Image Gallery: Tech Data Channel Link

Hundreds of partners descended on Atlanta, June 14-17, to learn more about security, devices, cloud, data center services and more.

It was all part of Tech Data Channel Link, the distributor’s annual gathering of its solution-provider partners.

Among the highlights was a presentation on how critical a role partners can play in security sales, with a discussion of the new security and information business unit that Tech Data rolled out last month.

Attendees also heard presentations from Lenovo and Microsoft, with the former noting that it has made some mistakes in its approach toward server sales.

The company also handed out a handful of awards to its top solution providers.

Channel Partners was there. You can see the highlights in our image gallery.

The 52-floor Atlanta Marriot Marquis played host to the 2016 Channel Link. The hotel had just wrapped up an event with the Clinton Initiative, and some of the Channel Link attendees reported catching a glimpse of Bill C.

A cover band kept the opening reception lively on Tuesday night.

John “JT” Tonnison gave a sobering presentation on security risks during Wednesday morning’s general session.

Cal Jackson (left), director of Tech Data’s diversity and inclusion programs, moderated a panel of women channel veterans, who discussed the importance of having diverse people and opinions in your company.

Thursday morning began with a competition. Teams of four competed in doughnut eating, Coca-Cola tasting and pyramid stacking.

Cisco was among the many vendors that set up shop during Thursday’s expo.

Jordan Chrysafidis, vice president of Microsoft OEM U.S. sales and marketing, pushed partners to get their customers to upgrade to Windows 10.

Ryan Lakin (right) of IronEdge Group accepted (from Marty Bauerlein) Tech Data’s award for new customer of the year. Read the full list of partner winners.