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As contractors and suppliers anticipate the return of Technology Publishing Company’s in-person hosted buyer event, Contractor Connect, the industry reflects on prior events, experiences and what they’re looking forward to this fall.
Taking place from Nov. 2-5, Contractor Connect will bring together qualified buyers (contractors) and sellers (suppliers) at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, in Palm Coast, Florida.
Industry Praise
Returning for its fourth annual conference, Contractor Connect boasts praise from its previously attended contractors and suppliers regarding the event’s priceless experiences and networking activities.
“At first, we were hesitant to sign up for Contractor Connect, because we didn't think we needed third-party help to talk to customers. But after crunching the numbers, we realized that Contractor Connect sponsorship was more cost-effective than doing our own event,” said Doni Riddle, recently retired Senior Vice President of Technology & Integration, The Sherwin-Williams Company. “We signed up, and it was a success. We gained valuable insight on what was important to the contractor; we strengthened existing relationships; and we learned about important new opportunities. We've sponsored every year since. It's a great event.”
“Events were great! It was not only an opportunity to network with contractors, but also manufacturers and peers in the industry,” said Courtney Beall, Graco Inc. Another Graco attendee, Bryce Gapinski, said, “Better than any trade show I have been to over the past two years. Trade shows and panel discussions are great for the group to get an overall flavor, but the one-on-one meetings have a richer experience and will keep people coming back and sponsoring.”
Kurtis Ohse, Director of Marketing at Clemco adds, “My company sells through distribution. Often we find ourselves feeling disconnected from the consumers of our products. Contractor Connect provides an excellent opportunity for us to meet our customers face to face and build relationships in a casual atmosphere with just the right mix of business and fun.
“These relationships we have established have allowed us to maintain a closer connection to the customers we serve, provide better products, and better service.”
After attending Contractor Connect’s third installation, Rory Sudbeck of Viking Industrial Painting called the experience a “first-class event.” Chiming in with his praise, Mark Heulsein, President of Hitech Painting, stated, “I believe this was something that money cannot buy.”
In a conversation with Brion Palmer, CEO of Technology Publishing, CEO and President of Tnemec Company, Inc., Chase Bean, said: “You said Contractor Connect is a great event. You undersold it. It is a fabulous event. Let’s do it again.”
“You hit the mark,” added Tnemec’s Executive Vice President, Cory Brown.
“A truly great investment of time for all those interested in learning about new innovation in our industry AND a great place to network with others who are interested in innovation and growth!” stated Davies Hood, President of Induron Protective Coatings.
“Awesome way to connect with people in our industry… would be very difficult [for us] to gather 25 contractors all in one place at the same time. We look forward to next year, thanks,” added Bob Nash, President of Greener Blast Technologies.
“In the years since we first introduced Contractor Connect, the events have only proven more successful year over year,” said Palmer. “The event has undoubtedly proven that it’s a perfect platform for us to better connect contractors with the major suppliers in the industry, and we take pride in bringing together these two core audiences.
“In looking forward to November, while we are all eager to finally be reunited in person, we are highly anticipating making up for lost time and leveraging industry players in their journey of growth and success. After what everyone has experienced over the last year and a half, it will be exciting to contribute to the industry’s comeback.”
Participation
This year's Contractor Connect will invite a limited number of industrial painting contractors with qualified buying power to connect with sponsoring suppliers who provide the products and services they need—all in the beautiful ocean-side setting of a world-class resort.
To be considered, interested contracting companies must fill out the attached application here.
A list of previous contractor participants can be viewed here.
One of the key attributes of Contractor Connect is the intimacy of the event. Suppliers in the protective and marine coatings industry are offered exclusive opportunities to participate as sponsors, building relationships with current and prospective customers in fun and productive ways.
Interested suppliers will have the option of becoming a Platinum or Silver sponsor. Details regarding these supporting sponsorships and their benefits can be found here. Additional ancillary sponsorship opportunities (exclusive for Platinum and Silver sponsors until Sept. 1) can be found here. Following the September deadline, any unreserved ancillary sponsorship opportunities will be made available to sustaining sponsors—companies that are unable to send representatives to the event.
Schedule and Updates
While the conference’s agenda and speakers will be released in the upcoming weeks, contractors who are registered or considering attending can stay updated by visiting the event’s homepage.
Be on the lookout for additional conference updates!
For information about the corresponding Commercial Contractor Connect event, click here.
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