Approximately 575 people participated in the fourth Southern California Technology & Business Summit over two days in Los Angeles on May 21 and Orange County on May 23. More than 425 participants were integrators and the remainder consisted of exhibitors, reps, and industry associates.
TheSouthern California Technology & BusinessSummit, hosted by 15 independent manufacturer rep firms in that region, featured product training and business classes. Pictured, top row (l-r) are hosts Chris Dixon (Chris Dixon Company), Len Provost (Novidor & Firestone), Brian O’Conner, Bruce Davidson (Promark), Mike McManus (Calwest), Mark Cichowski (Clarity & Event Organizer), Wil Vitela (AV Parts), Bill Grover (Morris Tait), and Mark Mendelsohn (Newport Marketing). Seated, Tina Metz (JBA), Trayce Blake (Cinema di Cuore), Mike Kavanaugh (MK Marketing), Eric Leicht (AV Partners). Not Pictured, Brad Crawford (Western Sales & Marketing) and Paul Collins (Paul Collins Group)
The Summit is an event brought to the industry by a collaborative effort of 15 independent manufacturer rep firms in Southern California. The hosts of 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, ProMark, CESR, and Cinema di Cuore.
Ninety exhibitors also participated with tabletop displays and factory staff. The intimate venue and focused displays encouraged an interactive environment where dealers were able to have in-depth conversations. Breakfast and lunch were served to participants, as well.
Mark Cichowski, of Clarity AV and Integrator Network, said that a key ingredient of the Summit is having everyone working together, showing a commitment to help make the industry better. “The higher number of attendees and exhibitors over last year was obvious, and what made the event even more special was the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere,” he said. “People were very engaged with each other at the exhibitor tables, seminars, and even while sitting at the breakfast and lunch tables.”
The Summit also featured six general session seminars on industry trends and various business topics. There were also 18 different manufacturer trainings.
“We enjoyed strong attendance, but what was even more important is that the integrators that participated were not ‘tire kickers,’” Cichowski said. “They were not there for the free pens at the exhibitor tables, but rather to learn, attend seminars, speak with exhibitors, and sincerely find ways to improve their business. We find the quality of the attendees a very important factor. It was rewarding to hear so many comments about the value of the event from both integrators and exhibitors, and that they are already looking forward to next year.”
