Knowledge & Networking Sessions
Don't forget to check out the Knowledge and Networking Sessions we are offering for Propel 2012! Get a complete schedule of sessions below. New for this year, and based on YOUR feedback, Propel 2012 has revamped the traditional seminar format and enhanced it with four new highly focused tracks: Learning Labs, Idea Circles, Power Panels and TriMega Tools. Each of these new education formats features tremendous opportunities to learn from subject experts, exchange ideas and best practices, hear tangible tips first-hand from fellow successful dealers and engage in spirited and productive discussions with your peers. See an explanation of each session type below:
- Learning Lab – In these sessions you’ll get valuable info, in a seminar format, presented by leading industry experts and topic leaders.
- Idea Circles – In these highly interactive roundtable discussion sessions led by a facilitator, you'll have the opportunity to explore relevant topics in a roundtable discussion format with a small group of your peers. You’ll share your ideas and learnings with the group and engage in productive dialogue.
- Power Panel – Through the guidance of a moderator, these sessions will feature a panel of your peers who are prepared to present best practices, ideas and suggestions with the group. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and share your feedback in this productive discussion.
- TriMega Tools – In these TriMega led sessions, you’ll learn about TriMega programs or initiatives, from “the orange project”, to our new MPS Program, to TCPN, FSSI and Point Nationwide.
| Region Meetings | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:30pm- 5:20pm |
South Central Pam Spencer Bonnet Creek XII |
North Central Jerry Gibbs Bonnet Creek X-XI |
South East Todd Isenberg Floridian B-C |
North East Ray Bourret Floridian A |
Western Karla Veliz Bonnet Creek IX |
Propel 2012 seminars will offer more opportunities for sharing powerful ideas through all new networking forums and sessions in addition to the countless seminars on hot topics in the industry today.
The Upside of a Down Economy: Buying Locally
Presented by Kimber Lanning
Buy Local is more important now than ever before. In this session, TriMega members will learn how to 'Leverage their Localness' to attract new customers. Discover new ways to collaborate with nearby businesses, learn to position your business as the smart alternative, and improve your ability to tell your own story. Every local business owner needs this information to compete in today's marketplace.
Global Economic Outlook
Presented by James E. Glassman
James Glassman, Chief Economist at Chase Commercial Banking, will discuss the impact of unemployment on the economy and our industry, the potential impact of the November election and how interest rates affect the cost of capital, and subsequently, costs to businesses. Attend this insightful session to get the big picture of the economy and what it means to you, your future and your business.
Best Practices in TCPN Marketing
Presented by Tom Vanhootegem and Pam Gonzalez
The use of cooperative bid contracts by public agencies continues to trend upward. In this session, learn how agencies utilize piggyback contracts and how dealers can properly capitalize on these opportunities through the Point Nationwide/Gonzalez Alliance with TCPN. Pam Gonzalez, Vice President of Gonzalez Office Products and Tom VanHootegem will be joined by a representative from TCPN to facilitate discussions on identifying target agencies, setting strategies for successful contract awards, and proper utilization of marketing tools created for dealer use.
Best Practices in FSSI Marketing
Presented by Toria Meadors, David Guinn, David Harris, and Vincent Campione
Point Nationwide is experiencing exponential sales growth in the federal sector due to the success of dealers utilizing the EZ Print Supplies FSSI Agreement. Learn how these dealers are successful through proper account targeting and successful ways to approach those targets. Learn how to use the tools prepared for dealer success such as PowerPoints, website demo tutorials, and creating favorites lists. Toria Meadors, President of EZ Print Supplies will be joined by Dave Guinn and David Harris to facilitate this session to expand your understanding of marketing to the federal government.
Best Practices in Corporate Account Selling
For Point Nationwide Members Only
Presented by Tom Vanhootegem, Chuck Gerba, and Dealer Panel
This session will provide best practices in strategic planning and tactical requirements for developing and securing national account contracts within your market. A few successful CSP’s that have delivered on these practices will be present to share their personal experiences. Chuck Gerba, National Account Business Development Executive for Point Nationwide, will facilitate this session.
Peel Back the Fear and “Squeeze the Juice” for Higher Profits in Cleaning & Breakroom Supplies
Presented by Chris Whiting, Vice President of Cleaning and Breakroom Supplies – SP Richards, and Bill Marsh, National Sales Manager – Reckitt Benckiser
In support of The Orange Project launch, this seminar will give you a more in-depth look into the Cleaning and Breakroom business. Want to learn how to successfully grow in this category? Once you peel back the fear of going beyond the commodities, it’s easy to “squeeze the juice” for more profitability. You will be able to take away meaningful and transferrable information such as “What is the difference between a sanitizer and a disinfectant?” We’ll also provide you with helpful tips for selling cleaning chemicals to your customers.
Shine as a category expert and separate yourself from the rest!
Let Your Customers See Printing DIFFERENTLY – TriMega’s Simple New MPS Program
Presented by Brian Stevenson, Director of MPS, TriMega
Managed Print Services (MPS) is one of the rare solutions that presents a true "win-win." It’s a win for clients in that they are more efficient and have lowered their costs. It’s a win for dealers as they have increased revenue and profits and found a new way to protect existing customers and penetrate new accounts. In this presentation, TriMega will officially launch its new simple yet effective service oriented MPS program. This revolutionary offering will allow you to offer your customers a form of MPS that includes toner and service without the long sales cycle or complications often associated with deploying software. Attend this session to get all of the exciting details on this program and learn how you can go to work protecting your business profitably now and into the future.
MPS Insights, Ideas and Best Practices
Panel Discussion
Facilitated by Brian Stevenson, Director of MPS, TriMega
Perhaps you’ve been hearing so much about how important it is that you embrace MPS but haven’t figured out quite how to take the first step. Or maybe you’ve already dipped your toe in the MPS waters, but haven’t quite made it all the way in. Or maybe you’ve been focused on MPS as a growth strategy for your business but are looking to take your MPS business to the next level. Well this interactive “Panel Power” dealer discussion session is for you! We are pleased to have several MPS industry leaders participating in a panel discussion sharing their valuable perspective on some of the challenges, pitfalls, risks and rewards they have seen and experienced on their journey in MPS. This session will address and provide an open forum to discuss current trends influencing the toner, print industry and Managed Print Services. Don’t miss it.
Boiling the Frog - What Impact the Younger Generation is Having on Our Business!
Idea Circles – Roundtable Discussion
Facilitated by Sam Richard Business Development Director, Wist Office Products
Through an exclusive partnership with OPI and MWA, this summer TriMega members got exclusive access to the Boiling the Frog Research Report on Young Workers and behavior and attitudes of young office workers - those under 35 - whose usage of, and attitudes towards, traditional office products is likely to be very different to that of their older colleagues. And whether you attended the webinar or read the report, and you heard the fascinating and thought provoking results on the differences of this generation – and their views on Office Products – It’s now time to get together for an insightful, interactive and productive discussion on this topic! In this moderator-led, roundtable discussion, we’ll explore the generational differences in printing habits (which are so integral to office supply consumption), we’ll discuss the younger generation’s use of social networking sites for work and their preferred methods of communication and discuss ways the iPad revolution may be changing business (and office supply usage) and what we can be doing to stay on the curve instead of falling behind. It is predicted that in 10 years, workers under 35 will account for more than half of the working population in the US – so this topic is not going away. Share ideas, discover new ones and gain new insights at this powerful Idea Circle session!
The Importance of Developing Your Personal Brand
Idea Circles – Roundtable Workshop
Facilitated by Beth Wright, OPWIL Board Member & Vice President, Bi-silque Visual Communication Products
“Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are CEOs of our own companies: Me Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You.”- Tom Peters in Fast Company. The name of this Operation is YOU! Accept the mission and become the best CEO of YOU by discussing how to develop your PERSONAL BRAND. Whether on a social network, cocktail party or business function. Attend this highly interactive but highly focused session to learn tangible ways to craft your personal brand. How do you differentiate your authentic self? Do you know what it take to establish a personal brand? Do you know how does your personal brand effects how others see you? What does your online brand say about you? The reality is most people’s brands have been created by default, not by design. Take control of your brand in an easy to understand discussion and development workshop. Don’t miss it!
Best Buying: Buying Group Tips, Tactics and Tools II
Power Panel Discussion
Facilitated by Grady Taylor, EVP Member Development, TriMega
At Emerge 2011 in San Diego, one of the most highly rated sessions was “Best Buying: Buying Group Tips, Tactics and Tools ” presented by Grady Taylor. Well, the session returns this year – but with a new dimension. In this year’s Power Panel discussion format, Grady will move to the next step of how dealers actually develop and implement a stocking regimen that best suits their unique business model, physical (warehouse) capabilities and growth strategies. Hear how these dealers have added gross margin dollars to their bottom line, while maintaining sufficient return-on-capital. From determining what is the trigger for buying something direct, to understanding inventory velocity, and discovering how to decide between stockless, wholesaler carton programs, or direct purchasing. The Power Panel will consist of (virtually) stockless dealers, semi-stocking dealers and full-stocking dealers ready to share best practices, provide valuable insights and answer any and all of your questions about best buying. If you’re looking to lower your cost of goods, improve your turns and increase your profitability through right stocking strategies, this interactive session is for you.
Talking Technology – Trends, Tactics and Tools!
Power Panel Discussion
Facilitated by Ron Books, CEO, ECi
Systems, first-in-search, search engine optimization, cloud computing, pay-per-click, digital marketing, social media, mobile marketing, apps, digital content and QR codes. These are just some of the trends in the wonderful wide world of technology which are impacting our industry. Join us for a panel discussion with top industry dealers on how they use current technology trends to drive efficiency and growth. Technology drives our new world, it changes the way we do business, and can enhance the way we interact with our customers. And independent dealers need to be able to compete with the Big 3 Technology Titans in OP to survive and prosper! Particular focus will be given to e-commerce and digital marketing. Hear from industry experts and dealers who have been successful with technology to find out how to leverage trends in technology, deploy the right tactics and take advantage of the powerful tools that are out there. Moderated by ECi CEO Ron Books, this informative and interactive session is open to all TriMega members. Don’t miss this valuable learning experience.
Propel Your Way To Greater Cleaning and Breakroom Success!
Presented by Mark Pelletier
You have heard about the sales and profit opportunities that await successful implementation of a Jan San initiative within your business. What you may still need is the sales and marketing "how to." This seminar will help you find answers to the following questions:
- What are industry benchmarks? What's my opportunity?
- What are the different sourcing options within USI and how could they benefit my business?
- What are the category "Steps To Success" that others are employing and are using to win in the category?
- What are some of the key sales & marketing tools that will help succeed in the Cleaning & Breakroom arena?
- How important is the use of category marketing and Customer Awareness Campaigns?
- How critical is Cleaning & Breakroom training to my overall category win rate?
- How important is a robust private label offering and what are those support tools at my disposal?
This seminar targets dealer Owners, Principals and Sales and Marketing Leaders. What you will learn are the benchmarks, tools, and available support for better sales penetration into the Jan San and Breakroom category. You will see what others are using to dial into Jan San and Breakroom growth. You will hear how can you take those tools and launch a successful Cleaning and Breakroom initiative program in your market. You will learn the Winning Combination that sets the top performers apart!
The seminar incorporates category insights along with a business development approach to help you deploy key strategies for success in this segment. Delivering the message will be Mark Pelletier, United's Director of Field Marketing for the Jan San Category. Mark will provide you with the tools and support to help your team Propel your Cleaning and Breakroom Success.
Guide to Survive Health Care Reform 2014
Presented by Andrew Ky Haynes
2014 may seem far away, but in terms of health care reform, it is right around the corner. Just look at how far we have come. In the two years since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) was enacted, we already have thousands of pages of regulations and other guidance, and a Supreme Court decision that shocked many in both the legal and benefits communities. Now it’s time to look ahead and plan – regardless of November’s election results. PPACA’s biggest changes are targeted for 2014, and will create a seismic shift in health care policy and delivery.
Andy Haynes will provide an overview of where we have been and where we are going. He will focus on changes that every dealership needs to be aware of and plan for now. But be prepared, his presentation style will keep your involved and entertained.
Ten Takeaway Tips to Get the Most of Your Membership in TriMega
Power Panel Discussion featuring TriMega Board Members
Facilitated by Tricia Burke, President, Office Environment Company and TriMega Board Members
Ever feel like you’re just scratching the surface of your TriMega membership? Does it seem like you would need a full week to wade through all of the TriMega programs and tools available? Are you a new member that is overwhelmed and not sure where to focus to maximize the impact of your membership in TriMega? Would you like to walk away with tangible tips, tactics and ideas that you can take advantage of to increase your return on your investment in TriMega? Well if you answered “yes” to any of these questions - this session is for you. Attend this Power Panel session presented by members of TriMega’s Board of Directors – your dealer peers – and learn about the top ten ways dealers like you have taken their membership in TriMega to the next level. You’ll discover how to leverage programs that can help you lower your cost of goods, increase your sales or sharpen your industry knowledge. Gain insights, ask questions and get real advice that will impact your business and improve the value of your membership. Don’t miss it!
Accountability, Sales Leadership and Successful Management Systems
Idea Circles - Roundtable Discussion Session
Facilitated by Krista and Eddie Moore
Your management and leadership style can have significant impact on your business success. Let’s take the time to understand what’s working and what isn’t is the area of accountability, sales leadership and management systems. Attend this highly interactive session with roundtable discussion groups and uncover best practices, realistic approaches and what you can do to fine-tune your system and style for amazing results. Learn the critical success elements in these areas to be the best you can be and help take your team to the next level.
Tips to Propel Your Online Business using Free Web Tools
Learning Lab
Presented by Jeff McRitchie
Looking to for a boost to help Propel your business this year? Discover fast, cheap and easy ways to reach your local customers using the Internet. This seminar will provide you with simple tips for ensuring that your customers can find your business on the internet. Learn ways to take advantage of the new Google+ Local listings to get in front of more customers. Plus learn about valuable tools to help you advertise and grow your business for free using the web. You’ll also see a real life case study of how free web tools and the free tips you’ll gain in this session – were successful put into action for a TriMega member! Jam packed with new information this is a seminar that you don’t want to miss.
Best Practices in Social Media for Success
Power Panel Discussion
Facilitated by Bart Miller, President of GoFastWeb
Ok, so you have a Facebook account for your dealership, you’ve signed up for Twitter – but are at a loss for what to do next? You’re not alone. Many dealers are paralyzed with inaction, struggling to understand how to put these mediums to your and their business and how to best harness its near-limitless power. In this engaging and lively Power Panel session facilitated by Bart Miller, you’ll hear from actual dealers, fellow TriMega members, who have successfully embraced social media in their dealerships and will share real world examples. Further, Bart will help illuminate the murky depths of social media, bringing to light the top social media best practices you can and should begin using today to help you connect with your customers, increase your online relationships and sell more! Come prepared to ask questions, share your own success stories or pitfalls and learn from other dealers! It’s time to stop talking about getting your social media strategy going – and start making it happen. Attend this interactive Power Panel session to learn the best practices in Social Media to take your efforts to the next level!