Now Is The TIme!

The National Tractor Parts Dealer Association Annual Conference and Trade Show may be three months away but NOW is when you can register for the San Antonio Experience! Registration is now open and you can get there by following this link. 

So, what have we got planned for you besides a great time in the city that boasts the Alamo? Plenty! From our opening reception to our educational seminars your association has put together a valuable and worthwhile event. Sure we'll be seeing old friends, talking business but there is more. We're prepared to offer seminars that will give you solid tools you can take back home and put to work right away. From sales to human resources to a better digital understanding of marketing...we've got the experts on board.

Save money and time and register today while the prices reflect some genuine value.  This is your professional trade association and we look forward to seeing you in San Antonio January 19-21. 

Two other things:  If you use Twitter the hashtag for this year is #NTPDA17 and you can follow along on new announcements and who else is talking about San Antonio. Finally here, once again, is the link for your registration.

See you #NTPDA17 in San Antonio! 

Start Your Trade Show Planning Now!

In just a couple of months we'll be packing up and heading to San Antonio for the 2017 NTPDA Conference and Trade Show. Now is the time to start planning for a successful event  After all it costs money to travel, stay at the hotel, take time away from the office and send staff. You really should make it worth the time, money and effort.  Here are several things to get you started:

Associate Member - Exhibitor

• Small Can Be Large - You don't have to bring EVERYTHING but you do have to be uncluttered. Lots of items often cause confusion and a mess stick to what is HOT or NEW;
• Use Video - If you can bring one or two large video screens show something interesting about your business, get some testimonials, film something during the event and then play it back. Video will drive an audience.
• Plan Your Presentation - While our group is small we bet there are several members that you really want to sell. Make a list of five or six and really concentrate on making those connections;
• Promote Your Attendance - Sure you can send out an email but why not really make an impact. Send what we call a "bump" to your target customers about a month before the show. A "bump" is an envelope with something cool from your company to the attendees. If it is a nice pen...just send the box with a note to come to your booth to pick up the pen in person. Use your imagination;
• Look Sharp - Wear that logo shirt or sweater and keep your brand alive;
• Elevate - If you are asking people to sign something or enter something don't make them bend over. Make sure your registration table is at counter height;
• Turn Off The Cell Phone - We all have voice mail. If you really, really need to make a call excuse yourself from the booth and go elsewhere. Remember the reason you are at the trade show is to sell you and your products/service;
• Send a Thank You - Don't do the cheap email message. Send a hand written note to your contacts when you get back and let them know you'll be calling; 
• Follow Up - It does no good to collect business cards or attendee data and then not follow up. Take notes during your conversation and then make sure you follow up a week or two following the show. 

Remember, you are there to represent your company, build relationships and sell something.

The Annual Conference and Trade Show is January 18 - 21, 2017. Be watching for more information and your registration information.