Pack your golf clubs and order some fresh business cards. It's time to head for Las Vegas and this year's Electronic Distribution Show (EDS), scheduled for May 14-17 at the Paris and Bally's hotels. During the event, manufacturers of electronic components, test instruments, and accessories will have countless opportunities to meet with their distributors, representatives, and suppliers.
In addition to the networking, EDS will have plenty of educational seminars on tap for manufacturers and distributors alike. Highlights include sessions on protecting businesses against IT risks, industry trends and developments, building alignment and accountability, what's new in demand creation, and opportunities beyond distribution.
Attendees also should be sure to try EDS eXtreme Networking. Modeled after the popular speed dating trend, this hour-long Tuesday session will match attendees up with dozens of "dream dates" in brief but intense introductions and chats. Participants should register early to guarantee that they will be paired up with the types of distributors, manufacturers, and representatives they most want to meet.
Guests looking for more traditional networking opportunities can sign up for the annual golf outing, slated for May 13 at the Royal Links Golf Club. Breakfasts and receptions, including a "Fabulous 50s Party," are scheduled. And then there's the shmoozing off of the show floor, as the 5000 expected attendees mingle in conference units and hotel suites.
"Today, more than half the action at EDS is above ground level," says EDS executive vice president Gerald M. Newman.
EDS 2007
www.edsc.org