Geek Squad Founder Robert Stephens to Deliver Keynote Speech at CompTIA ChannelCon 2013

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CompTIA, the leading non-profit association for the information technology (IT) Industry, announced today that Robert Stephens, founder of the Geek Squad and former chief technology officer of Best Buy, will deliver the business keynote speech at CompTIA ChannelCon 2013, the premier education and partnering event for the IT channel.

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Registration is now open for ChannelCon 2013, scheduled for July 29-31 at the Peabody Orlando Hotel, Orlando, Fla.

"The Geek Squad is one of the great success stories in the history of our industry," said Kelly Ricker, senior vice president, events and education, CompTIA. "Starting with $200 and a bicycle, Robert Stephens built the world's biggest technical support organization, generating an estimated $2 billion to $3 billion in revenue annually. We're pleased to welcome Robert to ChannelCon for what promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking keynote."

Stephens is expected to address a wide range of topics, including the Geek Squad story, the catalyst for creativity and the culture of service. He'll also share his insights on the future of technology and what he thinks is the next "big thing."

A native of Chicago, Stephens left a scholarship at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1990 to pursue a degree in computer science at the University of Minnesota.

In April 1994, he formed the Geek Squad with $200. Eight years later Best Buy acquired the company and opened Geek Squad precincts in all Best Buy properties worldwide. With over 24,000 agents, Geek Squad is the world's largest technology support company.

Stephens also served as chief technology officer for Best Buy until 2012, when he relocated to San Francisco with his family to pursue his next start-up.

ChannelCon is unique in the IT industry because it provides a 'big tent' where the full spectrum of the IT channel – solution providers, vendors, distributors, analysts and media – gather to learn from one another. The conference includes keynotes, panels, working groups, networking opportunities and educational sessions on the markets, solutions and technologies most important to IT channel businesses today.

Speaker submissions for ChannelCon 2013 are being accepted through April 30.

All CompTIA members receive free unlimited registration to ChannelCon 2013. Non-members IT solution providers can attend the conference for just $150, which includes a one-year CompTIA membership. Visit ChannelCon 2013 for more information.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. Visit http://www.comptia.org/home.aspx or follow CompTIA at http://www.facebook.com/CompTIA and twitter.com/comptia.

SOURCE CompTIA