In its fourth year, the Technology & Business Summit, a business-training event brought to the industry by a collection of independent manufacturer rep firms in Southern California, will be held on May 21 in Los Angeles and repeated on May 23 in Orange County.
Last year, the Summit grew to 10 rep firms and evolved significantly in scope. This year, 13 rep firms and more 80 exhibitors will be participating. Rep firms hosting the event are Summit founding members, Calwest Marketing, Clarity Business Group, and Western Sales & Marketing as well as AV Partners, AV Parts, Chris Dixon Company, JBA Marketing, MK Marketing, Morris Tait, Newport Marketing Group, Novidor & Firestone, Paul Collins Associates, and ProMark.
Although the Summit is experiencing massive growth, the education component, and small, focused displays allow for a more intimate setting that promotes more “one on one” interactions. The Summit will also inclue breakfast, lunch, and snacks, so integrators can stay the whole day.
“When we expanded the Summit to 10 firms, it was something that had never been done at this level of participation and with this many firms,” explained Summit organizer Mark Cichowski of Clarity & Integrator Network. “Although competitors in some respects, every firm collaborated to make the Summit extremely successful. We all have the attitude of ‘let’s continue to check our egos at the door and to make this better and better for all involved.’ It is that spirit and commitment that will grow business for the dealer, exhibitor, and rep.”
The Summit’s education seminars have evolved, based on feedback from prior events, focusing on not only the technology, but also on the “business of business.”
“Let’s face it, there are some integrators that have not had a lot of real-world business experience outside of being an integrator,” Cichowski said. “Others may simply want to hone their business chops. Our seminars focus on real-world application oriented classes that give integrators tools that they can utilize immediately.”
CEDIA serves again as a sponsor of the Summit, and the event will have expanded class offerings, which around approximately 75 minutes each. The following courses are planned:
Real World Implementation of Tech Trends and the State of the Industry, Erica Shonkwiler and Dave Pedigo, CEDIA
Selling Service Agreements & Other Recurring Revenue Options. Jason Knott, CEPro Editor
HDMI – Taming This Four-Letter Word, Michael Schaler, Industry Expert
Business Seminar – Targeting the Right Clients, Proven Methods to Build Referrals, and the Key to Close More Sales, Glenn Hansen, One Accord Business
Networking (IP) – Panel Discussion on Planning and Constructing a Solid and Practical Network, Industry Experts
Selling Luxury Goods – Real-Life Selling Strategies and Techniques to Sell Luxury Goods, Michael Pyle, Industry Expert
In addition to General Education Sessions, the Summit will again incorporate Manufacturer Training Sessions this year. Some Manufacturer Sessions and General Sessions will earn CEDIA Education Credits. In addition, the Summit will have a live projector demo area in a darkened room, along with several screens.
To register, visit www.techsummitwest.com
