Why You Should Come to Chicago

By Larry Lannon

There are three basic reasons you should plan to attend the Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Chicago, Aug. 24-26.

The program. As usual, Editor-in-Chief Khali Henderson and Channel Partners crack advisory board have crafted a balanced, comprehensive and lively program, with some brand new wrinkles, like the CP Zone and The Selling Techniques Networking Lunch. The program is built around the hottest topics in the channel, like examining in detail the impact of the Cloud model on the channel and how it may well define the career trajectory for next-generation partners. There is an entire track on the Cloud, including the Cloud Convergence Council, a great programming element featuring some of the biggest names in the channel, plus Larry Walsh, president and CEO of The 2112 Group. Other key topics include: wireless, cable, UC, hosted VoIP, agent compensation and lead-generation management. The program is the framework and foundation for the Channel Partners Conference & Expo. It delves into everything the contemporary channel professional needs to know now. The Channel Partners program is the closest thing going to an MBA for the channel.

The networking. The channel is all about knowledge and networking (the two Ns, phonetically speaking). The program handles the knowledge. The networking opportunities in Chicago are as rich as the program is deep. There are formal networking opportunities. For instance, there is a Women in the Channel Networking Mixer on Tuesday evening, Aug. 23, that you will want to attend, sponsored by ACC, AT&T and TelePacific. On Thursday, Aug. 25, from 4.30 to 5.30 p.m., PlanetOne is sponsoring the Peer-to-Peer Networking Mixer. And there are others, as the Agenda at a Glance shows. But equally important are the informal networking opportunities. There is a wealth of informal networking during the program, on the Expo floor, at the networking events, and in the evening at the many receptions and parties. There are plenty of chances for you to make it happen for yourself and your company. The industrys leaders will be in Chicago. You want the latest information, the best contacts? You want to succeed in the channel? Come to Chicago in late August.

Business value. The ultimate reason to go to Channel Partners Conference & Expo this August is to build business value, for your company and for your career. Because success in the channel one of the most promising industries in the world, an industry that is constantly being reshaped by changes in the business environment and in technology is a function of knowledge and networking. Marry the contacts with the knowledge you need to grow your business and build your career. Chicago is the place to do both.

Larry Lannon is group publisher of VIRGOs Communications Network, which includes Billing & OSS World, Channel Partners and vision2mobile.