Distributor Connect Cheat Sheet Part 3: The Power of Networking

Welcome back to our Distributor Connect Cheat Sheet, the multipart series where we help distributors prepare for their upcoming Distributor Connect experience!

If you missed the first two installments of this series, no problem—we’ve got you covered. Click here for Part 1, where we answer the important question: What is a Distributor Connect event? You can access Part 2 here to read our three best tips for getting the most value from your one-on-one supplier meetings. Today, however, we’d like to discuss the ample networking opportunities our event offers, which happens to be what we like best about Distributor Connect.

When distributors and suppliers are willing to invest in each other, stronger business ties can be developed. And we don’t mean simply chatting over cocktails (though we understand that’s part of the process). For this reason, Print+Promo’s Distributor Connect was designed with the goal of making those relationships easier to build. Here are a few ways we position you for success.

As attendees (distributors and suppliers) check in, they will receive a tote bag containing all vital event information, along with a handful of surprise promotional items. For distributors, this includes sponsor lists, complete with supplier names, company stats and product specialties. Suppliers, on the other hand, are given distributor lists consisting of each distributor’s vertical market focuses, unique approaches and the qualities they seek out in supply chain partners. This not only helps put faces to names, it also helps people get to know who they’re spending the next two-and-a-half days with before their scheduled meetings begin.

The event itself is kicked off with a welcome reception for attendees to gather round, introduce themselves and receive a pep talk from this guy:

Print+Promo’s fearless leader and publisher, Jim Harvie addresses the crowd during the Distributor Connect – Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Welcome Reception.

Scheduled breakfast and lunch times provide additional chances for attendees to sit together and share ideas. After all, sometimes you need more than a 20-minute meeting to expand on big-picture business issues.

Of course, we can’t forget about dinner. Distributor Connect events provide off-site dinners that allow attendees to enjoy delicious food and the scenery of the host city as they continue to bond with new friends, or check-in with longtime industry pals—all while learning and investing in the future of their businesses.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out what John Sanders, director of business development for RBO PrintLogistix, Maryland Heights, Mo., had to say:

The unique one-to-one format for these meetings made for the most relevant industry-related conference I’ve attended in 30-plus years. The first-class venue and professional networking events were also outstanding. The result was connecting with many new—and current—vendor partners in both print and promo, and making new contacts and sharing common challenges within our distributor family.

Or, Carol Alexander, director of inside sales for FF&S Inc., Anderson, Ind.:

Hands down a great format to connect with vendors to learn about what they offer and how we can partner to provide the best product and service to our customers. Far more valuable than the traditional trade shows. I appreciated the one-on-one time with each group. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this event and I look forward to new working relationships.

And, lastly, Christine Giglio, vendor relations/product manager for Amsterdam Printing, Amsterdam, N.Y.:

My time at Print+Promo’s Distributor Connect was so valuable. I reconnected, and made additional connections, with some great suppliers in the industry. Amsterdam Printing values our relationships with our suppliers. The meetings were strategic and we were able to make the ‘next steps’ to grow as partners.

Want to see what Distributor Connect is all about firsthand? You’ll have to act fact because we have only one meeting still open to distributors:

• Nov. 7-9, 2018 – Scottsdale, Ariz.

If you are interested in attending an upcoming Distributor Connect, contact Mike Cooper or Renee Brueggeman via email at distributorconnect@napco.com, or call Cooper at (215) 238-5434 and Brueggeman at (920) 716-3713. Complete the Distributor Connect inquiry questionnaire located here. For event information and testimonials, visit connect.goprintandpromo.com.