The Industry's Can't-miss Event

By Elise Hacking Carr

Print+Promo, the Philadelphia-based leading source of business strategies for the distributor sales professional, recently concluded its final 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 Nov. 2 through 4, took place at Scottsdale Marriott Suites Old Town in Scottsdale, Ariz.

For three days, more than 70 industry professionals engaged in productive discussions meant to foster relationships and build new books of business. In addition to a Welcome Reception on the hotel’s patio, where attendees cheered on the Chicago Cubs during a historic World Series win, complimentary breakfast and lunch sessions offered other networking opportunities. The first full day of meetings was capped off with a private dinner at The Clayton on the Park.

“The format and spirit of the recent Distributor Connect event in Scottsdale provided a vehicle for genuine collaboration between distributors and suppliers,” said Beth Marston, director of sales for Navitor, North Mankato, Minn. “In several meetings, we identified real targets within specific mid-market verticals and then set plans in place to secure new business, complete with sales tools and a cooperative sales process.”

Long gone are the days when end-users strictly paid for product. Now, that price point better include an experience, complete with flexibility, fast turnaround and solutions. The key to success begins and ends with the supply chain partnership. But a quick exchange of business cards at a trade show alone can't determine whether or not that potential partner is a match. One-on-one, guaranteed face time, afforded by Distributor Connect events, can.

“The unique one-to-one format for these meetings made for the most relevant industry-related conference I’ve attended in 30-plus years,” said John Sanders, director of business development for RBO PrintLogistix, Maryland Heights, Mo. “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.”

Sanders was not alone in his sentiments. Distributors, like Laurie Helberg, also saw value.

“I can honestly say that I walked away from every meeting with at least one new idea,” said Helberg, market development and account manager for American Solutions for Business, Brookfield, Wis. “I have received great follow-up from the suppliers already and am working on several potential projects for my customers. My main goal in attending was to learn much more about the print side of the business, as it’s indeed a way for me to grow my business with my customer base. The quality of the one-on-one time spent with the suppliers is a win-win situation. The time invested at Distributor Connect will result in a significant ROI.”

Print+Promo Publisher Jim Harvie couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the year.

“Sometimes in business, things just come together and that is exactly what happened again at our most recent Distributor Connect event in Scottsdale,” Harvie said. “The meaningful connections that are developed from the one-on-one meetings at Distributor Connect, 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 all. That is what makes for a successful event. I can’t wait for next year.”

Reservations are now open for 2017 events. Dates are:

May 10 to 12, 2017, Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Nov. 1 to 3, 2017, Hotel Contessa in San Antonio

Limited spaces are still available for qualified distributors. If interested in attending, contact Mike Cooper at mcooper@napco.com or (215) 238-5434.

Print+Promo also is accepting contracts for 2017 events from new suppliers. Don’t wait—only a few spaces remain. To learn more, contact Jim Harvie at jharvie@napco.com or (215) 238-5436.

For event information and testimonials, please visit connect.goprintandpromo.com.