Ingram Micro revamps SME roadshow look

Ingram Micro, in association with PC Dealer, has introduced a series of roadshow events targeting the growing SME market.

The three one-day events, to be called Interface 99, will replace Ingram's product-oriented Showcase, which has been running since 1992. Kicking off next month, the seminars will be held in Edinburgh (25 February), Birmingham (3 March), London (11 March).

Sandy Scott, UK managing director of Ingram, said: 'Interface 99 reflects our decision to move away from the more traditional product-focused exhibition format towards an interactive conference and seminar-based event.'

Each event will feature interactive presentations by industry figures and vendors on product launches, upcoming technologies and market and channel trends. In line with the presentations, the show will cover six main sectors: desktop publishing; design and document management; office productivity software and licensing; mobile/remote computing, multimedia/peripherals; networking; data storage, media and supplies.

'PC Dealer is happy to be sponsoring Interface because it offers visitors a full schedule of talks and opportunities to question leading industry figures,' said Paula Barnes, publisher of PC Dealer.

Ingram Micro will also launch VentureTech in the UK, its pan-European SME reseller scheme.

Matt McDowell, head of marketing at Ingram, said: 'VentureTech is a network of authorised of resellers that will receive benefits ranging from additional credit facilities and business planing tools to help with the development of a Website.'

Show previews and interviews will be appearing in PC Dealer and event details can be obtained by calling 0345 464 726.