First Distributor Connect of 2016 Is Huge Success

By Elise Hacking Carr

Print+Promo, the leading source of business strategies for the distributor sales professional, has concluded its first Distributor Connect of 2016.

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 most recent event, which ran May 11 through 13, took place at the luxurious Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal/Il Lugano in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“According to the feedback from the suppliers and distributors in attendance, this may have been the best Distributor Connect event yet,” said Jim Harvie, publisher of Print+Promo. “The meaningful connections that are developed from the one-on-one meetings and the networking opportunities have led to real business opportunities. Our sponsoring suppliers and trade printers left the event knowing they got real value for their investment, while the distributors left with real solutions that they can turn into income—a true win-win for everyone. I can’t wait for the next Distributor Connect in Scottsdale, Ariz.”

For three days, more than 70 industry professionals participated in meaningful conversations meant to build new business relationships. In addition to a poolside Welcome Reception on the hotel’s Piazza, attendees were given opportunities to network during complimentary breakfast and lunch sessions. The first full day of meetings was capped off with a private dinner at The Grateful Palate.

Print+Promo Distributor Connect events have been wowing the industry since their inception in 2014. This year’s Fort Lauderdale event was no exception. “Distributor Connect offers the unique opportunity to spend quality networking time in both a one-on-one and group setting,” said Allen J. Simon, president of Datatel Resources Corporation, Monaca, Pa. “It has developed into one of the premier networking opportunities in our industry.”

Feedback from distributor attendees has been nothing but positive as well.

“The Distributor Connect meeting was a first for me—and I loved it,” enthused Andy Fornaro, vice president of Proforma R&E Graphics, Annandale, N.J. “These dedicated meetings gave me a great opportunity to meet individually with our vendor partners to learn about their unique ideas and value propositions, and how we can apply them to specific projects involving my clients and prospects. Time well spent!”

“This was my first Distributor Connect event,” said Jake Chanson, business development for Meridian, Loves Park, Ill. “[It was] fast-paced, fun and very valuable. The private power sessions allow for a personal, custom experience for our brand and our needs.”

“I’d say it was time well spent,” noted Greg Scala, account executive for Suncoast Marketing, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “Looking forward to the next time I can attend!”

The next event will take place November 2 through 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.