Computer & Media Dealers’ Association (CMDA), one of the premier associations of IT dealers and resellers in India, organised its flagship CMDA B2B IT Expo 2019, in Pune
Themed ‘Business Transformation Together’, the two-day flagship event of CMDA focused on newer business opportunities and improved channel access. In a first, the 21st edition of the expo was focused on B2B trade. Diego Utge, SVP and Chief Country Executive, Ingram Micro India graced the event as the Chief Guest; whereas, Kailash Katkar, Managing Director, Quick Heal Technologies was present as the Guest of Honour. Alongside, the event was inaugurated by Vivek Ashturkar, President, CMDA; Satyan Shah, Vice President, CMDA; and Rahul Hazare, Secretary, CMDA.
In his special address, Utge said, “India is transforming with new technologies, and CMDA is helping vendors and partners leverage this opportunity. The country provides many opportunities for the IT channel industry. It’s a complex market, but this complexity brings in various opportunities as well – we need to identify and tap them. Apart from running our business, we need to have a strategic mindset. In the future, the industry will see consolidation, but there will also be emergence of new partner ecosystems. Partners need to develop new skill sets in order to grow further.”
On the occasion, CMDA also launched an Expo Directory.
Katkar, who has been associated with CMDA since its inception, shared how the association has grown over the years, serving as a platform for channel partners across Maharashtra. He said, “This year’s edition is unique than the previous ones. CMDA is working hard to ensure lively business for partners and vendors. This B2B event was the need of the hour due to growing competition in the market. Channel partners have already established significant connect in the industry, but they need to work on new ideas such as the services segment. Partners should build their own identity with their services; this will definitely help them grow.”
Today, CMDA has over 370 members, who serve almost 90 per cent of the computer hardware and consumables business in Pune region. Over the years, the IT expo gained in size and underwent a lot of changes.
Speaking at the event, Ashturkar said, “We have achieved various miletones in our journey, and many more will come in the future. This has been possible with the support of our more than 370 members. Today, we are at the peak of our success. CMDA has been providing numerous opportunities for its members and this expo is our flagship effort in this direction.”
Adding to that, Shah stated, “This year’s B2B theme was in line with the changes in business trends and new innovations. We have exhibitors showcasing diversified solutions. This creates a win-win situation for both, channel partners and vendors.”
In his concluding address, Hazare thanked all CMDA members, guests, sponsors, exhibitors, and channel partners.
