Dubai Computer Group (DCG) has concluded a mega event, DCG Desert Safari Retreat, last month. The event was aimed at building team spirit among the association’s members. The event gathered more than 600 executives from channel firms for fun-filled dune bashing and related experiences.
According to Dharmendra Sawlani, president, DCG, the objective of this event was to bring together the frontline staff of channel firms on a single platform to network and socialise.
He said, “In the past, we have had many owner-to-owner interaction events, but an event of this scale and type was never held before. These are the people who deal with each other daily. This event allows them to connect better and take the business forward in a better way. Doing it in a social setting gives them the freedom to let their hair down and network.”
One of silver sponsors for the event, D-Link Middle East’s director for sales and marketing, Sakkeer Hussain, said, “It was great to enjoy ourselves with all our IT reseller partners at DCG’s Desert Safari event. It helps us to strengthen our relationships with our channel community and discuss ways to advance business operations efficiently.”
Ashok Kumar, vice president, DCG and MD, New Trend Computer, said, “This is the first time DCG has organised an event of this scale. We have had great success with networking events for partners and owners in the past. The Desert Safari was an initiative to build team spirit within the channel firms’ staff. We had a fantastic time and it was well-received by all attendees. We hope such initiatives will give all stakeholders a chance to boost confidence and business by getting to know one another well.”
Mohammed Owais, WD’s sales director for distribution and channel, and also a silver sponsor for the event, said, “Channel is an integral part of our business. DCG focuses on ways to enhance the channel business and address key issues. We find it fruitful to associate ourselves with DCG as there is immense value for us as a vendor. This event has given us an opportunity to network with our partners and understand better the challenges that they face daily.”
With Toshiba on board as the Gold Sponsor, the event boasted prominent partners such as AOC, ASBIS, Canon, D-Link, Western Digital, Xcel Host and XFX as Silver Sponsors. Reseller Middle East was the event’s supporting partner.
At the event, Toshiba’s Santosh Varghese, general manager, Middle East and Africa, urged channel partners to integrate innovation and value-add into their businesses to accelerate market opportunities.
He said, “Partners should look at ways in which they can sustain their business long-term and ensure innovative differentiated offerings to be successful.”
DCG also hosts IT symposiums and conferences regularly to promote unity and accelerate the channel businesses within the region. The association also helps to control reseller runaway incidents by emphasising on knowledge sharing and organising awareness events. The group expects to have many similar kinds of events in the coming year as well.
