From October 7–9, approximately 300 imaging dealer representatives from 130 dealers converged at the Rosen Shingle Creek hotel and event center in Orlando, Florida for the Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) biennial flagship partner event. Dubbed NEXT 2025, the gathering brought together Sharp leadership, dealers, and industry experts to explore how Sharp can help imaging industry dealers drive innovation, expand beyond traditional print, and strengthen the Sharp brand across markets.

From inspiring keynote sessions by Sharp executives and Disney’s former Head of Innovation, Duncan Wardle, to dealer-led panels on lean operations and HR best practices, NEXT 2025 showcased the power of collaboration and forward thinking. The event also featured exciting announcements about new hardware and software solutions designed to help Sharp imaging dealers grow and succeed in an evolving business landscape.

A New Style of Meeting

This was a new style of meeting, and the feedback was tremendous. The two-day conference was packed with content aimed at helping branches and dealers understand what’s “NEXT” for their business. Over 20 breakout sessions and two full mornings of general sessions ensured Sharp covered a wide range of material—and notably, it was all Sharp content. We did not rely on third-party partners to fill time or space, making this a truly Sharp-driven event.

One of the most significant changes was the elimination of the traditional Product Fair. Typically, this requires renting a full ballroom to exhibit products and partner services. By removing this component, we achieved three important goals.

First, we kept the focus squarely on Sharp, allowing us to control the meeting content and spend more meaningful time with our dealers rather than being lost in a larger crowd.

Second, we concentrated on business issues that mattered most to branch and dealer leadership, enabling more concise topics and deeper breakout discussions without the distraction of a product showcase.

Finally, this change delivered substantial cost savings—nearly half the previous budget was tied to the scale of the Product Fair. Those resources were reinvested into delivering richer, more valuable content for attendees.

NEXT 2025 was more than an event; it was a statement of intent. By prioritizing collaboration, innovation, and dealer success, Sharp demonstrated its commitment to helping partners thrive in a rapidly changing industry. The insights and strategies shared will guide us as we move into the next fiscal year—and beyond.