Avnet Hall-Mark, a leading value-added distributor of IBM enterprise servers, storage, software and services, will ignite growth and leadership opportunities for IBM solution providers focused on e-business-on-demand at its annual IBM Partner Conference, Sept. 7-10 in San Antonio.

The conference is one of the largest gatherings of IBM solution providers, independent software vendors (ISVs), IBM executives and Avnet Hall-Mark personnel. Approximately 1,000 attendees from North America, including more than 400 partner organizations, representing solution providers and ISVs, are expected at this year's event. The event is dedicated to providing valuable IBM training, certifications and networking opportunities to enable solution providers to market e-business-on-demand solutions -- with the ultimate goal of increasing sales for Avnet Hall-Mark partners and IBM.

The theme of this year's conference is "Ignition 03: The Fast Lane to e-Business On Demand." Key senior IBM executives -- including Bob Samson, vice president of Worldwide Systems Sales for IBM Systems Group; Dan Fortin, vice president of Business Partners at Americas; and Mike Borman, general manager of Global Business Partners -- will lead discussions in the general sessions. With a selection of more than 100 sessions available to provide a more formal environment to learn about specific areas of interest in e-business-on-demand, attendees can customize their learning experience by selecting from 11 education tracks. Partners may also take advantage of certification training prior to the event, as well as certification testing that will be available throughout the conference.

The Solution Center will feature more than 40 exhibits from various ISVs, IBM and Avnet Hall-Mark. Attendees will increase their understanding of specific products and services while exploring potential new solutions. Supporting the theme of the conference, there will be five pedestals dedicated to educating partners on the IBM e-business-on-demand sales tools.

According to Fred J. Cuen, executive vice president and general manager of Avnet Hall-Mark's IBM Business Unit, the key to growth is knowledge. "This year's Partner Conference will feature more than 100 hours of education to enable our Solution Providers to build on valuable skills which will increase sales and lead to our mutual success. At the end of the day, this conference is intended to enable our Partners to be the best in the marketplace and ultimately close more business."

"Avnet Hall-Mark's Partner Conference is an outstanding venue for partners to gain insight into IBM's e-business-on-demand strategy. It provides the opportunity for partners to see e-business-on-demand solutions first hand and consult with experts on key focus areas for their customers' business," said Dan Fortin, vice president of Business Partners at IBM.