Print+Promo, the leading source of business strategies for the distributor sales professional, last week concluded its first Distributor Connect of 2015.
Distributor Connect pairs top-selling distributors with leading print and promotional product suppliers for one-on-one, 20-minute, pre-scheduled meetings held in private supplier suites. The June event took place at the luxurious Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal/Il Lugano in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
From Monday through Wednesday, more than 70 industry professionals participated in discussions aimed at fostering new business relationships. In addition to a Welcome Reception on the hotel's Piazza, attendees were treated to breakfast and an educational lunch session featuring Ryan T. Sauers, author of "Would You Buy from You?" and president of Sauers Consulting Strategies. The first full day of meetings was capped off with a private dinner at The Grateful Palate.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. "This was our first time attending a Distributor Connect conference. The Print+Promo staff organized and executed a well thought-out program," said Bill Reid, vice president of marketing, Graphic Dimensions, Austell, Ga. "As a vendor, the conference exceeded our expectations by providing scheduled one-on-one interactions with top distributor representatives, as well as time to meet in a social setting. Kudos to P+P for exploring outside-the-box ideas to provide value."
Distributor attendees were also enthusiastic about the outcome of the Fort Lauderdale event. "I really enjoyed the format at the Distributors Connect last week in Fort Lauderdale. By providing my profile to the vendors in advance, they were able to make the most out of our 20-minute, one-on-one meetings," said Michele Adams, president, Proforma Global Sourcing, Tampa, Fla. "I found that the vendors took the time to get to know me and my business and were very prepared for my meeting. They provided me with ideas and case studies that I will be able to use with my clients in my niche industry. I would welcome the opportunity to participate in a Distributor Connect in the future."
Connecting the industry's top suppliers and distributors isn't the only area where the Distributor Connect brand excels. Jim Harvie, publisher, Print+Promo, believes the quality of attendees differentiate Distributor Connect meetings from other industry events. "After just completing our third Distributor Connect event over the past 13 months, I want to thank all of the distributors and suppliers who have come together to make these events so successful," he said. "This past week at our Fort Lauderdale event, we kept hearing about networking and relationships. Distributor Connect has become a venue that has provided the perfect culture for both."
The next event will take place Nov. 2 - 4 in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Limited spaces are still available for qualified distributors interested in attending Print+Promo Distributor Connect — Scottsdale. For more information, contact Mike Cooper at mcooper@napco.com or (215) 238-5434. Check out Print+Promo's Distributor Connect website for past event photos and testimonials.