Press Room

This section of our Web site is intended to help answer questions writers, editors and publishers have about COMMON, COMMON conferences, or how to attend as a member of the press. To learn more, click on the links below. If you’d like additional information or have suggestions for the Press Room, contact Manzoor Siddiqui.

What is COMMON?

View an online video on COMMON's member benefits.

COMMON is the world’s largest group of IBM and IBM-compatible information technology users. The organization comprises 4,000 individual and corporate members representing more than 22,000 IT professionals involved with the application of the Power Systems and related platforms within a wide variety of business environments.

COMMON plays a leading role in helping IT professionals get the most from their technology investments. It accomplishes that by providing unparalleled access to the latest knowledge, education and expertise – to increase the value of information technology to businesses.

COMMON Events Overview

COMMON offers a variety of events that provide Power Systems-related education. The largest event is the Annual Meeting and Exposition, held each spring in a major North American city. The COMMON Annual Meeting and Exposition brings together the finest in IT education, networking opportunities, industry influence and business solutions.

Education
The COMMON Annual Meeting provides attendees with five days of comprehensive education. More than 500 educational sessions are structured by major topic area (Courses of Study) and include core sessions, electives, futures, labs and case studies. Real-world experts with hands-on experience teach all sessions

Networking
More than 1,800 IT professionals attend the COMMON Annual Meeting and Exposition, including more IBM executives, IT Executives, and solution providers.

Solutions
Featuring approximately 100 exhibits by leading companies -- including IBM -- the COMMON Exposition is the IT industry's largest of Power Systems-related products and services. The COMMON Exposition consistently attracts the industry's top solution providers. At the Exposition, you’ll meet the product and service developers who are shaping the future of IT.

Why Attend?
In the midrange IT marketplace, the COMMON Annual Meeting and Exposition is where things happen. It’s where new products and services are announced, alliances are created and business relationships are formed. Attending the COMMON Annual Meeting and Exposition is the most cost-effective way to make contacts and keep your finger on the pulse of the midrange industry.

Press Conferences / One-on-One Meetings

Many vendors exhibiting at the Exposition host press conferences to announce significant new products and services they’ve developed for the midrange marketplace. As a pre-registered member of the press, you’ll be notified of exhibitor press conferences by fax prior to the conference.

In addition, press attendees typically schedule between 10 and 15 one-on-one meetings with exhibitors to get the inside scoop on the latest product announcements. The one-on-one meeting is an ideal opportunity to get answers to key questions that could provide your publication a competitive edge.

COMMON provides an on-site Press Room for one-on-one meetings and for the distribution of exhibitor press kits. The room is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

How To Register as a Press Attendee

To receive a media registration kit for the conferences, contact Manzoor Siddiqui.