Sharp Advances Digital Dealer Strategies at NEXT 2025 Conference in Orlando

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a key division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, recently hosted its anticipated partner event, NEXT 2025, in Orlando, Florida. This three-day conference, held from October 7-9, brought together Sharp leadership and a range of imaging dealers, underlining a shared commitment to innovation and growth in the ever-evolving business landscape.

The main theme of NEXT 2025 was exploring what’s next for the imaging industry, with a particular focus on embracing innovative strategies that ensure that dealers are equipped for future challenges and opportunities. The event underscored Sharp's initiative to enhance dealer collaboration and foster a supportive community amid rapid technological advancements.

Emphasis on Innovation and Collaboration

At the opening session, John Sheehan, Senior Vice President of Channel Sales, set the tone for the event, welcoming dealers and outlining the key objectives that underscore the importance of innovation in the contemporary business environment. Mike Marusic, President and CEO, took to the stage to elaborate on how Sharp aims to empower dealers through innovative approaches to products, workforce engagement, and streamlined processes. “Our objective is to ensure that dealers not only survive but thrive in today's changing landscape,” Marusic emphasized.

Key executives from Sharp Japan also contributed to the discussions, reaffirming the company's dedication to strategic growth and transformation. Executive leaders Tetsuji Kawamura and Shigeru Kobayashi emphasized the critical role of technology in expanding Sharp’s B2B offerings, pushing for dealers to pivot towards higher-growth solutions beyond traditional print services.

The event included engaging panel discussions where dealers exchanged valuable insights, focusing on streamlined processes and corresponding HR strategies. The significance of matching personalities to roles was highlighted as a key factor in maximizing operational efficiency, showcasing how collaboration fosters innovation among dealers in the Sharp network.

Inspiration from Keynote Speakers

To ignite creativity among attendees, Sharp invited Duncan Wardle, the former Head of Innovation at Disney, to lead a transformative session. His engaging presentation encouraged partners to adopt creative mindsets, challenging them to rethink traditional approaches to business growth and problem-solving. Attendees left the session invigorated and inspired to explore new opportunities with fresh perspectives.

New Technology Unveiled

Central to the NEXT 2025 event was the announcement of groundbreaking technology innovations. Sharp unveiled 18 new high-performance multifunction printers, with capabilities ranging from 26 to 65 pages per minute. These state-of-the-art models, part of the Advanced and Essentials Series, are backed by advanced security and AI features tailored to meet the dynamic needs of modern workplaces.

Additionally, updates to the Synappx Manage platform were unveiled, equipped with AI-driven insights and advanced remote service capabilities. This functionality aims to simplify print fleet management and provide enhanced support for Sharp's B2B products, ensuring that software seamlessly integrates with hardware to optimize user experiences.

Enhanced Dealer Support Measures

The excitement generated by NEXT 2025 extended beyond technology announcements. Dealers were equipped with new programs and support tools designed to foster growth. Sharp introduced various training initiatives, including a hands-on