We’re Off to St. Louis! SADA will be better for it.

It’s not too often one gets an invitation of this type. Of course, I could not refuse. We were recommended by one of the vendors which whom we have struck a relationship recently - Phoenix Technologies. They can boast about being the only software maker to have their product installed on more PC’s than Microsoft! (They make that BIOS software, that’s basically on every machine). Great group.

What makes this event so huge? It’s the fact that every major producer of hardware and software on the planet will be there - and will be unveiling some of the newest technology available to business. Also - not everybody gets to go. Only a select number of VARs (Value Added Resellers like SADA) get the all-expenses paid trip.

You can get the full attendee list here:
http://www.cmpxchange.com/xchange06_attendees

To be once again be mentioned next to industry giants like BearingPoint, Northrup Grumman, and Accenture is quite the honor.

That’s all well and good, but why attend? What’s the real benefit? Sure, the agenda is exciting, somebody else is paying, and we’re sure to learn lots about products. (Some of the exclusive, first-time announcements to be made can be found here:
http://www.cmpxchange.com/xchange06_agenda

With all events of this type - there is another, perhaps much more important thing happening behind the scenes - it’s what takes place between all of the structured events - it’s the time we all spend getting to know others in our industry, to learn how they do what they do that makes THEM successful, and likewise sharing our own insights into where our industry is headed, and what the most beneficial and best-of-breed solutions are for our customers. It’s a chance to share with those who may otherwise be viewed as ‘competition’ in another arena - but not this one. Personally, I’m looking forward to this unique synergy. I see it as the best way to continually improve what SADA does, and how – value which translates to everything good for our current and future clients.

This even is produced CMP Media - the leading publisher of Industry magazines of our trade. I believe they are in a unique position to be able to organize events of this scale and relevance. And to them I’m thankful.

Next time I write, I’ll be in St. Louis - Blogging mostly from my Treo 700! (Expect much shorter postings!)

Wish me luck! I’ll be leaving the hair gel and contact lens solution in my checked-bags…