The technology industry is about to get a new conference and trade show that will fuse all aspects of the telecom/cloud, IT services and communications hardware channel. Set to hold its inaugural edition at the Charlotte Convention CenterJune 7-9, Channel Fusion Expo will converge channel sales agents, value-added resellers (VARs) and managed service providers (MSPs), along with service providers, tech solutions brokers (TSBs), tech solutions providers (TSPs), distributors and IT technology suppliers. 

To be delivered in hybrid format, the multi-experiential event will be produced in partnership by Convey Services, a leading channel content solution provider, and global engagement and marketing agency MCI USA. Approximately 80-90 exhibitors and more than 1,500 attendees are expected to participate in the show’s first edition, according to MCI officials.  

According to Jim Forlenza, MCI USA senior vice president, SEM&I, the new show is designed to fill current gaps in the technology channel marketplace. 

“Channel Fusion content is focused on solution-oriented selling that helps technology sellers grow their business, expand their portfolio of services, become more efficient sellers and develop revenue in new market verticals,” Forlenza explained. “In short, the content is not about product development or industry 101 practices, but about offering solutions to sellers in an interactive and hands-on way.”

He continued, “Channel Fusion directly targets three distinct industry personas: owners and c-level executives, rising stars and young professionals, [with] content uniquely crafted and curated for each distinct level.” 

He added that the show’s content will also be offered in several different formats, including workshops, presentations, one-on-one discussions and small format Q&As.

According to Carolyn Bradfield, CEO and founder of Convey, Channel Fusion Expo represents a much-needed change in how technology events are delivered by creating a new and unique journey for technology sellers and their providers.

“The focus of the event is to accelerate connections and forge new partnerships while creating channels for participants to share their expertise and craft new strategies to grow their businesses,” she said.  

To ensure a unique and meaningful experience, Channel Fusion Expo’s content strategy, engagement activities and programming will be guided by an advisory panel of industry leaders, including agents, service providers and channel sellers. Attendees will have the chance to make purposeful connections, generate ideas and explore real-world strategies in a collaborative environment comprising more than 40 educational sessions and leading exhibitors. 

Education session topics will include:

• How to Open the Conversation About Cybersecurity
• Steering the Ship Through the Waters of a Turbulent Industry (5 Principals to Prepare for the Unknown)
• The Top 5 Digital Transformation Solutions Your Customers Will Implement in 2023
• When and If to Diversify Your Financial Model
• The Elevator Ride to the “Next Level” in Your Business
• Networking and Interactive Discussions:
• Knowledge Bar: Intimate group discussions Learning Lab: Real-life case studies, workshops and solutions
• Smart Meetings: Matchmaking program for attendees and exhibitors to advance business opportunities
• Channel Accelerator: Connecting attendees to unique providers with innovative solutions in the channel 

According to Forlenza, the new show is a live extension evolved from the successful, all-virtual Cloud Conventions events produced by Convey Services in 2020 and 2021. Created to meet pent-up demand during the height of the pandemic, these digital event experiences provided an enhanced virtual experience, superior content and extended engagement opportunities for participants. 

“In launching Channel Fusion, we wanted to retain the best parts of those virtual events: content aimed at sellers, content focused on business growth and the development of community – those elements are the core of Channel Fusion,” Forlenza said. “Channel Fusion will also take its live content and offer it virtually as both selected live sessions and post-event on-demand content. While the live attendee gets the hi-touch opportunity, the virtual audience is able explore content and make new connections within the [Cloud Conventions] platform.” 

The show will also offer a matchmaking program that will allow attendees and exhibitors of both the live and virtual events to connect with each other before, during and after the event, he added.

But why launch a trade show and conference for an industry currently facing tremendous stress? In light of that, now couldn’t be a better time to introduce Channel Fusion, Forlenza asserted.

“Historically, the tech industry is very resilient, and a growing number of industries and younger employees are increasingly reliant on tech trends,” he said. “But more importantly, Channel Fusion is about navigating change, uncovering new trends and helping owners and sellers maintain and grow their businesses, in even the most difficult of times. In that sense, it is the perfect time to host Channel Fusion.” 

Those interested in previewing the event can take part in a series of free virtual pre-event workshops led by industry professionals. To view the schedule and topics and to register (registration for workshops includes a discount for the live event), go here.

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