The Independent Business Products Inc. (IBPI) Connect Conference kicked off the week of June 16 in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM. Held in conjunction with the Business Technology Association (BTA) National Conference, the IBPI portion drew 80 member dealers—including 26 first-time attendees—and 25 sponsoring vendors, possibly making it the group’s largest Connect gathering to date.
During opening remarks at the welcome reception, Executive Director Mark Grice announced that IBPI returned over $1 million in rebates to member office equipment resellers in 2024.
Even more impressive, the first quarter of 2025 was the organization’s best quarter ever. That momentum could be felt throughout the event and it started with recognition of dealers who spent the most with IBPI vendors last year.
Speed Dating with Purpose
Tuesday’s agenda was entirely devoted to IBPI’s vendor-member one-on-ones—12-minute meetings between dealers and 25 vendors in a structured speed dating format. It sounded intense, and it was. Dealers loved it. The format made it easy to get focused time with every sponsor and left plenty of opportunity to explore new partnerships.
Partners of this publication at IBPI Connect included Polek & Polek, the Platinum sponsor for the event, as well as Clover Imaging, ConnectWise, Toshiba, SalesChain, and Hytec.
Click here to see the full list of IBPI sponsors.
A Big Night and a Big Announcement
Tuesday evening, IBPI and BTA members gathered for a joint reception on the grounds of the host hotel. The scenic New Mexico backdrop made for a perfect setting for a well-attended night of mingling. Many attendees are active in both organizations, and the crossover made for a smooth transition between the two conferences.
The following morning, IBPI’s portion of the event wrapped up with a high-profile fireside chat featuring Sharp Electronics President and CEO Mike Marusic and NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. Emmitt spoke candidly about his career, leadership, and business, sticking around afterward to take photos with attendees. He was an awesome speaker! The session also served as a handoff between IBPI and the start of BTA’s National Conference.
Before Connect 2025 ended, IBPI unveiled its new logo and refreshed branding. As the largest buying group for office technology dealers in the U.S. and Canada, IBPI’s new look reflects a continued commitment to strengthening its 500+ member companies through volume purchasing power, dealer independence, and big-time end-of-year rebates.
Click here to learn more about IBPI and its dealer programs.
SOURCE Industry Analysts Inc.
