CLEARWATER, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tech Data Corporation (NasdaqGS: TECD) hosted its second Channel Link event on September 14-16, 2011 at the J.W. Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE. The two-and-a-half-day conference attracted 600 participants to hear presentations from industry thought leaders on the hottest topics in the IT channel, experience the latest technologies and products from over 90 leading vendor partners, and enjoy outstanding keynote speeches from Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Bob Dutkowsky, Tech Data’s Chief Executive Officer.
“The Fall 2011 Channel Link was one of the most successful events in Tech Data’s history,” said Joe Quaglia, Senior Vice President, U.S. Marketing for Tech Data. “We have received an overwhelmingly positive response from our attendees. Through the peer connection discussion groups, business enablement sessions, and business connection workshops, resellers and vendors were able to collaborate on ways to build and improve successful businesses in the channel.”
During Channel Link’s opening general session, Tech Data’s strategic initiatives in the digital signage, cloud services, mobility, and software divisions were presented by Dutkowsky and Quaglia, including a live demonstration of the Company’s innovative StreamOneTM Software License Selector. The StreamOneTM Software License Selector recently earned Tech Data its second straight appearance on the InformationWeek 500.
“Channel Link offered solution providers a clear vision of Tech Data’s strategic initiatives while fostering an environment of collaboration among channel partners,” said Gini Agee, Research Director, Infrastructure Channels and Alliances at IDC. "The topics of cloud computing and mobility solutions figured prominently throughout the conference and offer solution providers tremendous upside if they are able to evolve their business models to accommodate the new delivery methods. Tech Data’s innovative StreamOne and TDMobility platforms look to be especially beneficial for resellers and ISVs in this transformative stage and beyond."
Other highlights of Channel Link included a Women in the Channel lunch, featuring a panel of female channel executives who shared their experience and insight on leadership, building relationships and expanding opportunity horizons, as well as the new CEO Series, a leadership seminar designed for small- to medium-sized businesses.
“This Channel Link was the best meeting I’ve been to in the five I’ve attended with Tech Data,” said Robert Thompson, Executive Vice President at Melbourne, Florida-based Three Fires Technology Solutions, Inc. “Tech Data does an outstanding job connecting solutions providers in the channel. The conference was a useful tool to stay on top of the latest technologies and trends in the industry.”
Attendees were also treated to an All-Star Dinner featuring Los Angeles sports legends A.C. Green, James Worthy, Steve Garvey, and Vince Ferragamo, as well as a performance by KC and The Sunshine Band.
About Tech Data
Tech Data Corporation is one of the world’s largest wholesale distributors of technology products. Its advanced logistics capabilities and value added services enable 125,000 resellers in more than 100 countries to efficiently and cost effectively support the diverse technology needs of end users. Tech Data generated $24.4 billion in net sales for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, and is ranked 109th on the Fortune 500®. To learn more, visit www.techdata.com.