FEDA Convention Promises Warm Temps and Popular Dealer Roundtables

We’re nearing the end of January, and it’s cold and snowy across three-quarters of the U.S. But there are a few warm places in the lower 48, and one of them is hosting an event just for dealers.

The Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association’s Annual Convention is set for March 26-30 at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, Calif., where the average March temperature is around 80˚F.

Themed “Strategies to Boost Your Bottom Line,” the convention will include the opportunity for dealers to share knowledge and experience during the best-practices roundtable discussions on March 28.

Dealer registrants will have the opportunity to participate in two of these popular 45-minute sessions. Roundtable topics and discussion leaders include:

• “The Bid World…Making Something From Nothing”: Gene Clark, Clark Food Service Equipment
• “Cash Carry Business Model”: Jonathan Gustafson, Ace Mart Restaurant Supply
• “Customer Relationship Centers/CRM”: Patricia Bible, B&B Equipment & Supply
• “E-Commerce Sales”: Brad Pierce, Restaurant Equipment World
• “Hiring Great Salespeople”: Andy Wueste, Mission Restaurant Supply
• “Project Management & Job Costing”: Paul Parr, Hockenbergs
• “REVIT Primer”: Mason Greene, Hotel & Restaurant Supply
• “Sales Commissions & Bonus Programs”: Ursula Vermillion, The Wasserstrom Co.
• “Sales Force Automation”: Eric Boelter, Boelter Cos.
• “Social-Media Marketing”: Sallie Lewis, Mission Restaurant Supply

Manufacturers and dealers not at the roundtables can attend a session on “Top 10 Profit Mistakes” led by Dr. Albert Bates of the Profit Planning Group. The session will outline common errors, including relying solely on sales volume to improve results and assuming that productivity improvements will provide proper control of payroll.

Further information on the convention and registration forms can be found at feda.com/convention/.

Convention registration and room reservation deadline is Feb. 14.