Power Meeting Miami Attendees Prefer Its Format Over Traditional Trade Show

After another knockout event in Miami, Promo Marketing Power Meeting participants are gaining a new perspective on event productivity.

"In my 25-plus years in the promotional industry, this was without exception the most beneficial event I have ever attended," Joe Hranka, vice president of sales at distributor Pyramid Printing, Groveland, Ill., said after attending the Miami event May 12 to 15.

"The Promo Marketing Power Meetings are the most effective way I've encountered to create lasting, working relationships with quality distributors," added Craig Walters, key account representative at supplier Showdown Displays, Ramsey, Minn. "Far more effective than any traditional trade show!"

In Miami, 38 distributor companies and 44 supplier organizations gathered at the Mondrian South Beach Hotel for three days of one-on-one networking. Attendees enjoyed breakfasts and lunches at the hotel's North Studio, and were wined and dined at private dinners at Cuban restaurant YUCA and The Raleigh, which boasts locally sourced American fare by a James Beard Award-winning chef. Photos from the event are available on the Promo Marketing Facebook page.

Since 2012, Power Meetings have offered unique opportunities to top-selling distributors by pairing them up with leading promotional product suppliers for one-on-one, 20-minute meetings in the suppliers' hotel suites. This three-day event includes meetings where discussions of specific ideas and projects are aimed to build business for both the suppliers and the distributors.

"For someone who once loved attending the larger trade shows for meeting new manufacturers [and] learning about new products—I am not sure I will ever go back to them," said Ashley Moore Fens, director of business development at distributor Weyh Roberts and Associates, Tysons Corner, Va. "These one-on-one Power Meetings were so beneficial, and I gained so much out of them. Learning specifically how I can sell their products to my clients was key, and I already have pending orders."

And having a previous relationship with suppliers on hand didn't hinder the experience, Artie Rice, brand architect for Geiger, a distributor based in Lewiston, Maine, noted.

"What a great way to learn about suppliers and what they want to do to support our sales efforts," he said. "For those suppliers that I was familiar with I learned new things and for the new ones who I knew little [about], I learned so much. I would highly recommend the experience."

Future Power Meetings are set for Newport Beach, Calif. from Sept. 7 to 10 and Charlotte, N.C. from Oct. 6 to 9.

While supplier spaces are sold out for both remaining 2014 Power Meetings, limited spaces are still available for qualified distributors. If interested in attending an upcoming Power Meeting, email powermeetings@promomarketing.com.

For more information, visit www.pmpowermeetings.com.