Marking the 19th anniversary of the industry’s largest trade show, Ingram Micro NZ Managing Director Gary Bigwood spoke of “exciting changes ahead.”

Addressing a jam-packed ASB Showgrounds via the official event brochure, Bigwood laid praise on over 50 vendors, vendors who brought their products, programs, messages and opportunities to the show floor.

“Some of the vendors have exhibited at every single Showcase since 1996,” he said. “Others are brand new this year,” he excitedly added.

Responding to popular demand, Ingram Micro quadrupled its Vendor Seminar capability this year, running over 20 sessions throughout the day, including the thought-provoking iOS in Business talk, as well as engaging debates by IBM, Microsoft, HP to name a few.

Adopting a mobile approach to the event, the Showcase incorporated the popular Showgizmo App - available for iPhone and Android - which communicated and guided attendees around the sessions, offering up-to-date seminar information plus a raft of exclusive offers.

But all quirks aside, Bigwood was quick to remind the audience of the two key opportunities which come by attending Showcase.

“Firstly, this event is a fast track way for you and your colleagues to get an update from the key vendors in the local market,” he added. “Secondly, it is arguable the most efficient way to learn what is going on and where the opportunities are.

“There is simply no other way you can meet with 50+ vendors in just a few hours.”

Encouraging the invitation of key customers, attendees certainly took Bigwood up on his word, with a sea of industry folk either delivering on, or receiving, that unrivalled value-add experience.

“Showcase is a great opportunity to get customers thinking about new technologies and opportunities that can help them be more productive and achieve higher success through their valued partnership with you,” he added.

While the event may have now passed, time flies in the tech industry and soon Ingram will be opening the doors on its 20th Showcase event, and when they do Bigwood, like every year has one simple message… “seize the opportunity”.