Resellers and end user customers have turned out in force for Ingram Micro Showcase 2017 events in Wellington and Christchurch, with a wide array of new vendors and products garnering interest.

Product highlights this year include the latest Microsoft Studio and Surface Hub, HP security offerings around print and integrated privacy screens, new iPad Pro models from Apple and Intel's Optane memory, which can optimise existing PC performance when running Windows 10.

Also gaining plenty of attention are multivendor solutions around areas including unified communications and pro AV.

A popular choice at both the Christchurch and Wellington events has been recent Ingram Micro NZ signing, the AirBar – a plug and touch device which adds touchscreen capabilities to Windows 10 laptops and 13-inch MacBook Airs – with visitors also queuing to test their artistic skills on Wacom's latest tablets.

Gary Bigwood, Ingram Micro New Zealand executive managing director, says “We saw considerable growth in 2016 with ongoing demand for new and exciting technologies that simply deliver more to users across the enterprise, SMB and consumer segments alike.

“We are seeing this momentum continue in 2017, so for Showcase this year we have brought even more to the table.

Jason Langley, Ingram Micro senior general manager for advanced solutions, says feedback from channel partners, customers and vendors has been ‘overwhelmingly positive with everyone relishing the opportunity to reconnect and learn about what's new in their respective areas of interest'.

Showcase hits Auckland next Wednesday, with pre-registrations for the event already ‘well up on last year' according to Langley.

Keynote speakers at the Auckland event will include financial journalist and commentator Bernard Hickey, education futurist Frances Valintine and LinkedIn specialist Kate Nankivell.

“Our speakers reflect the diversity and opportunities that technology offers and the impact it continues to have on business and end-user alike,” Bigwood says.

“It's about understanding how technology is changing the way New Zealanders live, work and play.

“That's why we are strongly emphasising to all our channel partners that their customers are also more than welcome to attend. We want them to come along and see first hand the business benefits that are possible when you are using the latest generation of business solutions.

Register for the Auckland event here.

Photos: Brady Dyer Photography