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Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. 2023 LEAD Beyond Conference and Exhibition, September 12-14, Bellagio, Las Vegas.
LEAD Beyond was Toshiba’s first dealer show post-pandemic. Dealers, partners, and customers were invited to experience the latest technology and discuss future strategy in Las Vegas. Centered around an interactive product fair, featuring Toshiba products and solutions within vertical market spaces, the event was an opportunity to demonstrate how Toshiba is helping businesses overcome workplace challenges. CEO & President Larry White identified the company’s five strategic initiatives during his address:
- Helping dealers grow print and diversify.
- Creating a streamlined organization and processes with a targeted dealer.
- Providing dealers with the right products and support.
- Working with a singular focus where clients and partners come first.
- Investing in its client partners and the communities where they reside.
Multiple events rounded out this conference: breakout sessions, a thought-leadership breakfast discussing employee hiring & retention, motivational keynote address by Jon Dorenbos, press dinner and sneak-peek product fair tour, VIP up-close magic event, and sponsor/vendor dinner. All providing a conducive atmosphere for networking and best-practice sharing.
Worth mentioning in detail are the reception, giveback, and closing event.
Majestic Monochrome – The opening reception was a nostalgic celebration of Toshiba’s history and innovative spirit in the print industry. Back to the days of black & white copiers, the venue included advertising displays from early years, and icons of the industry. Retro food with a new twist was served. Example: Tuna Casserole – seared ahi with deconstructed mac & cheese. Attendees dressed in black & white.
Captivating Color – The closing party was held at the Jewel Nightclub honoring Toshiba’s print to digital transformation and valued partners and clients. Vibrant colors and dynamic visuals celebrated the fusion of cutting-edge technology and creative innovation. Attendees dressed in vibrant colors.
LEAD Giveback - Toshiba selected Orangewood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, for the first-ever LEAD Giveback. This organization helps foster and community youth thrive and prosper into adulthood. Attendees inspired by these personal journeys put that inspiration into action. $10,421 was raised by attendees; Toshiba added $10K, totaling $20,421 for a worthwhile cause.
Noteworthy: as LEAD began, MGM property Bellagio was hacked - as was every MGM hotel. Computers were shut down, creating mass confusion. The Cannata Report stated that Toshiba rose to the occasion and created a special check-in line; the reporter received his room in 20 minutes while people (not part of the event) were waiting for up to two hours to checkin.
After LEAD Beyond, the LEAD Beyond Virtual Conference provided Toshiba sales, service, and support professionals unable to attend the live event with the opportunity to view recordings of general sessions, technology breakouts sessions, and keynote address in Toshiba’s eXchange social business network. The LEAD Beyond Virtual Conference was attended by more than 150 individuals who viewed/downloaded 275+ content items (videos, PowerPoint decks, PDFs, event pictures, and marketing assets).
Financial Results
Sales opportunities created before LEAD, and closed after the event by companies who attended totaled - $4,547,065: 168 current customers and 110 prospects.
Dealer channel sales increased an average of 33%, half over half, by dealers in attendance.