Image Gallery: Avant’s ‘Special Forces’ Event

**Editor’s Note: Click here for our gallery from last fall showcasing Avant’s new Chicago offices.**

More than 100 people attended Avant’s first “Special Forces” training held earlier this month in the master agent’s new Chicago headquarters. This training was part of Avant’s sales enablement as a service, first introduced last year at Channel Partners Evolution.

The sessions, led by Drew Lydecker, the company’s president, were designed to help resellers sell the latest technologies. Topics covered were UCaaS, SD-WAN, IaaS and security. Just a few of the participating companies included 8×8, Acronis, Aryaka, Cloudgenix, DataPipe, EvolveIP, Hosting, InContact, Level3, Masergy, Rackspace, RingCentral, Talari and ViaWest.

“After completing the ‘Special Forces’ event I realized that I actually only had a very minimal understanding of the players and customer issues surrounding cloud customer initiatives. The Avant event has provided me with a greater level of understanding and awareness. It has also provided me with additional skills and comprehensive knowledge, and in turn will assist me in qualifying and closing business,” added Ray Traylor, Elite Design Networks.

*Photos courtesy Avant Communications*

Follow executive editor @Craig_Galbraith on Twitter.

Avant’s ‘Special Forces’ Event: Kickoff

Attendees poured in for the kickoff of the event.

Avant’s ‘Special Forces’ Event: CEO Ian Kieninger

That’s Avant CEO Ian Kieninger getting things started.

Avant’s ‘Special Forces’ Event: President Drew Lydecker

That’s Avant President Drew Lydecker (standing, far left) leading a discussion.

Avant’s ‘Special Forces’ Event: Breakout Sessions

This is one of a handful of Special Forces breakout sessions.

Avant’s ‘Special Forces’ Event: UCaaS Session

Here, Lydecker leads a breakout session on UCaaS.

Avant’s ‘Special Forces’ Event: BattleLab

Attendees get ready for a “battle” in the Avant BattleLab.

The BattleLab, part of Avant’s sales-enablement-as-a-service strategy, is a state-of-the-art sales enablement and immersion center based in Avant’s headquarters. The company broadcasts live BattleBriefings such as sales-enablement training, technical training and provider briefings.

Avant’s ‘Special Forces’ Event: Bowling Contest

A bowling contest at the event rallied attendees’ competitive sales spirit. The top team shared in a $500 bounty.

Avant’s ‘Special Forces’ Event: Hoops, Anyone?

Left to right: Ian Keininger, Avant CEO; Michael Stanley, senior sales leader, eCloud Managed Solutions; and Nate Grinell, director of channel sales, Aryaka Networks.

Avant’s ‘Special Forces’ Event: After-Party

Avant always knows how to throw a good bash.

Image Gallery: Avant’s ‘Special Forces’ Event

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