Scenes From CMP Channel's Virtual Tradeshow

Earlier this month, CMP Channel hosted its first ever virtual tradeshow, aimed at solution providers serving the midmarket. In attendance were over 700 solution providers and technology vendors.

And if you missed it, you can still check out the virtual tradeshow online here.

From the main hall (pictured right), attendees could choose whether to attend keynote speeches, or browse vendor booths.

Event goers could wander the exhibit hall and decide which booths to visit. Exhibitors included Arrow ECS, Citrix, Toshiba, FalconStor, Sybase, RSA, AUTOTASK, Catalyst and Emerson.

Attendees could chat in real time with company representatives via instant messaging.

Attendees could plug in with headphones and listen to speeches via podcast, on subjects such as innovative technologies that drive midmarket sales.

In his opening keynote, CMP Channel President Robert Faletra outlined strategies for growing midmarket business.

Solution providers also held panels with video and Q&A sessions for attendees.

CMP Channel Editorial Director Robert C. DeMarzo hosted a panel discussion with three of the nation's top VARs who sell to the midmarket. The VARs included Ken Enloe of Huber and Associates, Austin Park of PDS and Greg Knieriemen of Chi Corp. Go to the presentation to find out their tips for selling to customers that employee between 100 and 1,000 workers.

The Lounge allowed event goers to socialize and network with each other, using message boards and chat rooms. One disadvantage: virtual lounges can't provide real alcohol.

In addition to the main graphic interface, users could navigate the tradeshow with the Event Map at the far left of the page.

At the Channel Resource Center, attendees could download useful resources such as white papers, spec sheets, web casts and marketing collateral.