Streamlining Business Technology
We welcomed people through the doors across the afternoon, with representatives from 19 leading technology brands set up around the office. The format was deliberately relaxed - no group presentations, no agenda. Guests moved freely between vendor stations, had one-on-one conversations with specialists, and explored the latest business technology at their own pace.
The feedback was really gratifying. People stayed far longer than they expected to, conversations ran deep, and more than a few guests told us they had no idea how much they'd cover in what was supposed to be a quick pop-in. That's exactly what we were hoping for.
19 brands were represented on the day across IT, cyber security, communications, print, mobile, and power management. Guests had the opportunity to get hands-on with the latest hardware and speak directly with specialists from Microsoft (represented by Ingram Micro), HP, Poly, Yealink, Access4, Toshiba, Kyocera, Fortinet, 2degrees, Samsung, Eaton, HPE, Huntress, Wesco Anixter, Bluechip Infotech, and vGRID.
Vendor stations covered everything from unified communications hardware - handsets, headsets, and video conferencing equipment from Yealink and Poly - through to enterprise networking from Fortinet and HPE, print solutions from Toshiba and Kyocera, mobile and broadband from 2degrees and vGRID, and cyber security from Huntress.
One of the standout moments of the day was the Microsoft 365 breach demonstration run by Huntress. Huntress Sales Engineer Ryan Hosken flew over from Australia especially for the event and ran the demonstration multiple times throughout the afternoon to accommodate the flow of interested listeners.
The demo showed how attackers use social engineering to s teal browser credentials, bypass Microsoft 365 MFA, and rapidly compromise connected systems. For many attendees, it was the first time they had seen this type of attack played out - and it sparked some of the most engaged conversations of the day.
The key takeaway for most: MFA is an important layer of protection, but it is not the complete picture. Understanding how attacks actually work is the first step toward better protection.
One of the most talked-about elements of the day was something a little different. Darren Blomfield - a freelance cartoonist and caricaturist - set up in the Reboot Café area and drew live caricatures of guests throughout the afternoon.
The reaction was fantastic. People loved it, and Darren's ability to connect and chat while drawing made for some genuinely memorable conversations. Some fascinating background on Darren is that he comes from five generations of artists and three generations of published cartoonists, with a family history in New Zealand cartooning stretching back over a century. His great grandfather J.C. Blomfield is credited with one of the earliest uses of the kiwi as an unofficial national symbol in a cartoon published in 1904.
If you're looking for something memorable for your next event, we'd highly recommend reaching out to Darren at blomfieldart.co.nz.
From 3pm, Happy Hour kicked off in The Reboot Cafe - our entertainment space within the new office. The Elite team, guests and vendors enjoyed drinks, great food, and the kind of easy conversation that flows naturally at the end of a good afternoon.
A big thank you to Russell from Corporate Coffee for supplying an extra coffee machine on the day - the same model we use every day at Elite. With about 130 people moving through the office, having that extra capacity made a real difference and kept everyone well caffeinated.
If anything from the day sparked a conversation you'd like to continue, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to your Account Manager, email us at sales@elite.co.nz, or call 0800 847 0777.
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