I am honored to announce that in April of this year, I was elected President of the Chicago chapter of the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP). IAMCP has 38 chapters throughout the United States, and the Chicago chapter is the third-largest in the country with approximately 60 members.
What is IAMCP?
The IAMCP was formed in 1994 as a global networking venue for Microsoft Partners. Its mission is to maximize the business potential of members through peer-to-peer interaction, community outreach, member advocacy, growth, and education. Not every Microsoft Partner is a part of IAMCP. It is also not required to be a Microsoft Partner in order to be a member of IAMCP, but being in the tech industry with some Microsoft experience is essential.
Check out more information on joining the IAMCP.
IAMCP chapters meet monthly to foster relationship building between Microsoft partners and to discuss business and technical topics that are front of mind for Microsoft partners. Each monthly meeting typically includes a guest speaker who has deep expertise in a topic that is highly relevant to our members. Past speakers have included high-level Microsoft executives, Microsoft technical leaders, the FBI, local, state, and national politicians, sales trainers, and members of our own chapter. Meetings are typically held at a Microsoft Technology Center at the Aon Center in downtown Chicago, the Microsoft office in Downers Grove, or at a member's office in the Chicagoland area.
Who Leads Chicago's IAMCP Chapter?
Each chapter of the IAMCP has its own board. Board members are all volunteer and the Chicago chapter has 6 board members: the president, vice president, communications, treasurer and two at large board member positions, which are filled by the last two presidents.
In addition, our chapter has several chairpersons, including a membership chair and a diversity and inclusion chair.
The Chicago IAMCP chapter also maintains a tight relationship with the WIT Network Chicago chapter, which DMC Project Manager, Anjali Bharadwa co-chairs.
Why Join IAMCP?
The IAMCP provides members with the opportunity to receive input and support from Microsoft experts on strategy, sales, marketing, and technical enablement.
Personally, I think the number one benefit of joining the IAMCP is that members gain access to a trusted network of other partners who have specialties and expertise outside of their own, which allows a member to provide better solutions for their clients. I have made great personal friendships with members of IAMCP and formed many business relationships as well. At the end of the day, I feel like I am a better adviser to my clients as a result of the relationships made possible through the IAMCP.
Another great benefit for IAMCP members is having the opportunity at the Annual Inspire Partners Conference to meet with top executives from Microsoft in small round table discussions. For example, at the partner conference this past July, I had the opportunity to meet with Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft!
Pictured from left to right: John Nicolau ZLan Partners and former IAMCP Chicago Chapter President, Brad Smith Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer, Rick Rietz DMC Director of Digital Workplace Solutions.
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