Previously known as the Vendor Engagement Forum, this refreshed format for 2016 is geared specifically towards sales executives in partners that are targeting SMBs and has a strong focus on enabling business growth and identifying new business opportunities.
Vendors supporting the event include Cisco, HP, HP Enterprise and Veeam. Representatives from all Tech Data’s focused business units and Collection of Specialists, including Azlan, Tech Data Mobile, Maverick and Datech, will be in attendance.
“SMB partners will get a tremendous amount of value by attending the Partner Academy”, said Sara Gemmell, Marketing Services Director at the company. “It is specifically designed to help SMB-focused partner sales teams improve their knowledge and skills, get right up to date with the very latest solutions and technologies, and deepen their relationships with vendors and our own teams. In addition to the plenary sessions, there will be opportunities to get in-depth insights into new solutions during smaller interactive sessions and to meet, network and hold face-to-face discussions with a diverse range of leading vendors and Tech Data personnel. It will be beneficial and time very well spent for everyone involved.”
The event will also showcase the broad range of services and capabilities Tech Data offers to SMB resellers. These include extensive and specialist sales support and bid-pricing, access to online resources and the provision of financial support. Earlier this year, Tech Data made over £150 million additional credit available to more than 4000 of its customers. The company has also announced a number of significant investments that enhance its services for SMB partners and its web presence in recent weeks.
Tech Data has launched a mobile-optimised version of its InTouch ecommerce site, bringing comprehensive access to real-time product information, availability and pricing to resellers’ smartphone and tablet screens. The app provides new interactive features that help partners engage with customers on the spot and increase their prospects of winning business. It has also made improvements to its desktop website, introducing redesigned product pages and new Category Stores that make it easier and faster to find products.