A format change created greater interaction between distributor members and vendors at this year’s Linde Distributor Association (LDA) annual meeting held in Miami, Florida, leading to a much more productive meeting.
“We listened and they responded to make the meeting one of the most effective we’ve had in the 21-year history of the association,” said Mark Falconer, LDA Co-Chairman and President of Minneapolis Oxygen Company, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “All participants agreed at last year’s meeting that increased interaction would greatly improve the effectiveness of the meeting. So, that’s what we gave them.”
The agenda for the two and a half day meeting was a significant departure from previous meetings. Vendors were given podium time to provide their profiles and to present their various services, product lines and rebate programs; they also introduced special sales available only to meeting attendees. The new format also included an extended trade-show-style event that gave vendors and distributors more time for face-to-face meetings. “The feedback after the meeting was very positive,” Falconer said.
Terry Hall, LDA Co-Chairman and Linde distributor consultant, said, “The new format created an atmosphere that enhanced the all-important networking activities of the association. I think everyone who attended thought the new format provided a greater opportunity to exchange information and ideas that will have a positive impact on their businesses.”
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