For a Chicago guy like me, visiting New York City, the “Big Apple,” always is an enchanting adventure. Spending time in Greenwich Village in mid-May, during the heart of springtime, is exhilarating in and of itself, but I was there on business. Looking back, though, was it, perhaps, more than that?
As The Cannata Report’s still new editor-in-chief (since February), I traveled to Manhattan two weeks ago to attend Frank, Carol, and CJ Cannata’s annual, invitation-only Elite Partner Dinner. Frankly, I was a bit nervous and not sure what to expect. On a brisk, sunny late afternoon I walked a few blocks to the venue, which is not a restaurant but an exclusive, private club. Woody and dimly lit, the setting is classy and intimate: Four round tables were set elegantly in a small, upstairs room.
Who’s who: How many people can you name?
The hors d’oeuvres, served around a bar where people mingled, tasted excellent! I shook a lot of hands, and a lot of photographs were taken. (See the photo gallery, below.) The ensuing seven-course meal, including imported cheeses and fresh fruits, truly was outstanding. However, the company in attendance is what really stood out. The dinner was an opportunity for me to meet some 45 of our industry’s most powerful executives: colleagues and fierce competitors all mixed together in one room, eating and socializing and, maybe, talking a little business, too.
The Cannata Report: 40 Years of Relationship Building
There is no dispute that the people assembled were the heavy hitters of the office technology sector. The seating chart is like a Who’s Who for the dealer-partner channel! Yet, unlike at trade shows or many other industry events, a “friendly competitor” vibe persisted and continued amid post-dessert socializing for several more hours. Here, men and women who typically do not speak with each another, one on one, sat next to each other and conversed.
There was joking (what’s a pignoli cookie?), and hearty laughter reverberating in the hallway. One table was particularly lively, but VP of Client Services and hostess extraordinaire Carol Cannata made us promise not to reveal whose! To his credit, Frank Cannata is genuine about camaraderie and fostering relationships; our founder also spoke to the group about the importance of charity and, of course, filling out the 40th Annual Dealer Survey.
I am not alone in thinking this year’s Cannata dinner was quite the memorable occasion. “For decades, The Cannata Report has set the benchmark for insight in our channel, guiding dealers and manufacturers alike,” notes Tom McMahon, president and general manager of Milner, Inc., a Georgia-based dealership with additional locations in Florida and South Carolina. “Being invited to its Elite Partner Dinner—surrounded by the industry’s leaders—was an honor and an inspiration. The candid exchanges left me even more excited about this market in the years ahead.”
Here are three other guest’s reactions to the May 15 dinner:
Oscar Sanchez, president and CEO of Kyocera Document Solutions America, Inc.:
“I really love the Elite Partner Dinner! This event is special because of its intimate set up, which makes it easy to have personal conversations with key industry players. It’s a unique experience that lets attendees connect in a relaxed setting. Plus, the venue adds to the great atmosphere, making the evening even more enjoyable. Every detail makes this one of the best events in the industry.”
Mike Marusic, president and CEO of Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America:
“The spring partner event is always an enjoyable evening to get together with our friends in the industry. During the day we may be competitors, but we all enjoy spending time together in a relaxed atmosphere. The Cannata’s hosting this event each year is what makes this industry special; the camaraderie is unparalleled.”
Phil Buysse, senior vice president and division GM, U.S. Bank*, Office Equipment Vendor Services:
“We are always honored to receive an invitation to the Elite Partner Dinner. It is such an amazing opportunity to spend time in a family style environment where associates and competitors alike celebrate the special nature of this industry.”
(* U.S. Bank and The Cannata Report are celebrating 30 years of partnership in 2025. CJ pointed out that next year will mark 30 years with Toshiba!)
TEAM CANNATA:
EIC Vruno (from left), Founder Frank Cannata, Client Services VP Carol Cannata,
CEO CJ Cannata, and Marketing Director Cathy O’Brien.
ELITE PARTNER DINNER PHOTO GALLERY:
