The momentum of ITAD Summit and why it matters for your business
The ITAD Summit 2024 provided a wealth of insights and trends for IT asset disposition (ITAD) professionals to digest. This year’s event was impressive and energizing; according to show organizer Darrell Fleming-Kendall, there were 300 more attendees and 30 new booths in comparison to ITAD Summit 2023. The show’s success underscored the ITAD industry’s rapid evolution and industry significance.
For those who couldn’t attend (or missed the event due to Crowdstrike-related flight cancellations), here’s a comprehensive rundown of what you missed and why it’s crucial for your business.
ESG is center stage
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) was a hot topic in sessions, in conversations and printed on business cards and across booths. This surge in corporate governance everywhere reflects its growing importance as large enterprises focus on robust, trackable sustainability practices. In our summary from ITAD Summit 2022, ESG was just starting to become a thing. The debate is over– ESG is here.
LEARN: Understand Guardian’s Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives >
While a standardized formula for tracking ESG remains elusive, industry leaders are actively working towards one, making it essential for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. For ITAD 2025, be prepared for ESG equations and standards platforms closer to the target.
IT asset reuse is exploding
In alignment with the global ESG movement, the emphasis on remarketing and reusing IT assets– either as whole devices or individual components–was evident in the sheer quantity of attendee buyers and sustainability options for every type of data bearing device (DBD).
CHECKLIST: A complete lists of data bearing assets (DBA) and devices >
Lively conversations, dedicated booths, informative sessions and energized attendees focused on end-of-life (EOL) and extended-life solutions for RAM, hard drives, smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs and toner cartridges. Even solar panels are officially e-waste and part of the IT asset disposition service offering. Whether the objective is promoting a circular economy, enhancing sustainability or supporting corporate governance, suppliers and vendors are developing global remarketing and reuse options for IT and office equipment.
CASE STUDY: Data breach prevention audit find 18TB of data on outbound IT assets >
Nothing replaces face-to-face meetings
Event mechanics can contribute significantly to overall show success. ITAD Summit’s numbered tables along the aisles for pre-set one-to-one meetings were filled…and invaluable. In addition to preset meetings, we could quickly sit down with partners, vendors, and potentials to learn more, clarify needs and get down to business. The set up fostered collaborative ideas to learn how we can support their organization and improve their success. The face-to-face exchange of ideas underscored the importance of building strong relationships.
Partnerships drive success
Vendor relationships continue to be highly valued. John Shegerian, ERI’s CEO and the Summit 2024 keynote speaker spoke eloquently about the importance of trusted partnerships in the full scope delivery of ITAD services; there is plenty of opportunity and partnerships are the key to completing projects well, profitably and meeting growth goals. It is clear how dramatically different – yet critically important – each part of the value chain is for full scope ITAD services.
WATCH: John Shegerian’s Summit 2024 keynote (start at 25 minutes) >
Global interconnectedness is essential
The coincidental timing of Crowdstrike’s worldwide IT debacle with ITAD Summit was a timely reminder of our interconnected global economy, particularly in the IT asset disposition sector, which serves global corporations using standardized platforms and equipment. The summit drew partnership opportunities from service providers in the UK, Ireland, Canada and the Middle East. As part of Guardian’s continuous efforts to provide a harmonized and secure global data disposition strategy, partnerships with best-in-class global ITADs and service providers are imperative.
Global demand for IT asset is driving growth
The significant international IT asset buyers from India, Pakistan, UAE, Dubai and Nordic countries demonstrated that there’s a robust global interest in IT assets for IT resellers and remarketers. Furthermore, the event saw a rise in specialized ITAD exhibitors, reflecting the sector’s growing recognition and growth potential.
Increased attendance signals ITAD industry expansion
It wasn’t just the growth stats, this year’s summit, in comparison to ITAD 2023 and ITAD 2022, felt bigger and full of exciting possibilities. This growth suggests that the ITAD Summit is becoming a crucial platform for companies to showcase their value and secure investment for expansion.
From show organizer Darrell Kendall, “The 2024 ITAD Summit was a meeting place for over 1500 people looking to do business, make connections, and learn more about the ITAD industry. Thanks to invaluable sponsors, speakers, and exhibitors like Guardian Data Destruction, the ITAD Summit has become the can’t-miss event of the year for anyone dealing with the disposition of IT assets.”
OEMs hop on the refurbishment IT asset bus
The rollout of formalized ITAD-style refurbishment programs from IT equipment OEMS like HP is new. Adding significant flair to the educational track and sponsoring an evening boat cruise, HP Renew announced its new program and integration with existing ITADs to manage the hot refurbished IT asset market–complete with extended HP warranty. On the heels of the Right to Repair executive order, the presence of the world’s second largest PC manufacturer at ITAD Summit is answering the demand for high quality, extended-life products.
Women in ITAD are thriving
Kicking off at ITAD Summit with a panel discussion led by Karen Fedder, Women in ITAD group has been established to connect visionary women in the industry. The goal is to foster a dynamic community where experiences are shared, and professional growth and success are celebrated together. ITAD Women are invited to join on LinkedIn and be part of an empowering network! (20) Women In ITAD | Groups | LinkedIn
ITAD education drew crowds and engagement
Panel sessions were immensely popular this year. “With the larger audience in attendance, hearing multiple approaches to similar scenarios seemed to pique more listeners. In my first official introduction to the market as Guardian’s CEO, I was pleased to be invited to be a panelist in “The Unique Companies Comprising the ITAD Value Chain” along with Aaron Zeper (DMD Systems Recovery), Simon Levin (Early Upgrade), Matt Freeman (Enterasource, Inc.) and moderator Jonathan DeMent (DMD Systems Recovery).
WATCH: ITAD 2024 recording of “The Unique Companies Comprising the ITAD Value Chain” (Starts at 39:48)
Many panelists (including me) finished up their session to be greeted by a line of interested parties waiting for an introduction or to share an experience,” noted Rob Alston. The educational draw of the summit is significant, ITAD Summit’s show management should consider dual tracks for next year to increase educational opportunity and focus on specific interest tracks.
Key Takeaways for ITAD Professionals
The ITAD Summit 2024 underscored the rapid evolution of the IT asset disposition industry, marked by a growing emphasis on sustainability, global expansion and strategic partnerships.
To thrive in this dynamic landscape, ITAD professionals must:
- Prioritize ESG: Align operations with environmental, social, and governance standards to meet customer expectations and regulatory compliance.
- Maximize asset value: Explore remarketing and reuse opportunities to extend the lifecycle of IT assets and boost profitability.
- Foster strategic partnerships: Collaborate with industry peers to enhance service offerings and expand market reach.
- Stay ahead of the curve: Continuously monitor industry trends, regulations, and technological advancements.
Guardian Data Destruction is uniquely positioned to support ITAD providers in achieving these objectives. As a trusted partner and third party solutions provider, we offer comprehensive ITAD solutions that drive growth and customer satisfaction.
Looking for a trusted partner that understands ITAD requirements? Talk to Guardian about how we can help you navigate changes and lead the evolution in IT asset disposition delivery.
Read Next
- Get our list of data bearing devices and data bearing assets >
- ITAD Summit 2022: A throwback to hot topics from two years prior >
- Browse Guardian Data Destruction’s services (available through ITADs, VARs, MSPs) >
- IT Asset Manager’s guide to a hybrid data destruction policy >
- Sign up for email updates to receive the latest in data security options from Guardian Data Destruction >
Get our list of data bearing devices and data bearing assets >ITAD Summit 2022: A throwback to hot topics from two years prior > Browse Guardian Data Destruction’s services (available through ITADs, VARs, MSPs) > IT Asset Manager’s guide to a hybrid data destruction policy >
Sign up for email updates to receive the latest in data security options from Guardian Data Destruction >
