Paying Retailers Way Helps GMDC Attendance Jump
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - GMDC members are registering in increasing numbers for the 2002 GM Marketing Conference May 31-June 4 in Scottsdale, Ariz. There are 101 wholesale/retail companies attending, represented by 238 people, and 672 people from 334 supplier companies. New members who will be attending include such retailers as Albertson's, Inc. and Eckerd Corporation. First-time guest attendees include Dollar Tree Stores, Minyard Food Stores, Rite Aid Corporation, Save Mart Supermarkets and Walgreens.
The increased attendance from the buying community, up almost 40 percent from 73 companies last year, is attributed in part to the new wholesale/retail registration program, in development for two years and instituted by the GMDC Board of Directors last year for the Association's 2002 GM and HBC Marketing Conferences. Whenever qualified, dues-paying wholesale/retail members register for a GMDC Marketing Conference, their registration package can include airfare and accommodations.
Those companies participating in the program agree to fill 85 percent of their available appointment slots with Controlled Casual Conferences (CCCs). Those companies manning more than one table agree to see a minimum of 90 percent of the registered supplier companies. "This program was created in direct response to industry and economic conditions, and ultimately our member needs," says GMDC president/CEO David T. McConnell Jr. "We are very pleased with the growth in attendance numbers and the increased productivity that will result."
The increased attendance from the buying community, up almost 40 percent from 73 companies last year, is attributed in part to the new wholesale/retail registration program, in development for two years and instituted by the GMDC Board of Directors last year for the Association's 2002 GM and HBC Marketing Conferences. Whenever qualified, dues-paying wholesale/retail members register for a GMDC Marketing Conference, their registration package can include airfare and accommodations.
Those companies participating in the program agree to fill 85 percent of their available appointment slots with Controlled Casual Conferences (CCCs). Those companies manning more than one table agree to see a minimum of 90 percent of the registered supplier companies. "This program was created in direct response to industry and economic conditions, and ultimately our member needs," says GMDC president/CEO David T. McConnell Jr. "We are very pleased with the growth in attendance numbers and the increased productivity that will result."