6 Reasons ChannelCon Is Different From Other IT Channel Events
Members of the IT Channel are heading to Phoenix for CompTIA’s ChannelCon, August 4-6. Kelly Ricker, senior VP of events and education for CompTIA, points out the event is different from others in the industry — providing different opportunities and benefits for attendees.
1. It’s The Channel’s Big-Tent Event
ChannelCon is vendor-neutral and inclusive: everyone has access. CompTIA recently changed its 30-year-old member strategy to launch an open access model that gives registered users access CompTIA’s channel education, industry research, news, and tools designed to help meet business goals. Ricker explains that ChannelCon, too, gives anyone of the 900 expected attendees — solutions provider, vendor, distributor, media representative — the chance to participate in all event features and to meet and learn from each other.
2. There Aren’t Any Mandatory Meetings
Ricker says ChannelCon attendees aren’t required to be at specific sessions but are encouraged to build their own schedules. The myChannelCon tool enables you to customize and print your own schedule as well as find other attendees who share your interests, connect with them or request meetings, or interact with the community on the conversations board.
4. It’s Three Education-Rich Days
ChannelCon is offering 46 sessions this year with focuses on business, technical, and vendor topics. Ricker adds ChannelCon worked with CompTIA’s certifications to ensure time in the sessions is eligible as continuing education and can be applied to recertification, and attendees will be able to earn some executive certificates right at the event. In addition, some sessions deal with navigating and using CompTIA sales playbooks.
5. There Is Education Everywhere
Beyond the sessions, Ricker says, CompTIA recognizes attendees are learning everywhere at ChannelCon. Attendees will find ample opportunities for networking and CompTIA has arranged for meeting places, such as the “Think & Drink Lounge.” There is also a social media rally station where attendees can make appointments to create or enhance a social media profile, and all attendees can take advantage of education on legal services and have a free risk assessment — a benefit usually reserved for Premier CompTIA Members.
3. If You Can’t Be In Phoenix, You Can Still Attend
CompTIA has chosen a number of sessions that people can attend virtually. Register by August 4 for this opportunity.
6. The Event Includes An Investment In The Future
CompTIA will recognize five “Channel Changers” at this year’s ChannelCon. Ricker describes them as “rising stars in IT” from the Millennial Generation in IT. CompTIA will also explore the possibility of a millennial community to add to its complement of communities and councils.
For more information, including a full agenda and an exhibitor list, click here.