Its hard to believe its been a decade since PHONE+ first hosted an event for the indirect channel. It was called the AgENt show. The odd capitalization was meant to highlight the Agent Educational Network. The first show was in summer of 1997. It was small as to be expected for a first effort, but the passion for the business and the need for a forum for the emerging indirect channel was clear.
The event got its current name, the Channel Partners Conference & Expo, in September 2001. At that time, the convergence of voice and data began to blur the lines between different indirect sales channels. In addition the line of demarc between the network and the desktop has become fuzzy, further muddying these distinctions between agents, VARs, interconnects, systems integrators and dealers.
Over the past five years, the Channel Partners Conference & Expo has been exploring these issues and serving as a platform for networking between vendors and their sales channels. Last year, the event added a wireless emphasis that has proved to be a growing opportunity for its attendees and exhibitors alike.
Today, the spring trade show attracts more than 2,500 participants. Its fair to say thats 10-fold growth in 10 years.
I hope that you will join us to celebrate this achievement. Its not ours alone the channel has made it possible. If we know you are coming, well bake a cake so sign up today.
If you registed by Feb. 2, you also could win the Early Bird prize. Its pretty awesome — $1,000 plus free hotel during the show.*
I hope to see you then!
–Khali Henderson
*See the Web site for official rules.
