Distributors see new tools, receive training and get social at Matco Tools Expo in Orlando

The annual Matco Tool Expo brought together more than 3,000 distributors, partners and suppliers for four days of networking and new tools. Attendees welcomed a chance to view new products up close, chat with fellow distributors from around the country, and enter for a chance to win various giveaways and raffles. Tuesday night was Matco Night for distributors and their families at Universal Studios.

With the show theme “Matco Strong,” much focus was placed on effective business practices, collaboration and innovation for building thriving, successful businesses. The event offered plenty of hands-on demos, training and new products. The New Product showcase featured 85 new items this year, including hi-viz sockets, new cordless tools and the 30” ratchet. In addition, all of Matco’s tool boxes were brought in and featured prominently near the entrance to the show floor, as well as along the entire perimeter of the Power Alley. Distributors could take a look at a number of different toolbox configurations and accessories, including side chests, half chests, top chests and more. There was even a toolbox on a rotisserie with a view of the underside and durable construction.

The tool expo is Matco’s largest selling event of the year. “We’re providing great deals to our distributors so they can take the industry’s newest products with great value out to the market. That’s always an objective for us,” says Gambrel.

In keeping with the “Matco Strong” theme of collaborating for success, Matco officials continued to implement ideas -- big and small – as a direct result of feedback from distributors in the field over the last 12 months. For example, Matco introduced several new products, including new ratchets and some more gift with purchase options because of distributor and district manager feedback. They also unveiled a custom Canadian welding helmet, which was a suggestion from (Canadian) distributors last year.

Hands-on demonstrations and training were two powerful ways attendees could learn more about product and, as a result, sharpen their sales. Distributors were encouraged to learn how to use products, as well as take pictures and video, in Power Alley and at suppliers’ booths.

Attendees showed up to training sessions on diagnostics training, sales training, selling tool storage, owning multiple stores and TP sales. All the sessions were well attended.

Gambrel noted they offered social media training sessions for the first time to equipment distributors with tools on how to connect with their customers online for added service, and ultimately drive sales in their stores. “We can help our distributors become stronger by learning to utilize social media, particularly Facebook, to grow their business.” The training featured tips and how-tos, as well as a panel discussion with distributors who use social media successfully.

Perhaps not surprisingly, diagnostics offerings and updates again figured prominently in training and new product announcements. Gambrel says Matco’s diagnostics line continues to get better coverage, and offers frequent updates.

“The Maximus platform continues to get stronger,” says Gambrel. He says distributor and customer engagement with new-to-market diagnostic tools continues to increase as vehicles evolve.

“As vehicles continue to get more complex, the diagnosis [does too] and that’s one of the big mega-trends we see in the industry, and so we continue to strengthen that platform and it continues to be a central focus for us in terms of where we are investing and bringing out new products.”

Matco will continue to focus on diagnostics and look at new product releases in the months to come.

“I think distributors at Matco are personally passionate about this; it’s a real family business and has a family feel to it. This is an event where people get to reconnect with their friends and colleagues, learn from each other and get training. We’re trying to do more than grow sales; we’re trying to build long-term, sustainable, healthy businesses.

Next year’s tool fair is scheduled for February 9-13 in Las Vegas.

See pictures from this year’s expo HERE.