INGRAM MICRO FESTIVAL OF TECHNOLOGY
Celebrating technology Ingram Micro’s recent Festival of Technology brought together leading players in the sector to showcase cutting edge technology that resellers should be looking to offer customers.
The picturesque surroundings of Fairmont Windsor Park in Egham are full of history, but on October 18 it was the future that was in the spotlight, as Ingram Micro’s first Festival of Technology took place. The event, in the planning for more than a year, was designed as a tech expo with a difference where more than 220 customers and resellers from around the country converged to learn more about the array of technologies on offer now and in the future, as well as listening to speeches from thought leaders in the sector and taking advantage of plentiful networking opportunities. Among the exhibitors at the expo were Axis showcasing their security systems that combine intelligent technology with human imagination, Poly and Logitech’s integrating video conferencing solutions that bring teams together no matter where they are, and Ergotron’s human-centric medical equipment that is turning the tables for healthcare workers and patients everywhere. Keynotes There were also a diverse range of keynote speakers, including James Morley-Smith, senior director of user experience, research and human factors at Zebra Technologies, who spoke about how behaviours are changing and there is now the need for production and provision of products right at the point of demand. Elsewhere, Dayle Guy, business development manager at Epson UK Ltd, talked about the partners who drive technology forward and
transform the customer experience, and how we educate each other to #doyourbit for the environment. Continuing the theme of the changing world, James Spencer, business development director video at Jabra, spoke about how remote and hybrid working have changed the conversation on where and when we can do our work and have fast-tracked the digital transformation across many organisations. He explored what greater autonomy means for employees, why we should think about workspaces beyond the notion of productivity, and how technology will help us strengthen our relationships in an increasingly distributed future of work. Finally in the morning, David Craggs, product growth manager at Newland, spoke about what Newland has done and must do to gain ground on a market leading brand, focusing on the value of alternative thinking and the potential rewards for doing that. Another highlight was the afternoon talk from broadcaster and self-proclaimed ‘first generation geek’, Jason Bradbury. His entertaining talk covered past technological breakthroughs and his belief that the next 10 years could see as much progress as the last millennium. Embracing technology In addition, the Festival showcased some of the best of what Ingram Micro’s specialist business units have to offer. “For example, with technology in data capture and point of sale, it is a very large and specialist business, but we want the wider channel to embrace these technologies,” says Raj Pandya, commercial director, specialty solutions at Ingram Micro.
Raj Pandya, commercial director, specialty solutions Ingram Micro
What the vendors said EPSON: At the Festival of Technology, we presented in three different slots: our keynote speaker was about Epson’s Eco Credentials and social responsibility to the environment, customers and employees. We also did two breakout sessions which were on POS and ColorWorks hardware. The day was very well attended and gave Epson the chance to showcase POS and ColorWorks hardware, including some new mobile products. It was also a great chance for ID&C to showcase their Event Badging solution which includes the Epson C3500. After the last two years of COVID and lockdowns it is positive to be able to get out and meet customers again, and events like this help facilitate that very well, particularly with the high number of visitors.
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