Subscriber Discussion

Should Competitors Be Allowed In Sponsored Breakout Sessions?

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Brian Karas
Feb 27, 2017
IPVM

Saw this on LinkedIn and wanted to see what IPVM members think.

At a vertical-specific conference. Integrator A pays for a sponsorship with includes a breakout session, where they bring Manufacturer B to present solutions tailored to that vertical. 

In the breakout session, competitors sat in to hear the presentation in the sponsored session. Should competitors be barred from attending sponsored breakouts? Would you consider it unprofessional to attend a competitor's sponsored breakout session?

UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #1
Feb 27, 2017

Not unprofessional per se, but you should probably sit in the back and keep your mouth shut.  No one is going to reveal anything in that session that isn't public information and already on the website.

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U
Undisclosed
Feb 27, 2017

If it's a conventional "conference" then all the information in the presentations is public.  Anyone should be able to attend the talk.  If a manufacturer's competitor viewing a conference presentation is a problem then you've got bigger problems than who goes to the conference talk you mooched your way into with your integrator buddy.  If there were information distribution limitations to the conference then that should be clear up front to everybody.

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Ari Erenthal
Feb 27, 2017

Competitors attending the breakout session is slimy. Presenters barring competitors from attending the breakout session is petty. Don't do it, and don't stop others from doing it to you. 

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Kevin Nadai
Feb 27, 2017

I need new glasses. I thought you wrote "Protesters barring competitors from attending the breakout session is petty."

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Ari Erenthal
Feb 27, 2017
JH
Jay Hobdy
Feb 27, 2017
IPVMU Certified

Just today we sponsored an event for a local organization we belong to. I really would not expect/appreciate my competitors to show up and start handing out business cards after I paid for the right to sponsor and speak to the audience. 

 

Slightly different concept probably

 

 

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Feb 27, 2017

Scenario 1:

Manufacturer A sponsors a breakout session and pays a large fee as a presenter and exhibitor.

Manufacturer B signs up as a free attendee and uses the breakout session to collect interested parties information and pass out business cards.

Scenerio 2:

Manufacturer B captures the presentation method used and perfected over time to simply "copy" going forward having only paid an attendee fee or free. 

In either case, asking the presenter would be appropriate and identifying themselves as a minimum.  Neither would be acceptable....

IMHO

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U
Undisclosed #3
Feb 28, 2017

I have done many presentations at events like an ADI Expo where I have had competitors sit in.  If I knew they were there I would usually mention them and have a little fun with it (mostly so they knew I knew they were there).  It never bothered me if they sat in the room unless they tried to solicit folks which rarely happened ( I believe most of us are ethical???)  

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