The 21st consecutive Tool & Equipment Distributors Associates (TEDA) Vendor Advisory Meeting was held June 15-18 at the Turf Valley in Ellicott City, Md.
This year's meeting was among the top five in attendance for the organization, with more than 30 first-time representatives (including both vendors and distributors) attending their first meeting. The event featured 150 total attendees and a tool show with 70 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. TEDA president Glen Pratt explains that these warehouse members place extra emphasis on approved vendor lines. "The (WD) member, he’s more apt to purchase and market a line that’s approved by the group," says Pratt.
Supplier partners who work with TEDA have their company products linked to a solid 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.
"Our focus is on the manufacturers national brands. We don’t have a private label program at this time. We put all of our efforts behind the vendors that support our group," says Pratt.
Pratt said the vendor meeting originally started as the brainchild of former Chairman of the Board Roger Shalz of Western Tools & Equipment. "His goal was to have everyone thoroughly enjoy themselves, learn more about each other, and the relationships formed would be perpetuated into the future," says Pratt. "It’s a casual relaxed atmosphere."
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 can show off key products and new products. They also use it to announce major fall promotions.
"The other important meeting aspect is that the vendors can schedule private conferences with our members," says Pratt.
These private meetings enable warehouse distributor members to meet one-on-one with approved vendors.
"The vendor has the opportunity to set up the meeting one-on-one between he and the warehouse. The warehouse hosts it in his suite," says Pratt. "The members feel that’s the most productive part of the three-day conference."
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.
"It’s a long grind, but our members feel it’s the most productive event of the year for them, even more so than AAPEX and SEMA," says Pratt.
The 2016 TEDA Vendor Advisory Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 13-June 16. 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.
