The 11th annual Start the Year Member Conference held at AmericasMart in Atlanta was another huge success for Gourmet Catalog & Buying Group with record-breaking attendance and a sold-out exclusive showcase.
“Our 11th annual Start the Year event was our best yet,” said Janis Johnson, president and founder of Gourmet Catalog (GC), which works to ensure the success of independent retailers with a variety of programs and services, including discounts provided by more than 200 vendor members.
“Having a sold-out showcase and seeing how many vendors want to participate and have that personal time with independent retailers excites our store members. It really supports our theme of ‘staying strong together.’”
The two-day, members-only conference focused on networking, new product introductions, sales demonstrations and learning opportunities. Exclusive events included two keynote speakers, a session from QWIQQ on how to best utilize social media for marketing, and a buffet supper at Atlanta’s Capital City Club.
The first speaker, Tom Shay, provided members with a better understanding of financial statements and how that can lead to better decisions and definitely more money. He offered secrets to a more profitable store and financial management for retailers.
The second keynote speaker, Patrick Ungashick, combined his direct experience, findings from research and entertaining real-word stories to share the truth of creating business value, the biggest mistakes most owners make when preparing for exit and how to avoid them, and how they can start preparing now for their future exit.
“The speakers focused in on topics that I’m struggling with and I’m sure other independents are as well,” said Pete Burback from Cook’s Corner in Green Bay, Wis. “I took away information that I know is going to be beneficial when I get back in the store.”
Kathy Willett from Weber Equipment in Evansville, Ind., said: “The keynote speakers alone were well worth the drive. They were the best speakers I’ve ever heard, and the topics really hit home to what we need to know.” Willett said she also enjoyed the vendor showcase. “Being able to speak to these vendors face-to-face and see, touch, and feel the product before ordering is so valuable to us.”
The exclusive all-day showcase drew a record number of vendor lines, selling out the space. Store members had access to GC company presidents and top executives from 175 of the group’s vendor members, and engaged in valuable face-time to see upcoming and top-selling products.
“It was my first time at the vendor showcase and I couldn’t have had a better experience,” said Carol from Down to Earth in Eugene, Ore. “You can feel the authenticity of the event and of Gourmet Catalog. The individual time I get here with vendors I buy from can’t be beat. If I were to go to a showroom, I would be hard-pressed to get much time with the vendor, if any, but here it’s all about us.”
Vendors said attending the exclusive Member Showcase, a private trade show for GC members, allows them to spend more time presenting products in detail and talking to stores about their specific needs. “Having this interactive venue allows us to spend quality face-time with our independent base, which is truly important to our organization,” said Matt Mozzer from Zwilling.
