Meetings & Additional Functions
“Hot Topic” Discussion Sessions
Friday, November 3, 2006
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Member firms will be surveyed prior to the start of this year’s convention to gather suggested “Hot Topics” that are impacting today’s distributors and stakeholder relationships. These topics will be explored in depth by your peers and trading partners within small groups. * All attendees, including manufacturers, are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Committee Meetings
Thursday, November 2, 2006 – 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, November 3, 2006 – 7:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Contribute to your association by sharing your ideas, insights concerns and recommendations. NBMDA Committee Meetings are an informal opportunity to gain a better understanding of your association’s goals and objectives, propose new strategies to enhance member value and meet new people. These meetings are valuable networking opportunities that are not to be missed! * All attendees, including manufacturers, are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Attention Manufacturers!
All attending manufacturers are welcome and strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled functions including committee meetings, “Hot Topic” Discussion Sessions, optional events and the closing Reception & Dinner. Lack of participation at these functions are missed opportunities to strengthen and expand your distributor contacts.
 Optional Dinner at Fulton's Crab House
Thursday, November 2, 2006 - 7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Join your peers and fellow attendees Thursday evening for dinner right in the heart of Disney. Fulton's Crab House is located in a delightful, turn-of-the-century riverboat replica with a spectacular view of Lake Buena Vista, Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney. Enjoy the freshest seafood, delivered daily from ports and fisheries around the world. Not a seafood lover? No problem! There will be a non-seafood entree choice as well. This dinner will include transportation to and from the Dolphin Hotel.
 Past President's Dinner
Thursday, November 2, 2006 - 7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
MoonFish is Orlando's most innovative restaurant, who serves the freshest seafood from the oceans of planet Earth, from the usual to the exotic. In addition to it's fish-fusion cuisine, MoonFish offers Prime aged steaks and an intriguing sushi menu. The vibrant atmosphere combines modern ingenuity with a Pacific flair to stimulate your senses.
Industry Issues Focus Groups & Breakfast
"NEW!" - informal opportunity to discuss industry topics with peers and trading partners over breakfast. Topics will be assigned to various tables ahead of time and members are free to sit-in on whatever topics interest them. No pre-registration needed.
Manufacturer-Hosted Meetings & Functions
Thursday, November 2, 2006
Several manufacturers are planning to host special meetings and functions in conjunction with the 2006 NBMDA Annual Convention. These manufacturers will take advantage of the concentration of distributors traveling to the convention by hosting their own corporate meeting designed to preview new product introductions or marketing programs. Others will focus on social functions including receptions, dinners and golf. Ask your supplier if they are planning to host a meeting or function. Manufacturers looking for assistance in planning their meeting should contact Kevin Gammonley (kgammonley@smithbucklin.com) in the NBMDA office.
Exhibitor-Hosted Welcome Reception
Friday, November 3, 2006 – 5:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
The popular Welcome Reception is held in the exhibit hall, providing an excellent opportunity to interact with current and potential trading partners in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Exhibitors will be in their booths to welcome distributors and finalize appointment schedules for the following day of conference sessions. Dress is business casual.
Table-top Business Session
Saturday, November 4, 2006 – 9:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
We have united the industry’s leading manufacturers and service providers within our Table-top Business Session in order to provide you with valuable and efficient access to the decision-makers within these firms. This session provides a unique opportunity to visit with senior executives of your suppliers or potential trading partners for in-depth, uninterrupted discussions. Review the past year and plan for the year ahead. This is a high-quality, executive interchange between distributors and manufacturers. You will find this experience to be an efficient and cost-effective alternative to the typical trade show environment. Benefits include:
- Insight into emerging trends and market opportunities
- Maximized productivity due to an efficient appointment scheduling system
- Strengthened relationships based on quality dialogue
- Competitive advantage through exposure to new products and market information
Closing Reception & Dinner
Saturday, November 4, 2006 – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Attire for this event is island casual, pack your Hawaii shirts! |
