Building Stronger Partnerships at the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK European Partner Conference
At our latest Panasonic TOUGHBOOK European Partner Conference, I was proud to bring together our European partners to strengthen relationships, share insights, and highlight the exciting innovations and programmes shaping the second half of this decade.
written by: Damien Fernandez, European Channel and Partner Manager for Panasonic TOUGHBOOK
As Panasonic’s European Channel and Partner Manager for TOUGHBOOK, I’ve always believed that our success is defined not just by the rugged technology we build, but by the strength of the partnerships that enable it.
This year’s Panasonic TOUGHBOOK European Partner Conference – my first since stepping into the role – brought that belief into sharper focus than ever before. Hosted in the vibrant city of Riga, Latvia, the event brought together ISVs, distributors, resellers, and technology partners from Benelux, the UK, Southern Europe, France, the Nordics, DACH, and Central and Eastern Europe.
Our aim was simple: to create a space where our community could share insights, deepen collaboration, explore the latest mobility innovations, and strengthen the trusted relationships that set TOUGHBOOK apart in the complex and fast-moving rugged mobility market.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
We opened the conference with Max Takeda, Head of Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Europe, who spoke powerfully about the foundation that our entire business is built on – trust. Trust between Panasonic and our customers. Trust between colleagues and decision-makers. And, crucially, trust between TOUGHBOOK and our channel partners who help us deliver world-class mobility solutions to thousands of mobile workers across Europe.
Max also reflected on how we’re navigating a volatile and unpredictable market. Through close collaboration, shared knowledge, and long-standing relationships, we’re reducing uncertainty for our customers.
He also gave an overview of our deepening technical collaboration with Red Hat, bringing the resilience of Red Hat Enterprise Linux to TOUGHBOOK devices. For mission-critical users, particularly in defence, this promises enhanced security, stability, and long-term support – allied to the rugged reliability TOUGHBOOK is known for.
And while we can’t give away too much yet, Max shared an exciting glimpse of innovations coming in 2026. Believe me when I say: there’s A LOT to look forward to!
Removing Complexity for Mobile Workers
One of the standout sessions came from Chris Turner, Head of Go-to-Market at Panasonic TOUGHBOOK, who highlighted why we remain Europe’s leading rugged mobility solutions provider. We’re not just building hardware; we’re enabling complete, end-to-end mobility ecosystems.
Chris outlined how we work side by side with our channel partners to simplify the complexity of mobility: from custom power solutions designed with Lind, to defence-ready innovations delivered with roda computer GmbH, to the launch of the G2 MIL Adaptor developed in-house. With our Service and Solution Centres in Cardiff and Budapest, we’re accelerating the development of bespoke solutions that solve real-world challenges quickly.
He also showcased how TOUGHBOOK is supporting the growing demand for vehicle-based working, enhanced by our screen-mirroring collaboration with VNC Automotive. And with the introduction of TOUGHBOOK Smart Service, customers now have real-time visibility into device health and performance, reducing downtime and turning data into proactive action.
Finally, Chris emphasised the importance of our Mobile-IT As-a-Service model, empowering channel partners to offer customers hardware, software, and support through predictable monthly pricing.
Introducing Our New Partner Programme
One of the personal highlights for me was unveiling the new Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Elevate Partner Programme, launching in April 2026. Designed to strengthen engagement, visibility, and collaboration across our partner community, it includes:
- A comprehensive partner portal
- New tiering and qualification criteria
- A refreshed benefits and incentives framework
We also introduced Basecamp – the new TOUGHBOOK Enablement Programme that offers three tailored learning pathways to support partner teams across sales, technical, and operational roles. These initiatives mark an exciting step forward in how we support our partners, and I can’t wait to share more in the coming months.
Celebrating Partner Success
Our partner community continues to set the benchmark for rugged mobility excellence, and our annual awards are an important way of recognising that. Congratulations once again to this year’s winners:
- ISV Partner of the Year: Locus (Norway)
- Distributor of the Year: Kauko (Finland)
- Partner of the Year: Mem-Star Rugged (UK)
- Growth Partner of the Year: Orbitica (France)
- Exceptional Win: Dustin (Netherlands)
A special thank-you also to our event sponsors including Intel, Mi Ericsson, Gamber Johnson, HAVIS, VNC Automotive, and Absolute Security and SOTI for their continued collaboration and support.
A Future Built on Partnership
As I reflect on the event, I feel incredibly proud – not just of what we have achieved together so far, but of the energy, ideas, and ambition shown by our partner ecosystem throughout the conference.
This community is the backbone of our European operations, and it’s clear that our shared future is brighter than ever. With major innovations, new programmes, and expanded opportunities coming in 2026, this is just the beginning.
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