1 The UC Summit Consultant FAQ's 1. Why a ... - UCStrategies.com

The UC Summit Consultant FAQ’s
1. Why a “UC SUMMIT”?
As the team at UCStrategies.com talks and works with vendors, dealers/VARs
(resellers) and independent consultants in our industry, it’s apparent that many
people at all levels are still working to best understand and leverage the unified
communications opportunity – what it is, who the manufacturing leaders are, why
customers will be buying it and how they can best stand to benefit from it. In the
case of a consultant, a clearer understanding of the “who, why, what and how”
can only improve your ability make strategic decisions both about your business
direction and about how best to manage your customers in the future.
Vendors looking to build their position in the UC world are regularly approaching
consultants. This then is their opportunity to talk directly and more intimately with
the thought leaders among consultants, to learn more about what you think and
need to succeed along side them. In addition, we know that the
consultant/reseller (Solutions Integrator) relationship is a critical one to making
UC a success for customers. Hence, the UC Summit –a chance for all three
groups to connect together.
2. Who are the constituents for this event?
UCStrategies is inviting a decision maker (President, Owner, General Manager,
Sales Manager) from Solutions Integrator organizations that have been identified
as currently offering “converged solutions” (VoIP) to their customers, as well as
Solutions Integrators who have already started down the UC path.
In addition, we are inviting a select number of consultants who have been
identified as working with customers on converged and UC solutions. We
believe it is important for Solutions Integrators and consultants to learn from and
network with each other as well as the vendors who will be attending.
Vendors will be limited to those who we believe are in a thought leadership role
and collectively represent a cross section of the various products/applications
that go into a “UC solution” (i.e. collaboration, presence, mobility, security, VoIP,
network management, etc.). The companies will represent the very largest in the
industry as well as some exciting young companies.
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3. What is the overall value of this relatively unique format, which appears
intense and fast-paced?
As a business owner or executive, your time is very tight, so the format packs
numerous opportunities and experiences into very full days and evenings – along
with some time for fun and relaxation. Solutions Integrators tell us that they are
looking for more effective means to network, gain a competitive advantage, and
build a stronger business. And consultants have told us that they don’t want to
be sold to but rather educated. We have structured the event to address these
issues. In addition, as former educators, we know that people can absorb more
information when they are involved in a variety of activities at varying paces. For
this reason, the agenda includes numerous activities – from roundtable and
panel sessions to an exhibit hall to cocktail parties and dinners.
4. What experiences will I have while attending this event?
The Summit format has been used very successfully in the past. In a relatively
short period of time it gives you:
• A rare opportunity to meet with and talk in depth to a number of high
quality vendors and resellers over a period of 2.5 days
• An even rarer opportunity to network with your peers to discuss best
business practices as well as “what’s hot and what’s not”
• An unusual opportunity for learning more about the industry from a
number of industry experts – in a forum that offers dialog opportunities
rather than just presentations
• An appealing resort setting that facilitates networking and education
experiences while still giving you some time to relax
5. What is the general profile of the Solutions Integrator attendees at this
event?
• The attendees come from both the traditional VAR community (about 60%
of the attendees) and the telecom community (about 40%). What they
share is a vision for their future and an understanding that “business as
usual” is no longer the road to success.
• Attendees are selected to offer a broad representation of market
coverage. Some focus on large and enterprise markets; some on
government, education, healthcare, etc.; and the majority focus on the
small and medium market.
• The annual revenue of the invited Solutions Integrators generally falls into
the $25-50m range, with some Solutions Integrators doing considerably
higher revenue overall and others, in building mode, doing less.
6. What can I expect to take away from this event?
It’s really pretty simple, but very significant!
• Fresh business ideas, strategies, and tactics gained through the time
spent networking with your peers – more best business practices!
• The potential for a strong relationship with some new vendors, a stronger
relationship with some of your existing vendors and a variety of new
relationships with leading Solutions Integrators for you to depend on in the
field.
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• Vital information on the UC industry that will help you make key decisions
about your business and that of your customers
• An expanded industry network because we all know the importance of a
strong network
7. OK, I can see that this event would be important for my business overall,
but travel and hotels can really add up!
First, let’s be clear that Solutions Integrators and consultants are the guests of
UCStrategies. The only expense that you will incur is for your travel. You will be
staying at the beautiful, intimate Estancia Resort in the posh beach town of La
Jolla, California. The Summit event takes over the entire resort. And if you’re
wondering why we’re willing to pay most of your expenses, it’s because the
vendors in this industry understand very well that one of their most significant
challenges in unified communications is the growth of a consultant community.
8. I get it! Who do I contact about an invitation?
Contact Pam Avila at 303-400-6383 or pavila@ucstrategies.com. It’s that simple!
But don’t wait because this event has been kept relatively small to facilitate
networking and relationship building. There is space for only 40 Consultants.
See you at the UC Summit!
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