Konica Minolta postpones first event for its dealers since start of pandemic

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. had previously announced plans to bring a large number of its dealers together with its key executives for the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19. The event theme – Full Throttle – would have represented Konica Minolta’s renewed commitment to help its dealers focus on growth opportunities amid an evolving business landscape, by building and enhancing their Digital Transformation (DX) services. The Dealer Summit would have been held August 23 – 25 at its U.S. Headquarters in Ramsey, New Jersey. The decision to postpone the event to a later date was predicated on recently updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for fully vaccinated people. The CDC is now recommending that everyone wear a mask in indoor public settings in areas of substantial and high transmission, regardless of vaccination status.

“While we are disappointed to have to postpone this event, ensuring the health and safety of our dealers, press and employees is of course our top priority,” said Sam Errigo, COO at Konica Minolta. “We remain committed to reinvigorating the channel, and will continue our ongoing dialogue with dealer partners, providing strategies to diversify their offerings and ensure success.” In line with the CDC’s recommendations, Konica Minolta has also updated its plans to return to the office, encouraging employees who can work remotely to do so through September, and mandating masks in the office, during contact with customers and at work-related events. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the company has been tracking and tracing employees and taking necessary measures to ensure the cleanliness of its facilities – and will continue to do so, officials added. Konica Minolta said that it will continue to monitor advice from the CDC and reschedule its Dealer Summit event when appropriate based on CDC guidelines.

The OEM added that in this new work environment created by the pandemic, dealers are faced with dynamic market changes and need to consider how to optimize their business relevancy and safeguard future revenue. “Many businesses are adopting hybrid work models, which presents considerable challenges for print revenue streams. Konica Minolta itself has adapted to a more flexible work style for roles that support mobile work, supporting workplace and technology changes based on industry research and market dynamics. These changes, coupled with supply chain issues – which are expected to continue into early next year – substantiate how imperative it is for dealers to diversify their offerings if they have not already done so.”