NAED Eastern Observations … The Election Aftermath

If no one is attending these sessions, perhaps that should say something to NAED … either we’re not going to go to sessions when manufacturers are there or the topics aren’t enticing enough. Either way, we’re obviously not buying the product. Perhaps they should be cancelled and my $700-900 registration fee be reduced? Or at least try something else to keep relevant.

I know the registration fees are used to fund the association, I’m okay with that, but let’s cut the costs and stop the charade. I only want to meet with people who can directly impact my business. I don’t need high priced speakers.

I think NAED should “ban” manufacturer suite meetings. The larget companies suck the larger distributors out of the booth sessions for private one on one’s and it undermines the booth sessions. Also, NAED members should refuse to participate in suite meetings during the General Session, etc. Finally, I agree….the high priced speakers rarely provide any value. The lady from Fox News this year basically told us what we all knew. Increase the time spent on meetings and eliminate some of the high priced speakers would make the overall meeting more valuable to all.

Unfortunately NAED can’t “ban” anything. They are a toothless tiger. Manufacturers schedule meetings as they need a return on their time and us distributors want to meet with manufacturers. Only way to get them out of the meeting rooms is to make the meeting rooms very expensive for them to rent. Probably can’t do much with the suite costs as that is probably controlled by the hotel. Maybe the booth format should be reconsidered … maybe ask the manufacturers what they might want as a way to meet with us?

I have stated this before and no one seems to understand that trying to have The ENAED after the recent A-D and I-Mark meetings leads to a diminished attendance and lack luster results. Everyone would be better served if the NEMRA meeting were held in November and the respective NAED regional meetings are held in Jan-Feb. If the NEMRA meeting, which generally serves as a planning session for most manufacturers,were held prior to the new year starting and fresh off of the A-D and I-Mark meetings the upcoming NAED would have greater signifigance due to the NEMRA members targeting specific initiatives that were spoken about with their manufacturers prior to the year rather than one to two months into the year. Lastly, the likelihood of better attendance from the Northeast would occur due to the time elapse off of the AD and I-Mark meetings and also the colder weather in January and February would make it more desirable to be in Florida.