DAVENTRY: Over 100 supplier members of the National Merchant Buying Society rolled up at the Barcelo Hotel to hear a line-up of top-flight professional speakers. The aim of Strategic Sales Conference last Friday was to help suppliers add value to merchant members' purchases when they attend the annual trade exhibition in Telford on 12 May.
Chris Hayward, the Society's managing director said: "On average, 75% of visitors to an exhibition are there to buy or plan to buy in the future. Eighty per cent of a stand's success is down to staff, so training to gain makes sense."
Facilitator Kevin Parr kept the day moving swiftly along. Keynote speaker Geoff Burch from BBC 2's 'Over The Top' wrapped up the day with wit, humour and an underlying serious message: never give up on the customer.
Merchants attending the exhibition will find their suppliers in buoyant mood. "With all the best of NMBS' supplier members under one roof, there are going to be major opportunities to connect with suppliers on a greater level than before," said one company.
The day's speakers also featured: James Rostance, co-author of the Insiders' Guide to Exhibition Success; Steve Rowe of Koru consulting on successful selling for growth; Alistair Dryburgh of Akenhurst Consultants on measures for growth and Kevin McGirl of Sales-i on sales acceleration technology.
NMBS filmed the day and will be putting each speaker's segment on its website soon. Merchants may be able to pick up tips for their own businesses from these dynamic presentations.
