Future focus at Channel Conference

Come to Channel Conference to find out the road through the clouds to take in 2013. Fleur Doidge outlines the schedule

Technology providers of all sizes are urged to attend this year's CRN Channel Conference at the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel -- not least because they will get an on-the-ground insight into G-Cloud and related procurement issues.

Cloud is here to stay and no channel business can afford to ignore the trend if it wants to maximise its returns and longevity in the industry. It is a building block on a path to customer business transformation that will involve increased mobility and virtualisation, feed off and play into consumerisation, keep on cutting capital costs for the end user, and boost business processes to enable true agility.

There is a lot for the forward-thinking channel company to consider.

Public sector procurement sometimes seems as changeable as the weather, and with the advent of G-Cloud more transformation than ever may be on the radar. Eleanor Stewart, engagement manager for the G-Cloud programme, has very kindly given her time to address Channel Conference and explain how the channel -- especially smaller partners -- can adapt its approach to public sector deals in the light of greater decentralisation.

James Thomas, IT director for the University College London Hospital, will give his view from an NHS perspective.

Sara Yirrell, editor of CRN, says the 11 October event -- free to attend for all resellers and similar technology providers -- will not just be simply another networking opportunity.

"We aim to address the topics that really matter to business people in the channel. Our events team has taken care to put together this event, incorporating as much feedback as we can," she says. "Do come along, and introduce yourself to the team and to our speakers on the day."

Ian Pearson, futurologist at Futurizon, is expected to give a fascinating presentation on what the channel will look like in another 10 years. This will be a must-attend for any channel executive who wants to get the jump on the competition by devising a more future-proof strategy for his or her business.

"The most successful businesses are not the strongest, nor the most intelligent ones, but the most adaptable to change," Pearson has claimed. "Businesses that do well when the economic climate bounces back will be those keeping up."

He promises to offer unique insights into the future of mobile tech - as will other speakers, including Sophos' James Lyne -- and the eventual shape of the workplace. Importantly, he will look at how these changes will affect the IT sales channel as well as customers and other suppliers.

Attendees will also have the opportunity for one-on-one sessions with several key brands, including event sponsors Huawei, Sophos and Webroot. This will help them learn about the big players' strategies for the future and explore the reseller role.

"Delegates can take advantage of this opportunity to glean really useful advice and tips they can apply immediately," says CRN's Yirrell. "Importantly, they can also query and challenge what is being said on the day."

Big data, the skills shortage, sales strategies and other issues will also be discussed in depth. The conference will end at 5pm.

• For more information and to register click here