The Business Products Council Association (BPCA) held its largest-ever Spring Best Practices Meeting this past week in Philadelphia, bringing over 140 people from dealerships to the Live! Casino & Hotel for three days of networking and learning. Stratix Systems was the local host dealer and their black and red branding was everywhere.
Two new dealers were welcomed into the BPCA family, highlighting their continued focus on filling open territories. For the first time in years, the BPCA’s website is now open to the public, showcasing member benefits, upcoming event details, and resources for dealers interested in joining the association.
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If you’re not familiar with BPCA: BPCA is a peer group of independent office equipment and business technology dealers who meet twice a year to share What’s Happenin’; what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next. Founded in 1967 by a group of 3M dealers, BPCA has grown into a powerful voice for resellers in the office technology space — covering everything from MFPs to managed IT and workflow automation. Dominic Pontrelli, the executive director, has been working with BPCA for years and his latest conference in Philly was the best one I’ve attended in recent memory.
Stratix and the BPCA Board modeled the agenda after the format of the Executive Connection Summit (ECS), one of the most respected networking and leadership events in the industry. ECS-style panels, breakout tracks, and speaker lineups — including returning keynote Mike Sarraille of the Talent War Group — set the tone for the conference.
After Sarraille, Key Kain of GreatAmerica introduced his panel that included West McDonald, Randy Dazo of Keypoint Intelligence, Kate Kingston, and Gary Lavin of CEO Juice. It was interesting to see the different perspective and how each of the panelists approached AI. The session focused on topics like AI-driven marketin, sales fundamentals and aftermarket profitability.
The vendor lineup was a who’s who of key players in our space. Special thanks to the sponsors that support both BPCA and Industry Analysts:
Other sponsors attending include Nexera and AgentDealer.
One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the candid dialogue between dealer owners and their vendors. The private owner sessions gave office equipment resellers a chance to ask tough questions — especially around the growing uncertainty of tariffs and supply chain disruptions. It’s this kind of open, constructive conversation that makes peer groups like BPCA so impactful.
Of course, it wasn’t all business. The dinner at Victory Beer Hall in Xfinity Live! gave attendees a chance to unwind in a fun, relaxed setting — with food, cold drinks, and a view of the Philadelphia sports skyline. Moving events like this around the country — rather than sticking to the usual Vegas/Orlando rotation — keeps things fresh and gives people a reason to show up. It’s also drivable, which allowed several northeast resellers to bring a full team to the event.
As someone who attends quite a few industry events each year, I have to say BPCA gets it right. The format works. The dealers are engaged. And most importantly, the sharing is real. If you’re an office equipment reseller looking for a community of peers who are willing to open the books, share ideas, and help each other grow — BPCA is worth a look.
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Andy Slawetsky
Publisher, Industry Analysts Inc.
SOURCE Industry Analysts Inc.
