ITEX 2011 Addresses the Future of Office Solutions In its 11th year, the ITEX National Expo & Conference, the largest North American trade show in the imaging channel, is getting set to deliver real solutions, real opportunities, and real value to the thousands of dealers and providers who look to ITEX for trendsetting information to advance their business. From education tracks with critical topics needing to be addressed (and are) by experts in their fields, to a huge exhibit floor with the newest technologies and professional services offered, ITEX has become the ideal venue to find the most credible solutions in the channel. Innovative technologies, mission-critical information, and collaborative business intelligence are strategically in place for ITEX 2011 attendees. A line up of state of the art office products and methodologies will soon showcase the ways, means and future of office solutions in order to thrive – right now, right methods, right road for beyond. Each year the mega tradeshow addresses the current state of the industry – and economy – by providing a “power menu of information tools” at their annual expo, this year held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. on March 22-23. Power Hours and More In a matter of two days, the all-encompassing ITEX Expo synergistically connects a vast exhibit floor with 35 strategically developed Power Hour classes within five education tracks presented by experienced industry experts and confident dealers with hands-on experience to share. Valuable information is also found in mini-forums for more in-depth focus, including the MPS Strategy Forum held simultaneously at the show, and two pre-conference workshops held one day prior to the official show opening. The latter addresses both Managed Services and Service Operations in half day workshops. All ITEX education is developed, reviewed and implemented from use of ongoing research and collaborative consulting resources, and then collectively assembled as salient topics within trendsetting track categories. All sessions address the current needs of office dealers and business providers. Without question, as companies face the challenge of maintaining profit levels, it takes commitment to providing a broad menu of services to secure market share, while retaining existing customer business. By adopting modern strategies and implementing new methods, by adjusting dealer portfolios to meet market demand, by achieving new service benchmark levels, and readily getting trained where needed, providers can get ahead of the competition. Getting beside or beyond the hybrid dealer mindset today in order to grow your business takes commitment. It means sidestepping today’s economic uncertainty in favor of learning new means that will alter the course of your business. Ideally, ITEX provides the best opportunity for providers to both learn and network, finding good partnerships to advance company growth. From solid education and products to special forums and Perfect Image Awards, from visionaries kicking off keynotes (MWAi / Intel) to current events for association members who network at the show – the tangible tools ITEX delivers will affect your company today – along with its future tomorrow. For detailed information visit www.itexshow.com . * Sand Sinclair is ITEX Conference Director.