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Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America held its 2025 NEXT dealer event in Orlando, Florida (October 7-9, 2025). This year’s event was intentionally designed to be a more intimate and insight-driven gathering that centered on the theme “Next”—representing a continuous journey of innovation and partnership between Sharp and its channel partners (of which more than 300 individual dealers from nearly 130 dealerships from small to large were in attendance).
CEO Mike Marusic set the tone early with a phrase that attendees have likely heard from him before: Sharp is “not in the pages business, but in the business of sharing information.” Sharp’s message remains clear. The company is evolving beyond print, positioning itself as a full-spectrum technology company committed to dealer success and customer transformation to fit the modern business landscape.
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| Sharp CEO Mike Marusic |
A Broader, Smarter Sharp
Across two days of informational sessions and panels, Sharp unveiled a series of announcements that showcased innovation and focus. From 18 new office workgroup MFPs and a refined production print portfolio to cutting-edge dvLED display solutions and Dynabook laptops, Sharp emphasized diversification and integration as the foundation of its portfolio strategy. And, really, the secret sauce to success for channel partners. Each product introduction was connected to a broader vision—helping dealers build more profitable, technology-driven businesses.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation emerged (for the first time at a Sharp event) as an underlying thread across many discussions. Sharp notably introduced its Synappx Manage platform with Assistive AI, launching this November, alongside plans to embed agentic AI and predictive AI analytics into its platform in 2026. Sharp also highlighted that it will continue to add AI infused technologies—not only in the software that they’re building, but also in the device itself. These initiatives underscore Sharp’s commitment to operational intelligence, enabling dealers and customers to work faster, smarter and more efficiently.
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| Dino Pagliarello Presenting Synappx Manage |
People and Processes: The Core of Change
In the general session presentation, Sharp noted that it positions people and processes as pillars to its evolution and success. Mike Marusic and his leadership team repeatedly stressed that “everything revolves around people.” The company is certainly helping dealers navigate an evolving workforce shaped by mobile-first and AI-native generations.
At the same time, Sharp encouraged attendees to rethink their business processes and identify ways that they can improve efficiency within their own organizations. With AI reshaping how information flows, dealers were encouraged to view automation and data-driven strategies as competitive imperatives rather than buzzwords. From helpdesk optimization to lean operations, Sharp’s message was one of partnership and support through transformation.
A Unified Sharp: One Vision, Many Opportunities
Executive speakers, including Ted Kawamura and Shige Kobayashi, reinforced Sharp’s global “One Sharp” strategy with a focus on synergizing product development, AI, and communications technology into a single, cohesive vision. Kobayashi (the head of Sharp’s Smart Workplace business) spoke to Sharp’s long-term goal to connect displays, laptops, print devices, and communications technologies into an intelligent ecosystem that empowers collaboration anywhere.
To further strengthen the partnership and collaboration with its dealers and customers, Sharp is actively listening to and collecting feedback from dealers on how to improve its approach. This is evident in some of the ways that Sharp has fine-tuned its strategy including its well-established dealer council, new online marketing center with enhanced resources to assist dealers’ marketing strategies, and its Executive Experience Center showroom that is designed to showcase the array of Sharp technologies and ultimately close more deals.
Outlook: Measuring Success and What’s Next
Overall, the 2025 NEXT event succeeded in communicating Sharp’s vision, portfolio, and market position. It effectively balanced inspiration with tangible business tools, offering dealers a clear roadmap for growth in a hybrid, AI-enabled marketplace.
Looking ahead, Sharp’s challenge and opportunity will be execution. The goal to blend print, audio/visual, IT, and AI into a unified business-to-business ecosystem is certainly achievable, but—with competitors and the channel consolidating—Sharp’s steady investment in manufacturing independence, dealer enablement, and product innovation should give the vendor a clear competitive edge.
As evident at the event, Sharp is not just reacting to change… It is driving towards it. The company isn’t focused on disrupting the industry but about adapting and evolving to thrive in the near and long-term future. And, for dealers, Sharp’s looking to continue its collaboration and partnership towards the next phase of growth.
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