Article Number : 619 |
|
Article Detail |
|
 | |
| Date | 9/24/2005 3:57:51 PM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=619 |
| Abstract | Chicago—While wholesalers and suppliers are gearing up for next month’s 34th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) in Boca Raton, Fla., Oct... |
| Article | Chicago—While wholesalers and suppliers are gearing up for next month’s 34th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) in Boca Raton, Fla., Oct. 21 to 23, the organization is already making plans for next year’s event where it will launch the NAFCD Distributor Marketplace. To be held in conjunction with the association’s 35th Annual Meeting, Oct. 19 to 21, 2006 in Indian Wells, Calif., the new event is being billed as “the once-a-year trade show that offers an intimate opportunity for distributors and manufacturers to focus on the business issues and solutions unique to selling in today’s market.” Scott Hendricks of Central Distributors in Des Moines, Iowa, and NAFCD’s president, said one of the main findings of a recent assessment conducted by the organization is a lack of channel specific, manageable events which allow one-on-one meetings with mills. Even at current industry events there is no true opportunity for this. “Our vision for this is to create a trade show environment which will focus on distributor issues and will allow for quality exchange of solutions, networking and problem solving, and will enhance both the manufacturers’ and distributors’ overall business results.” Holding the market in conjunction with its annual meeting, provides the best opportunity to increase NAFCD’s value to its distributor and manufacturer members, he added. Hendricks noted the concept as a whole is a winning scenario for everyone involved. “For the manufacturer, it is designed to make selling easier and more effective with a maximum return on investment,” he explained. The investment to participate is low especially when it allows a company to reach buyers who are responsible for $4.5 billion in purchasing power; it eliminates the need and expense for mills to hold their own distributor shows; gives them a chance to address gaps in their distribution network, and can help them get on the same page as the wholesaler with regard to selling during other industry events, such as Surfaces. As far as costs, Mariann Gregory, NAFCD’s executive director, said fee structures have not been finalized as of press time, but they will be between $2,000 and $3,000 for a basic 10X10- or 8X8-ft. booth. And, since an already qualified attendee base is on site for the organization’s annual meeting, there is no extra cost to get people to show up. For the distributor, Hendricks noted the benefits of this type of show are just as good. One of the biggest is saving time and money because it will reduce the number of events a company has to attend. In other words, instead of bouncing from one mill distributor event to another it can be taken care of in one setting. In addition, private meetings can be scheduled to discuss strategy, partnership and plans while also giving wholesalers the chance to see new products. Finally, for NAFCD, it not only creates greater value for the organization, this type of event further enhances its mission “to promote wholesale distribution in the industry and provide members—distributor, manufacturer and fiber supplier—with resources for enhancing their performance as industry suppliers.” For more information, Call NAFCD at 312/321-6836. —Matthew Spieler |