Expo exposed

Last year's Theatre was all about How to Sell; this year, hot trends will be tackled in depth.

Touring even the most engaging of expositions can drain the energy of all but the most devoted and intrepid lovers of business technology, so Channel Expo will also provide a variety of entertainment and education possibilities.

CRN has planned a veritable oasis amid the waving banners of the stalls, stands and seminars ­ the Press Café ­ where resellers, vendors and distributors alike can cool their heels.

Andrew Hollingworth, director of wholesale at exhibitor and Gold sponsor Opal, said: “Visitors get the chance to rest, refuel and refresh in comfort, and it also gives them an opportunity to digest and review the information presented during the day and compare competitors’ products and services.

“It’s a great area for networking and sharing ideas; I’ll be spending some time there, and hope to meet lots of other like-minded people.”

CRN hospitality
The CRN café will tempt the weary with a range of refreshments, as well as the requisite comfy seats where you can peruse your exhibition guide or negotiate a deal.
Alternatively, you can simply watch the madding crowds at your leisure as they navigate the layout of Hall 9. There will be entertainment even on the stands.

“Opal has hired top London magician and comedian Don Moses,” said Hollingworth. “Visitors to stand 374 can chat with our team and also enjoy some light entertainment.”

Not far away, the CRN Education Theatre and CRN Technology Theatre will host 17 educational seminars and up to 10 technology talks in total. The CRN Education Theatre this year is bringing in futurologist Matthew Poyiadgi, also known for his role at CompTIA, to talk about where the future is heading, how technology is changing our lives and why talent is the key to everything.

Day one will also see Google’s Peter Lorant talk up those ‘Clouds on the Horizon’, looking at trend-of-the-year, cloud computing.

On day two, UK Trade & Investment IT champion Was Rahman will explain how solution providers can expand globally, ploughing fresh fields in these tough times.

Also on day two at the Technology Theatre, Opal will be presenting a “hands-on examination of new applications and services for those looking to offer future-proof, next-generation communications,” according to Hollingworth.

“Opal aims to increase its market share from two to 20 per cent. Gold sponsorship may help us by raising our profile at the show and within the industry.”

Attendees should also watch out for CRN’s roving reporters on both days who will be seeking comment for the Great Channel Debate.

Other facilities
Dedicated areas for internet access will be available, and cloakroom facilities will be provided, as well as plenty of paid parking ­ but with a free shuttle bus laid on to take attendees to and from the hall itself.

The event runs from 10am to 4pm. We will be asking you to register for the 2009 Channel Expo even if you came last year, as updated details will be required.

Regrettably, there will not be a crèche. Delegates who wish to bring their children should phone CRN’s events manager Nathalie Perez on 020 7316 9586 for assistance.

Some manual wheelchairs and walkers will be available. They are provided free to ‘blue badge’ visitors to the NEC Birmingham.

Channel Expo home page
>> www.channelexpo.co.uk