ITEX Returning to U.S. East Coast in 2015

Questex Media Group LLC reports that its ITEX National Conference and Expo for the office-imaging channel will return March 10-12, 2015 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the Broward County Convention Center. As a national show, and as the 15th annual show, ITEX says its move to the East Coast is part of a longer term rotational strategy to make the event more accessible to the channel. Factoring in the geographic locations of ITEX’s core audience of dealers and the increasing number of value-added resellers (VARs) and managed service providers (MSPs) attending, the eastern part of the country provides for efficient and cost-effective participation by both attendees and vendors.

“Based on feedback shared on-site and post-show from attendees, exhibitors, and our Advisory Council, the ITEX community is very supportive of moving to a Florida destination,” said Wendy Loew, Group Event Director at Questex Media Group LLC. “In fact, Florida was ranked as one of the top destinations for future events by attendees and exhibitors, and it was also the second ranked state in terms of attendance at ITEX 2014. These data points further reinforce that ITEX is going where the market is.”

“According to our channel density map and research, over 65 percent of the Channel is located east of the Mississippi, so it only makes sense for ITEX to do a rotational strategy for 2015,” says Jon Reardon, Group Director of Office Document Technologies at InfoTrends. “This move will put this national event in an advantageous location for a high population of dealers, resellers, VARs, MSPs, and system integrators on the East coast to attend, who haven’t been able to attend ITEX in recent years.”

Continuing on as the industry’s only vendor-neutral event, ITEX 2015 will feature a conference program, sponsors and exhibitors, and networking opportunities. The conference program will expand upon its “Voice of the Dealer” sessions to highlight peer-to-peer learning. Networking opportunities will be enhanced, including a Golf Tournament offering more chances for attendees and sponsors to connect and partner.

Dealers and exhibitors have reacted positively to the news of the move. Kevin J. DeYoung, President & CEO, Qualpath, Inc., said, “ITEX is one of the rare opportunities I take advantage of to stay current on the most important industry trends, meet with vendors, and to collaborate with peers to maintain a competitive edge in our Industry. The ability to do this and walk away armed with new information and business opportunities make this a very productive and business justifiable event. I’m excited to see the venue change to South Florida, which offers fantastic weather, beaches, night life, culture, and some of the best restaurants this nation has to offer. Whether it’s South Beach, Fort Lauderdale or the Palm Beaches, they are all within a 20 minute drive and offer something for everyone. Nice choice ITEX!”

Greg Schloemer, President of DocuWare Corporation, said, “As a long-time exhibitor, DocuWare is pleased to learn of the move to Fort Lauderdale for ITEX 2015. Florida is a very advantageous location for this channel and the Fort Lauderdale venue will certainly attract new East Coast attendees. We look forward to being a part of the event next year.”

Named a top destination for business travel by the Global Business Travel Association, the Broward County Convention Center is easily accessible from multiple airports and hotels, as well as a short distance from local attractions. Fort Lauderdale offers the unique opportunity to provide a luxury yet affordable destination that is convenient for a high percentage of the channel. As ITEX is becoming more of a technology-driven event, this move also brings it closer to the IT audience, allowing the event to broaden its market by reaching VARs, IT resellers, and System Integrators, while simultaneously strengthening its core audience. Additionally, this move brings ITEX closer to international markets for increased opportunities in Canada, Mexico and Latin America.

Exhibitor sign up for the 2015 event is available now at www.itexshow.com and a call for papers announcement will be sent out this summer.