Virtual Tech Fair Presents High Performance Education Series Line-Up

In the continuing tradition of presenting best practices in the industry, the Virtual Tech Fair™ presents technology leaders of the wholesale/distribution communities.

The debut of the Virtual Tech Fair™ hosted by the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group promises to offer another avenue for businesses to reach out to their community – whether they are around the corner or around the globe – and accelerates their software selection process.

The complimentary, interactive event to be held September 12-13 takes the most successful elements of a live trade show and translates them into the virtual world of the Internet. Attendees enjoy product demos, event networking, show prizes and educational presentations from industry leaders — all at no cost AND in the comfort of their own office or home. To register visit www.virtualtechfair.com.

Virtual Tech Fair education sessions will include:

• What To Look For In An Enterprise Software Solution
Russ Mellot, senior director of solution development, Activant®

Enterprise software solutions - designed with distributors' specific needs in mind - can help streamline business processes. This session will help determine what functionality is needed to help increase sales, improve customer service and reduce operating expenses.

• Benefits of Leveraging Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) / E-Commerce E2E Across an Organization
Joshua M. Bultz, manager, service custom and Go-Live solutions, Intuit Eclipse

A comprehensive definition and explanation of EDI technology and discussion of potential financial and operational improvements a distributor could realize by implementing EDI across an organization.

• Embracing Changing Technology – The 2007 Technology Outlook For Wholesale Distribution
Adam J. Fein, Ph.D. is president of Pembroke Consulting, Inc and author of wholesale industry's future trends report Facing the Forces of Change: The Road to Opportunity

Wholesale distribution is emerging as one of the most technology-intensive industries in the U.S. economy. Technology investments by wholesaler-distributors represent opportunities to solve genuine problems for customers while driving continuous improvement in the business. The industry continues to contribute an impressive portion of our country’s productivity growth, with employment gains far below top line revenue increases.

• Getting Your Independent Systems to Talk to Each Other
Rick Sundahl, president, Grey Wolf Systems

Distribution businesses can no longer depend upon one system to provide 100 percent the information required of employees, customers and vendors. "Getting Your Independent Systems to Talk to Each Other" covers the role of application integration in distribution information technology.

• Missing A Link In The Supply Chain?
Syed Kamal, founder and CEO, Gillani

Distribution is a critical link in the supply chain, deserving the attention of a best-of-class, integrated distribution management and financial solution. In today's active distribution market success requires the ability to address customer requirements, business growth and an evolving market.

• Integrate The Supply Chain Utilizing Technology With Your Customers, Partners and Suppliers
Len Merkel, manager, quality assurance, International Business Systems

In today’s global economy, organizations need to integrate applications from different parts within the company and from other companies to achieve measurable and fast ROI, quantifiable value and competitive advantages. Learn to leverage your existing systems to streamline and enhance supply chain integration tools.

• Improve Your Software Implementation Experience
Scott Pugmire, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Sage Software

Choosing the right software to run your wholesale distribution operations is only the beginning. There are things that you should expect and tips you should know to make your entire implementation experience as productive as possible.




• Vendor Managed Inventory
Keith Jones, national sales manager, IST

A brief examination of the history, growth, value propositions of vendor managed inventory problems and the technology drivers of these programs.

• Computer System Selection And Implementation
Panel discussion hosted by Alexander Haig of World Business Review.

Guests include:
o Dan Miklovic, vice president research, Gartner G2 Consulting
o Dennis R. Cowhey, president, Computer Insights, Inc.
o Diane M. Miller, general manager, Computer Insights, Inc.

• Enabling Operational Excellence And Profitable Growth Through Enterprise Technology
George Hvizd, industry principal, wholesale distribution, SAP

Current industry trends and challenges and a look at the future of technology in Wholesale Distribution and how distributors are enabling enterprise technologies to address current business issues while driving growth and profitability.


• Are You Ready To Maximize Your Bottom Line?
Microsoft

Let’s face it: things are tight. More likely than not, your company – like so many others – is facing a budget challenge. Where can you streamline processes? How can you minimize spending?

Bottom line: how can you increase profits in this economic landscape? Innovative business owners and managers in the warehousing, manufacturing and distribution sectors know that they must pursue and utilize leading-edge business tools in order to compete and survive in the global marketplace.

• Are Virtual Trade Shows Part Of Your Future?
Steve Epner, founder, Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group

I wonder if our company can use this platform? Can we increase business? Can we open new markets? Can we better introduce new products? Can we sell new products to existing customers? This presentation will walk you through what it took to produce this virtual tech fair – with straight talk about the costs and economics and a behind the scenes look at how it works and upcoming developments.

To Register:
Register online at www.virtualtechfair.com


Platinum Exhibitors:
Activant, Computer Insights, Gillani, IBS, Infor, Integrated Systems Technology, Intuit Eclipse, Microsoft, Sage Software, SAP

Event Sponsors:
IBM, Industrial Distribution Magazine, ID Supplier Search, Modern Distribution Management

About Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group
St. Louis based Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, founded in 1976, is an independent, full-service technology consulting firm. For more information visit www.software4distributors.com or call 888.279.2792.