I have been part of the DISTREE Team (they are not just Market Buzz clients – we are an extension of the team) for around 11 years now and I love it. Actually we all love it. It’s a partnership but the team themselves are great fun to work with.
DISTREE has been running a successful series of events for close to fifteen years now (some of the owners for a bit longer of course) and here are a couple of reasons why they are so successful and people return year on year.
Perfect business sense
How often have we been to exhibition and conferences and had one in five meetings actually been on target for what we wanted. This ratio is closer to 9 in 10 (if that) with these events. This is an invitation only event and the focus is on business and not random networking. It’s focused on making sure you meet exactly who you want from the company you want to do business with.
The formula and the system that is set up is optimized to make sure that busy decision makers don’t waste ANY time searching for the right person to meet, what to do with their time and the right companies to do business with. The event team researches the companies (whether it’s the vendor i.e. technology manufacturers or the buyers, in this case the retailers and distribution partners) and the right person within the company to discuss business with. The system also facilitates sharing of company and background information as well as helps to set up meetings BEFORE even getting to the event. It’s a great way to optimize time for all.
The recent event in EMEA, for example, had around 1000 delegates registered and more than 6000 meetings scheduled through the system.
Personal attention to detail.
Even though the team uses technology really well, the human element is NEVER ignored. There is a team of people to help both buyers and sellers. They help busy executives, guiding them through the system (even the ones that are old hands at this sometimes need a nudge), making sure they get the most out of their participation. And it doesn’t stop there. There is a team at the event to make sure that these meetings happen with personalized reminders and phone calls.
Networking and learning opportunities
Of course, like any other event, there are networking opportunities at lunches and dinners, conferences and workshops. There are a series of high profile analysts that share market insights and trends, key tools that help to get the most out of business opportunities, including finding new ones. The conference content is always well researched and based on input and feedback from the attendees of all their events.
Communications and tools
It’s a technology conference and it uses tech really well. From registering your attendance to viewing profiles to setting up meetings. It has an app that makes it easier to do this on the go (so no excuses) and there is Internet access during the event everywhere. They communicate regularly so (unless you have selective hearing and reading capabilities – you know what I mean) all the information is there to make it easier to do business.
Don’t just take my word for it. Go and attend one of their events and experience it for yourself. Oh, you will need to fill out an application to see if you fit the profile so you can get invited.
