Agenda
Seminars
IT Security and the Mac World
As security threats continue to grow and compliance issues take root, you need to deliver the best up-to-date IT security protection to your clients. While Apple users have been somewhat under the radar as targets for security issues, emerging threats will have to be managed to protect your clients. Listen to the experts on the latest trends, solutions and best practices.
Inside the Apple VAR
A panel of leading Mac VARS will discuss the current market conditions and explore ways in which Apple VARS can succeed. We will explore topics such as how Apple VARS are co-existing with Apple-Owned Stores and Web Stores. We will explore best-growth and emerging opportunities and market trends. How Mac technology can win against PC environments.
Industry Leaders and Mac Vendor Keynotes
You will hear from top industry leaders and select Mac Vendors on specific topics of interest to you. It will educate and inspire you in a way that will benefit your business. Learn what these experts know and explore how it can benefit your company.
Managed Services for the Mac Platform
Listen to expert speakers on best practices of the growing Managed Service business model and what current and future opportunities are available to you. See the latest MSP technologies. Meet and network with leading MSP vendors and your peers. Explore new market and partnership opportunities. With nearly 70% of Solution Providers currently offering some level of MS, you need to be on top of this lucrative market.
The Apple VAR Forum
Mary Percat will host this interactive town-hall type discussion with Apple VARS. They will discuss some of the challenges facing the VARS and explore possible solutions. The results of this will start a road map for exploring changes that could make the Apple Channel More effective. They will also discuss the role of distributors and how they are available to help VARS succeed.
VARCoach Seminars
The Sales and Marketing Process, Employee Hiring and Retention will be amongst the key topics for our VARCoach seminars this year. Our industry experts will show you the best business practices to increase your sales and profits while reducing overhead costs. Today's business managers need to be aware (and reminded) of these important best business practices so they can lead their company to be as successful as possible. Our VARCoach seminars get excellent reviews by the attendees every year. For more information please visit www.varcoach.com
Opening Keynote
Jeff Cates, General Business Division Manager of Apple Canada, will be speaking about the evolution of the channel and will draw on his experiences at HP and the IT industry in general to give a higher level perspective of Apple and the Channel
VAR to VAR/Mac Consultants Partnerships for Profits
Instead of only looking at other VARS as competitors, some smart VARS are already reaping the benefits of collaborating with other VARS. Listen to leading VARS and industry experts on the growing trend of VARS partnering with other VARS and Mac Consultants to service their customers more effectively. As new markets and business solutions emerge, VARS are finding that working with others partners with the expertise already in place is a more profitable strategy than "reinventing the wheel" to do it yourself. This is particularly valuable when servicing national or international clients, especially if you do not have facilities/resources in every location.
Focus on Three Profitable Vertical Mac Markets - Mail Servers, Unified Communications and IT Security
A panel of Mac VAR owners and vendors will present how they are successful in 3 vertical markets for Mac and how they are winning business against Windows platforms. Select vendors that they are using to build these solutions will also be on hand to answer questions.
The Channel in Transition
Join Mary Percat for a breakout discussion on identifying opportunities for building an Apple VAR business.
Mary Percat is National Reseller Sales Manager, General Business, Apple Canada
Keynote by Jeff Cates of Apple Canada
Join Jeff Cates, General Business Division Manager of Apple Canada who will speak on evolution in the channel, why it's happening, what's happening.