Now: This Ain’t Your Father’s Hosting Deal – We will quiz top colos on advances in facilities; dollars and cents of hosting in an owned data center vs. colo; choosing the best provider and more.

2-2:45 p.m.

Selling Security as a Business Enabler: Your CISOs have their hands full. We’ll provide tips to translate security technology to the language of business enablement.

3-3:45 p.m.

Marketing Boot Camp: We’ll bring together some of our community’s top marketing and PR experts to explore best practices, field questions and share actionable tactics that will help you better market your value, your services and your success.

Wed., March 16

3-3:45 p.m.

What’s Next for Cloud?: 5 Future Views – We asked five expert “cloud whisperers” what the future holds for this maturing market — and how channel partners can capitalize.

Thurs., March 17

10:35-11:20 a.m.

Defining the Practice – IoT: If you wait for the Internet of Things to go mainstream, you’ll be way behind the curve. We’ll offer guidance on developing IoT practices.

Wed., March 16

2:30-3:45 p.m.

If your goal at this show is to meet as many new suppliers as possible, consider our partner/supplier meetup. You’ll meet as many as 10 potential new partners in an hour. That’s plenty of time to exchange business cards and get a quick elevator pitch — in other words, just long enough to know whether you want to find out more.

Wed., March 16

4-7 p.m.

Thurs., March 17

2-6 p.m.

One of the first questions customers ask about transitioning to cloud resources is, “How do I get there?” Unless you’ve actually seen a migration, it’s a tough question to answer. That’s why we’ve created a Cloud Migration Lab and stage on our show floor. You’ll not only see how it’s done, you’ll get tips from peers on building a business practice that includes cloud adoption and be able to compare multiple offerings in one central spot.

Thurs., March 17

10:35 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Conquering Tax and Regulatory Challenges: We’ll explain the fundamentals of tax obligations when reselling communications services. We will discuss the common missteps and misconceptions that can lead to ugly encounters with taxing authorities. Wolters Kluwer/CCH underwrites.

Expo Hall Hours:

Wed., March 16

4-7 p.m.

Thurs., March 17

2-6 p.m.

Fri., March 18

10 a.m.-noon

Opening Reception:

Wed., March 16

4 p.m.

Pub Crawl:

Thurs., March 17

2-6 p.m.

Fri., March 18

10 a.m.-noon

Wrap up the conference with a light breakfast and some networking before heading out.

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It’s not too late to sign up for the Channel Partners Conference & Expo. Register here.

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It’s not too late to sign up for the Channel Partners Conference & Expo. Register here.