Global Technology Distribution Council, an industry association that defines and promotes the role of wholesale distribution in the information technology channel, held a Global Technology Distribution Summit May 5-6 at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco. The invitation-only event drew 43 vendors represented by 140 executives. Speakers included Joe Tucci, president and CEO of EMC Corp. and Orlando Ayala, senior vice president, Small and Midmarket Solutions & Partner group of Microsoft. Panels discussed how to maximize distribution's effectiveness and how to do business in Asia. The next summit is scheduled for fall 2005 in San Francisco.