PSNI PVPs and Affiliates Gather in Chicago for Most-Attended PVP Champions Summit

	Andy Sellers, PSNI president

Professional Systems Network International (PSNI) just wrapped the fifth annual Preferred Vendor Partner (PVP) Champions Summit at the Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel July 7 - 9, 2014. This year's event was attended by product decision makers from 32 affiliates and 16 PVPs. Attendees met in small groups with each PVP to discuss the industry, innovation, PVP programs and service offerings. This year's multi-day event boasted the largest attendance since its launch in 2010.

"As PSNI has grown in size and technology capabilities, so have our vendors grown right with us over the years," said Andy Sellers PSNI president and head of Sensory Technologies. "Our Preferred Vender Partner program is a true partnership of technology experts whose goals are to best serve PSNI clients. The annual PVP Champions Summit is an opportunity for everyone to assess current technologies, how well they are working in the marketplace, what improvements would help affiliates and clients, and what the future looks like from both perspectives."

The original PSNI PVP program's somewhat humble beginnings were in 2002 with PSNI working with just four vendor partners as a way to strengthen marketing partnerships with key manufacturers that support the AV and broadcast industry.

Today, the PVP program includes 18 manufacturers, distributors, and service providers that represent nearly $100,000,000 in annual sales with PSNI affiliate partners.

The PVP Champions Summit launched when PSNI asked each affiliate to assign a PVP program "Champion" to be the face of the affiliate for each PVP. By assigning a "champion," each PVP has a point of contact to share knowledge regarding programs, pricing, changes, and updates. In 2014, PSNI invited attendees that had decision-making system specification and design authority to meet with each PVP.

That tradition continued this year, with the biggest difference being that this one boasts the largest attendance in the event's history.

Presentations focused on a better understanding of each PVP's programs, value proposition, new technology, applications, and project profiles of systems that integrated each PVP's products and services. PVP presenters included Kramer, Scansource, Middle Atlantic, Panasonic, Chief, Da-Lite, Draper, Anixter, Belden, Winsted, Fujinon, Synnex, Bosch, BTX, and Christie.

In addition to discussing business with PVPs, the group also had a great time networking and spending time with their peer group and representatives from the PVP companies. Activities included an outing to the famous Morton's Steak House for an offsite dinner.