The
number of partners participating in Ingram Micro India Pvt Ltd (IMIPL)’s
Showcase- 2002, makes it the biggest channel event in the country. IMIPL has
coined an ambitious slogan for the event: "Shaping the future of
technology".
Resellers perhaps have very little role to play in shaping technology. But
when it comes to marketing technology and products, no one else plays as
critical a role as partners do. And so, to enthuse partners on technology, IMIPL
has generated an appropriate slogan for the event.
Showcase-2002, which today, has taken the shape of a mega event for partners,
had humble beginnings in 1999, when it was held in three different cities.
Enthused by the response, a fourth city was added in 2000.
But the event in 2001 took a different shape all together when 1,000 partners
converged at Agra, not only to update themselves with the latest happenings in
technology and products, but also to let their hair down and take in the romance
of an exotic place.
Of course, such large gatherings have their own drawbacks which was evident
at Agra where sections of partners felt that their needs were not properly
catered to. So, this time round, the event has been spread on to three days –
8th, 9th and 10th of March and is being held in Mumbai.
On the first day, partners from North and East will converge on the
commercial capital of the country; the second day is dedicated to partners from
South; while the third day is for the benefit of partners from West.
What do partners have in store at Showcase 2002? There will be vendor stalls
showcasing latest products; ‘Experience Zones’ where partners will have a
feel of various solutions from vendors; interactive talk shows to arrive at
solutions for problems facing business; stalls where vendors and partners can
interact and sign up deals; partner-enrollment booths; and external vendor
pavilion.
‘Experience Zones’ is a new attraction at Showcase 2002 where vendors
will try to enhance the solution-selling skills of partners. This is a welcome
development as the need of the hour for partners is to grow up the value chain
by becoming solution providers.
Showcase 2002 will provide partners an opportunity to get to know the roadmap
updates on vendor product lines. What IMIPL wants to do is provide a value
proposition to vendors as well as partners through the annual event.
Thus, Showcase 2002 presents itself as a time for knowledge updation as well
relaxation and bonding for partners of IMIPL.