Think Global, Act Global
The Global Presence Alliance Celebrates its 10th Anniversary
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Global Presence Alliance (GPA), the world’s largest audiovisual and collaborative technology delivery organization, will introduce its new structure and executive director during meetings at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Amsterdam this week. ISE is the largest AV systems integration show in the world and features the latest in audiovisual, video collaboration, automation and modern workplace solutions.
The true power of the GPA becomes evident when the scale and breadth of its membership unites and acts as one. Advancing that agenda in 2018, the GPA has launched a new structure with the incorporation of GPA B.V. in the Netherlands, and the establishment of a GPA Foundation that represents the membership’s significant equity investment in the new structure. GPA B.V. directly supports the membership with expanded member services and customer-focused resources, while also offering all members a strong voice in the organization’s future success. Along with the GPA Foundation, GPA B.V. also provides a base of capital to fund the GPA’s growth investments, and the structural and legal resources specifically designed to support the complexities of our customers’ global business needs.
As part of the new formal structure, Byron Tarry has joined GPA B.V. in a full-time capacity as Executive Director. Tarry will oversee strategy, planning and execution of the Alliance’s goals and objectives, and manage current and future staffing for the organization. As one of the founding board members of the GPA, Byron has been active in its growth since its inception in 2008. He brings more than 20 years of industry experience and relationships to the organization. He will lead the GPA member meetings throughout the week at the conference.
“I am extremely excited to devote my full attention to this incredible team. The opportunity to leverage a decade of GPA experience in global technology delivery, with the unique combination of market maturation, technological innovation and customer demand for the modern workplace, is truly remarkable,” states Tarry. “The GPA is without peer in its global footprint and operational capabilities. And it’s the culture of knowledge sharing that truly inspires me.”
“We have long been impressed with the GPA’s synergies with our own global programme and customer experience aspirations,” states Simon Jackson, Vice President, Strategic & Vertical Sales, EMEA for NEC Display Solutions. “We are pleased that the GPA continues to make investments in infrastructure, people, and organizational structure. It’s a progressive approach and one that I know is well received by our joint customer base.”
The GPA will hold the first of three annual summits at ISE, with a record 110 GPA member delegates from 28 companies in attendance. This group will also host dozens of global customers for a roundtable event and show tours to explore the new tools for collaboration and Modern Workplace Design. They will also be meeting with top partners, like NEC, Microsoft and Crestron.
The Board will announce the ascension of John Bailey, VP of Technology at Whitlock, as the GPA Board President, along with two new board directors, Chris Lim from ESCO Singapore and Peter Fell from Feltech in the United Kingdom.
“I look forward to teaming up with Byron and the new board to launch the year with a focus on consistent customer experiences and expanding global partnerships,” explains Bailey. “The GPA has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and resources after a decade of success together; we are excited by our growth opportunities in 2018 and beyond.”
