The opportunity to create a venue that brings together three major industry segments − manufacturers, representatives and dealers − and provide the returns that each looks for, was the focus of the first Decorative Plumbing And Hardware Association (DPHA) Manufacturer Council Meeting.
Attendees, including Naomi Neilson Howard, Native Trails; Hal Weinstein, Xylem; Jonathan Wood, Ginger/Newport Brass; Steven Weinberg, California Faucets; Henry Brunelle, BainUltra; Pat Jarvis, Dornbracht; Ziggy Kulig, Graff; Rene DeRose, Ronbow; and Larry Brodey, JACLO, brainstormed on how to capitalize on the opportunity and make the DPHA Conference deliver the returns that members expect. Several of the ideas discussed include:
- DPHA partnering with manufacturers that will exhibit at the showcase to identify new products and develop joint promotional programs that give dealers a reason to attend the showcase and spend quality time with manufacturers that are exhibiting
- Offering no-cost opportunities for dealers to bring sales professionals to the showcase
- Offering educational tracks aimed at showroom sales professionals in addition to principals that focus on solving showroom sales professionals’ biggest challenges
- Providing quality programming that teaches showrooms how to increase sales
- Controlling the cost of attendance
The council will continue to brainstorm ideas and recommend partnership opportunities to make the DPHA Conference and Product Showcase, October 9-12, 2013, a fulfilling event for dealers, manufacturers and representatives.
