The 23rd consecutive Tool & Equipment Distributors Associates (TEDA) Vendor Advisory Meeting & Exhibitor Show was held June 12-15 at the Turf Valley in Ellicott City, Md. This year's event featured 145 total attendees and a tool show with 67 exhibiting vendors.
TEDA is an incorporated marketing organization consisting of tool and equipment specialty warehouse distributors that focus on the automotive distribution channel. TEDA is committed to "creative and innovative" marketing of professional tool and equipment products, primarily through the traditional “two-step” (warehouse distributor/jobber) channel of distribution.
Members of TEDA host the annual event to show appreciation to group suppliers for their continued support of marketing efforts. The three-day conference featured an all-day tool and equipment exhibit show, annual golf outing, cocktail reception and private conference format for the vendors to meet one-on-one with TEDA warehouse distributor members.
During the Vendor Advisory Meeting, vendors that work with TEDA have the opportunity to showcase products to a number of warehouse distributor owners and representatives at one time.
"The goal of the Vendor Advisory Meeting is for vendors and members to learn more about each other," explains TEDA president Glen Pratt. This event marked the 17th annual exhibit show held in conjunction with the advisory meetings.
Supplier partners who work with TEDA have their company products linked to a distribution network that reaches the jobber and consumer segments of the market with new product introductions, specials and seasonal opportunities. As part of an international network of fellow distributors and valued manufacturers, TEDA warehouse distributor members develop more creative methods to generate sales. They can compete more effectively on a profitable basis in today’s dynamic marketplace.
The exhibit show is arranged so that every TEDA member visits all exhibiting vendors. Every member is assigned a start table. Each vendor has an 8’ table where he or she can show off key products and new products. Companies also use it to announce major fall promotions.
Vendors also have the option of scheduling private one-on-one conferences with TEDA members to continue discussions after the exhibit show.
As a member of TEDA, warehouse distributors receive a complete marketing package from each vendor, based on programs organized and negotiated through TEDA. The members also have access to a national sales flyer and digital promotion.
Pratt affirms next year's advisory meeting and exhibit show will focus on similar aspects to the 2017 event with a "continued commitment and focus on creative and innovative marketing of professional high value tool and equipment products, primarily through the traditional “two-step” channel of distribution."
The 2018 TEDA Vendor Advisory Meeting is scheduled for June 11-14, 2018. The event will again be held at Turf Valley in Ellicott City, Md.
Warehouse distributors interested in more information, or looking to join TEDA, can contact Glen Pratt at (301) 490-9220.
View more photos here.
