Toshiba took its LEAD conference to the Sunshine State in November, hosting its 2013 event at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando Nov. 11-14. With its theme of “Touch the Future,” the conference brought dealers and end users together to learn what the future holds for their businesses with topics that included digital signage, security, MPS and more.

Scott Maccabe, president and CEO of Toshiba America Business Solutions, kicked off the event using Walt Disney’s EPCOT as an example of touching the future, much like Toshiba. He discussed the new digital world — fully integrated, with print just one part of the offerings — and Toshiba’s product lineup, awards and accomplishments. MPS, he said, now represents 20 percent of the company’s total business. He also mentioned the advantages to brand agnosticism and explained how trusted partners Lexmark and HP have aided in the company’s growth. “Long-term success in today’s marketplace depends on successful partnerships,” Maccabe said.

Digital signage was a major focus at the event, with sessions that included “Digital Signage: The New MPS?” and “How to Profit from Digital Signage,” which explained the product as well as how to profit from the business model. Bill Melo made the analogy of the difference between static and digital signage being similar to the difference between analog and digital copiers; it is more dynamic, attention-grabbing, useful and informative.

Other presentation topics at the dealer conference included “The New Aftermarket: Ways to Expand Post-Sale Revenue” and “Why Selling Security Makes Sense.”

The event’s second day included the company’s third end-user conference. Last year’s conference brought $7.2 million in new business to Toshiba, with this year’s event expected to be even more successful. Topics included “Enhancing Productivity With Cloud and Mobile Applications,” “Workflow Solutions to Increase Productivity and Improve Bottom Line,” “Fleet Optimization Strategies and Tools,” “Implementing Enterprise Managed Print Services – a Case Study,” as well as “Digital Signage – Easy to Manage, Impossible to Ignore.”

The event wrapped up with a party at Universal Studios, allowing attendees to network and relax while digesting the information presented over the two days.

As a company committed to remaining on the cutting edge of technological advancements, Toshiba is certainly one to keep an eye on over the coming year.

Posted by Amy Weiss on 11/21/2013