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By Kelly Teal

It's been several years since I had the opportunity to attend a Channel Partners show. And I have to tell you, I was blown away by you, the partners and suppliers. The economy, horrific as it has been, has increased your resolve to be your customers' most valuable resource. For agents, some providers' unwelcome commission changes have pushed you to educate yourselves on new products and sign up with fresh vendors and masters. And for VARs, the reduced capex spending among your traditional base has you eyeing the telecom side of the data world.

All of that drove you to take advantage of everything Channel Partners had to offer. You crammed the education sessions and vendor presentations, clamored to the Peer-to-Peer networking mixer and fueled non-stop activity on the show floor. I overheard so many serious discussions and business deals in the works that I lost track of the number – honestly.

You all seriously impressed me, and I know you impressed one another. At least a dozen people talked to me about the industry's energy, how it feels invigorated and refreshed, on the verge of exciting change. I agree. And it’s all due to your eagerness to evolve, and due to the Channel Partners Conference & Expo (the result of many of my co-workers' earnest and intense labor). I don't know when I’ll see most of you again but when I do, I expect to see continued transformation and enthusiasm, and reports of ever-growing revenue. Thank you for such a great show!