IBM Business Partners Gear Up for Growth at Avnet Technology Solutions` Ignition `09

Conference for IBM Value-Added Resellers to Be Held October 12-14, 2009, in San
Antonio, Texas
TEMPE, Ariz.--(Business Wire)--
Avnet Technology Solutions, the solutions distribution leader and an operating
group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), will host approximately 350 IBM business
partners at its annual conference, Ignition `09. The event, to be held October
12-14, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas, is designed to provide Avnet`s reseller
partners with insight into the strategies and trends needed to grow their
businesses. Additionally, the event will feature 28 hours of certification
training to ensure that Avnet`s partners have the latest skills needed to
develop and implement innovative IBM-based solutions that address end-users`
business challenges.

Ignition `09 is structured to help Avnet`s IBM business partners identify
opportunities for growth, regardless of market conditions. In particular, the
event will feature keynote sessions on how to appeal to financial decision
makers within end-user organizations. Attendees will hear from Avnet`s Chief
Financial Officer, Ray Sadowski, and IBM`s General Manager of Global Financing,
John Callies, who will share insights into the mindset of CFOs and the return on
investment expectations that factor into today`s IT purchasing decisions.

The general session will feature:

* Avnet Chief Operating Officer Rick Hamada
* Avnet Technology Solutions Global President Phil Gallagher
* Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas Senior Vice President and General
Manager, IBM Solutions Fred Cuen
* IBM Senior Vice President and Group Executive, Systems and Technology Group
Robert W. Moffat, Jr.
* Expert on the Future of Technology Dr. James Canton

"Avnet`s Ignition conference is designed to help our partners obtain the
insights and industry connections they need to develop complete,
technology-based solutions that solve their customers` business challenges,"
said Fred Cuen, senior vice president and general manager, Avnet Technology
Solutions, Americas, IBM Solutions. "We look at the event as an opportunity to
not only educate and train Avnet`s business partners on the latest IBM-based
solutions, but it`s also a venue for discussing the challenges they face in the
marketplace and how we can help them become even more successful."

Avnet Ignition `09 will provide direction to attendees through a combination
of:

* Interactive networking with top channel industry executives
* Compelling technical, sales and executive-level education
* A Solution Expo showcasing the very best in today's new products, solutions
and services

"Avnet`s Ignition conference for IBM business partners is a must-attend for High
Plains," said Brad Mendel, a partner at High Plains Technology, Inc. "Every
year, Avnet brings together senior IBM and Avnet executives, complementary
suppliers and industry thought leaders who bring a fresh perspective to trends
in the market. I particularly appreciate the mix of strategic learning and
hands-on training that takes place during the conference, because we need both
long-term vision and technical proficiency to succeed in this highly
competitive, solutions-driven marketplace."

For more information and to register for Avnet Ignition `09, please visit:
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=b86e8865-f7f6-4458-8923-fd82293d02b0.

For updates on the event via Twitter, follow: http://twitter.com/avnetignition.

About Avnet Technology Solutions

Avnet Technology Solutions is an operating group of Phoenix-based Avnet, Inc. As
a global technology sales and marketing organization, Avnet Technology Solutions
has sales divisions focused on specific customer segments and a select line card
strategy enabling an exceptional level of attention to the needs of its
customers and suppliers. For fiscal year 2009, the group served customers in
more than 30 countries and generated US $7.04 billion in annual revenue. The
group`s Web site is www.ats.avnet.com.

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest
distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology
in the world. Avnet accelerates its partners` success by connecting the world`s
leading technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 100,000 customers
and providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal
year ended June 27, 2009, Avnet generated revenue of $16.23 billion. For more
information, visit www.avnet.com.

Media:
Brodeur Partners, for Avnet
Marcia Chapman, 602-224-4047
mchapman@brodeur.com
Event:
Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas
Amy Garcia
amy.garcia@avnet.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009