What is the draw of this unique channel event? For the past several years, under the leadership of CEO Todd Thibodeaux, CompTIA has been steadily building a position at the center of the channel, offering opportunities for the IT industry to build careers and networks, gain knowledge and business opportunities and, most importantly, to congregate and collaborate, working together to drive the global IT industry forward.
I’d like to share what I think are the top three reasons Breakaway 2012 is surging forward.
1. Education. Positioned as the premier education event for the IT channel, Breakaway 2012 offers an agenda full of vendor-neutral, industry-standard, best-practice channel training and education. A rich syllabus of content offers everything from 45-minute “what you need to know” Quick Start sessions to deep dive, multi-module workshops offering Executive Certificates of assessment and completion across several market segments.
All of CompTIA’s education and training materials are built by the industry, for the industry. Filling a void in the channel, its’ business- and market-focused content is a perfect complement and foundation for technology solution training offered by vendors and manufacturers. There will be plenty of education for vendors too, driven by our Vendor Advisory and Partner500 Councils as well as industry subject matter experts. Industry panels and guest speakers will round out the greatest wealth of information and intelligence one can receive in four days. Kudos to CompTIA Events & Education SVP Kelly Ricker and her team for building a stellar event and curriculum.
2. Communities. Breakaway 2012 allows you to engage with CompTIA’s channel communities and councils. These 15 member-governed, market specific groups work together all year long, but Breakaway is where they come together face to face and welcome new participants into the fold.
Each community is tasked with identifying and executing two initiatives that will have a positive impact on the marketplace. CompTIA supports these initiatives with the necessary resources and as a result, and in effect, leaves 30 footprints on the IT channel industry each year. These contributions might be in the form of comprehensive research studies, training and education materials, organizational Trustmark credentials or industry resource portals. Vendors, distributors, solution providers and industry consultants all join in on the conversations and presentations, creating a unique forum where diverse industry perspectives can be shared, considered and leveraged.
3. Networking. While there are many other benefits of attending Breakaway 2012, you’ll be surrounded by peers and partners for a few focused days, fully immersed in the business of being a channel executive at a time of great change, challenge and opportunity. The power of networking is undeniable. With CompTIA’s “big tent” approach to the market, the potential to meet the broadest cross section of the market is unparalleled.
CompTIA exists solely to support and drive the IT industry forward. Coupled with our certification, advocacy and philanthropy efforts, industry professionals appreciate being a part of it all. It is very rewarding to belong to an industry association that allows you to give back while receiving great value, where you can learn from others and contribute what you know. Breakaway 2012 allows you to not only meet with and identify new partners to drive your business – but also to work alongside them to effect positive change and industry growth. We are entering a new phase in the channel where straightforward education, communication and collaboration will be key. The 1000+ registered attendees understand that Breakaway 2012 holds that key to the future.
All channel professionals are welcome at Breakaway 2012. Registration is free to all CompTIA members and partners – and membership is included with all paid registrations .
I am looking forward to seeing the industry come together at Breakaway 2012 and to all the great initiatives and opportunities that will come out of it. I hope you will be one of the many joining us. Wishing everyone safe travels and good business, here’s to Breakaway 2012!
