Increasing the pulse of the industry: ITEX 2004

Office World News, Sep/Oct 2003 by Ellis, Alicia

Imaging Technology, Education & Exposition (ITEX) 2004 is the only must attend tradeshow for dealers who are currently involved in or are considering imaging technology. Covering the entire spectrum of document technology, ITEX 2004 brings together the latest in copying, printing, scanning, document management, and networking advancements with software, services, parts/supplies, support, and education. Imaging Network, producer of the ITEX shows and publishers of imageSource and Office World News magazines, has been on the cutting edge of the industry for nearly a decade, raising the bar for dealers seeking real world solutions and industry insight.

Giving dealers three days of the most intense training in the industry, ITEX 2004 held on Wednesday, February 4 through Friday, February 6, 2004 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, features first rate sponsorship, enhanced show floor hours and razor sharp educational programs.

Support & Sponsorship

Although still early, the show has already drawn the support of a number of sponsors and associations that recognize ITEX as the industry leader for document technology. These sponsors are committed to offering the dealer a value proposition that will increase their bottom line.

Oki Data Americas, Inc., a major supplier of printers, multifunction products, facsimiles, accessories, and consumables, has taken a lead position in support of the show as ITEX 2004's first Platinum Sponsor. In addition to a larger presence, Oki Data will be holding its dealer meeting during the show.

Toner Charge, one of the largest after-market manufacturer/distributors of laser & inkjet printer, fax and copier compatible imaging supplies, has also shown their support for ITEX with a Platinum Sponsorship. According to Dan Ahmed, President of Toner Charge, "trade shows are about quality attendees, not quantity. At ITEX 2003, we met key decision makers from some of the most established dealers in the country. I got a huge ROI from this show and am excited to support ITEX this year."

OMD Corporation, a leader in the development of integrated business software solutions, has dedicated itself to the ITEX show, announcing that it will be holding its Presidents' Council meeting during the event. OMD's business software is offered to dealers involved in the sales and service of copiers, fax systems, computer and network hardware, point-of-sales systems and more.

And last, but certainly not least, International Business Products Inc. (IBPI), a thirteen year-old buying group composed of nearly 200 independent commercial copier dealers, will hold it's annual meeting during ITEX 2004.

"It is through the support of companies like OMD, Oki Data, IBPI, Katun, Parts Now!, and Toner Charge that we are able to offer a show of such high caliber," said Marc Spring, President of Imaging Network, producer of ITEX and publisher of imageSource and Office World News magazines. "I would encourage dealers to support these companies as they make this industry event possible."

Enhanced Education: Breathing New Life Into The Industry

ITEX delivers nearly 50 hours of education covering every aspect of a dealer's business including service/sales management, industry analysis, human resources, administration, color solutions, document management, and new market opportunities. ITEX delivers classes in a variety of styles and sizes with integrated lectures, moderate dealer roundtables and full day classes.

Kicking off the ITEX tradeshow is an action- packed one- day Dealer Business Forum designed by dealer consultants for dealers. ITEX has partnered with Lou Slawetsky, President of Industry Analysts; Robert Sostilio, President of Sostilio and Associates; and Richard Norton, President of DocuTrends to provide a detailed analysis of the office technology markets and a roadmap for future dealer success.

Combining the strengths of these three industry icons, the Dealer Business Forum will emphasize how go- to- market strategies will evolve over the next few years and how customers will evolve along with their buying criteria. Through a combination of experience, rigorous survey methods and diligent analysis, Slawetsky, Sostilio and Norton will provide dealers with a roadmap for the future. Every session will contain a "What's in it for me?" section that will provide practical tips on how you can lake advantage of the shifts in the marketplace with special attention to how to sell, what to sell, and where the profits will come from.

ITEX University Power Hours will be presented by a host of hand-picked, highly qualified industry peers and consultants, service department heads and sales/marketing veterans with years of experience in the industry. Power Hours are designed to provide in- depth, action-oriented information on the key technologies and essential business strategies required to make dealers more productive and efficient.

Industry analyst, CAP Ventures, is taking a lead role in providing Power Hour sessions during the show and is working to develop a full lineup on a variety of topics.