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01732 759725 EVENTS 40 Up and running Channel Live returns to the NEC, Birmingham in September 2018, after a ‘hugely successful’ inaugural event Streaming studio Channel Live was a hub of activity over the two days – nowhere more so than the Live Streaming Studio, set up in association with Disruptive Tech TV. Here, Comms Business Editor and Channel Live Content Director David Dungay quizzed channel experts, such as Entanet CEO Elsa Chen, about the changing market and what to look forward to in 2018. These Live Streams received more than 11,000 views during the event and were enjoyed as a live spectacle by visitors and on the organiser’s websites. Seminar programme The seminar programme was a big hit with delegates and exhibitors, covering topics, such as cyber security, IoT, 5G, Skype for Business, GDPR and Digital Transformation. People queued up outside the theatres to hear keynote speakers like Daisy Group CEO Neil Muller and Cal Leeming, a former hacker turned cyber security expert, whose vibrant keynote engaged and entertained the audience. Adam Harris hosted the panel debate ‘Who is eating your lunch? Competition in the Channel’. He and leading lights from the ICT industry shared their thoughts on how competition has changed in the last five years and what resellers can do to compete against converged partners that seem to offer it all. Other well attended panel debates tackled the issue of GDPR. Dr Lucy Green and other experts discussed the scaremongering tactics being deployed by the Channel; and Santiago Castro from Keyrus considered what will actually happen in May 2018 – will there be huge fines and public shaming or will it be a case of business as usual? Free training Alongside the main Channel Live event, Train to Win.TV ran free training sessions where delegates could brush up their selling skills. Selling SIP and Hosted was particularly popular amongst the IT, Data and Telecoms resellers in attendance. Gala Dinner After a long day on the show floor, the Channel Live Gala Dinner (sponsored by Knight Corporate Finance) was a chance to let off steam and network with industry friends and colleagues. Alfie Moore, a policeman turned comedian, proved to be a very entertaining after-dinner speaker, delighting the audience with hilarious tales of his time on the beat. After the success of this year’s show, Swink Events is already turning its thoughts to Channel Live 2018, which returns to the NEC, Birmingham on September 11-12. Put it in your diary now. www.channel-live.co.uk More than 3,000 of the Channel’s leading businesses flocked to the NEC, Birmingham on September 12-13 for the inaugural Channel Live exhibition. The ‘hugely successful’ two-day exhibition and conference gave visitors the opportunity to see the latest technology and rub shoulders with senior decision- makers from top ICT suppliers. Paul Johnson, managing director of event organiser Swink Events, told Technology Reseller that Channel Live was well received by channel partners and vendors. “The ICT Channel has never been faster moving or faced more challenges, but with these challenges comes opportunity. Channel Live provides an annual focus for businesses to launch new products and services and for individuals to network with peers, receive free education and have some fun.” Johnson added: “We were delighted with the launch event and are already planning for an even better event in 2018.” We were delighted with the launch event and are already planning for an even better event in 2018 92% 93% 100% 92% 93% 100% 92% 93% 100% of exhibitors rated the seminar content/speakers as Good or Very Good of exhibitors said the quality of delegates either met or exceeded their expectations of respondents rated the Gala Dinner as Good, Very Good or Excellent What you said “What an utterly brilliant show. The new channel gold standard event.” – Andrew Dickinson, Jola “A fantastic event – well organised, well attended. These events make our industry what it is, which is full of dynamic people who want to continue to learn and progress!” – Justin Blaine, Channel Sales Manager, NTA “Very good event – well done!” – Andrew Skipsey, MD, M12 Solutions “A fantastic step change. A brilliant job. I personally got great value from the event.” – Michael J Thornton, Director, KSM Telecom “Great event; we are looking forward to the next one. Lots of potential new partnerships to explore.” – Mark Bridgman, Service and Operations Director, Support UK