Exhibitor
Orientation Webinar
Getting the most out of the 2016 NAFCD +
NBMDA Annual Convention!
Two Sponsoring Associations
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The 2016 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention is co-sponsored by two associations for the 7th year in a row.
Benefits of the co-sponsorship include:
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Larger distributor base to expose product and services
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Lower costs and better buying power
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Enhanced learning and information gathering from a larger and more diverse network of industry contacts
Sessions and functions are attended by members of both groups unless otherwise noted
Exhibitors from both associations are integrated throughout the exhibit hall to spread-out the traffic patterns and
provide greater space between competing exhibitors
If your product or service is relevant for members of both associations then you will be able to reach-out to the
attendees of both prior to the event.
If your product or service is only relevant for members of one association, you will distinguish between
associations by ribbons on attendee badges
Event Objective & Key Stats
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The 2016 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention brings together distributors, manufacturers
and service providers from the floor covering, specialty building material, cabinetry and
woodworking industries to network, engage, learn and grow their businesses. The event is
designed to be an interactive executive-level interchange between trading partners.
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This industry wide gathering allows for one-on-one business planning meetings with
current and potential customers and offers flexibility to maximize time with key decision
markers.
THIS IS A NETWORKING EVENT, NOT A TRADESHOW!
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150+ Suppliers Hosting Tabletops
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800+ Total Attendees
Key Exhibitor Opportunities
The 2016 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention is your opportunity to:
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Gain access to the top decision makers from leading distributors
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Interact with 100+ fellow suppliers who have established distribution networks
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Position your firm and brands within the distributor community
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Engage in dialogue addressing distribution challenges and opportunities
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Expose yourself to the leading business and distribution
professional speakers
Pre-Convention Preparation
To make the most of this event, you must begin communicating with attendees immediately. We
encourage you to set appointments with distributors in advance of arriving in Chicago.
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Utilize the appointment scheduler
Utilize the 2016 pre-registered attendee list
• Username: access
• Password: welcome1
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Download the 2016 mobile app and message attendees directly
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Reach out to current 2016 attendees and contact your distributor partners and encourage
them to attend.
Pre-Setting of Appointments with Attendees is Key!
Pre-Convention Preparation
Make the most out of exhibiting by utilizing promotional tools and
opportunities available to you. Making sure your company's name gets
proper exposure before, during and after the show requires a proactive
approach. Select tools and resources available to you include:
• 2016 Annual Convention Website
• Web Banner
• Email Signature Graphic
Pre-Convention Preparation
(Cont’d.)
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Become an Annual Convention Sponsor for additional exposure
• Click Here to see the sponsorship prospectus and contact Robb
Shrader ([email protected]) for more information.
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Contact non-attending distributors and encourage them
to register for the 2016 Annual Convention.
Don’t Forget to BYOD!
Bring Your Own Distributor
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What Is It? Non-member, first-time distributor attendees can participate in the Annual Convention for
free. Manufacturers are encouraged to BYOD (Bring Your Own Distributor).
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How to Participate - Invite your distributors! By completing this form, distributors will enter your
company‟s name in the “Referring Company” field. Participants must meet the qualifications of
membership for NAFCD or NBMDA – click on the appropriate link to be taken the membership forms
online.
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What You Receive - In addition to optimizing your time at the convention, you will get the opportunity to
meet with prospective companies that may not be members.
• Connect with more of your distributor customers at one time
• Expose your distributor customers to valuable education and networking which will make
them even better customers
• Position yourself as a value-added supplier
Exhibitor Communications
The 2016 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention Show Management team
will send you (2) Exhibitor Bulletins via email from now until the conference
in November. These bulletins will contain important show updates,
reminders, deadlines, and everything you need to know prior to exhibiting.
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Be on the lookout for (2) Exhibitor Bulletins prior to the event
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Schedule of Events
Tuesday, November 1
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8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Evening
Optional: Manufacturer-Hosted Distributor Meetings
Distribution Management University (DMU), Sam Richter
NAFCD Leadership Reception (Invite Only)
NAFCD First Time Attendee Reception: Meet the NAFCD Board of Directors (Invite Only)
NAFCD Networking Reception (NAFCD members only)
NBMDA First Time Attendee Reception (Invite Only)
Optional: Manufacturer-Hosted Receptions and Dinners
Wednesday, November 2
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8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
12:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
NAFCD Breakfast and Member Meeting
NBMDA Breakfast and Member Meeting
Opening General Session, Ken Gronbach
Two Concurrent General Sessions, Mike Regan and Nate Sachs
NAFCD General Luncheon & Panel Discussion
NBMDA General Luncheon & Panel Discussion
Spouse Event
Two Concurrent General Sessions, Yuki Conlon and Claudia St. John
Welcome Reception in Exhibit Hall
Schedule of Events
(cont’d.)
Thursday, November 3
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7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Technology Information Session, Kevin McGirl
All-Attendee Breakfast
General Session, Alan Beaulieu
Exhibit Hall Open
Working Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
Networking Happy Hour: Beers with Peers
Closing Reception and Dinner
Key Networking Opportunities
for Exhibitors
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Tuesday: First Time Attendee Receptions (Invite Only), NAFCD Networking Reception
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Wednesday: Member Meetings, General Sessions, All-Attendee Lunch, Roundtable
Discussion, Exhibit Hall Welcome Reception
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Thursday: All-Attendee Breakfast, General Session, Working Lunch in Exhibit Hall, Happy
Hour and Closing Reception
* Please Note: Exhibitor personnel are invited and highly encouraged to fully participate in
all scheduled functions including general session and roundtable discussions.
Exhibit Hall Schedule
Wednesday, November 2
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception in Exhibit Hall
Thursday, November 4
10:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
Working Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
2016 Exhibit Hall Format
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Rather than erecting full exhibit displays and discussing product features,
we encourage exhibitors to focus their discussions on developing business
plans, setting sales strategy and addressing barriers to sales growth with
their distribution partners.
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Exhibit space on the floor will offer a private and comfortable setting in
which to interact with many attendees in a short period of time.
Remember to pre-set appointments with
attendees!
Exhibit Package
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Provided in standard 8 x 10 booth package:
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(2) Two Full Convention Registrations
(1) One 6‟ skirted Display Table
(2) Two Chairs
8‟ Back Drape and 3‟ Side Rails
7” x 44” Company Identification Sign
Note: Exhibit Hall is carpeted
Optional but recommended additions to your booth (fee required):
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Roundtable and chairs to facilitate sit-down discussions
First Time Exhibitor Package
• Distributor Appointment Support – NAFCD and NBMDA
will help make an introduction to a registered attendee of
your choice
• Schedule a call with staff to prepare for the convention
and answer any specific questions
Tabletop Display Rules & Regulations
To maintain the conference tabletop space atmosphere, tabletop models or displays must not exceed
the height of 4 feet (48") above the table. No display material may extend beyond the width or length
of the table.
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No more than two (2) floor standing sample racks or shelving units are permitted within the
8 x 10 display space.
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If your company has multiple samples to display, please keep them confined to your tabletop
space.
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You will be asked to remove any items that go beyond the scope of the tabletop rules and
regulations at your own cost. We recommend to not send additional units or items as we will ask
you to store them off the show floor at your own cost.
Examples of Acceptable Booths
Exhibitor Service Kit
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Freeman is the new general services contractor of the Annual Convention
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The Exhibitor Service Kit contains all of the resources you will need to
furnish your booth, order utilities, find registration and housing information,
and will assist in guiding you to a successful conference.
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Note that the discount deadline to order products and services from
Freeman is October 11, 2016.
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Click here to access the Exhibitor Service Kit
Deadline Checklist
Item
Product Listing Form
Deadline
DUE
Advanced Shipments may begin arriving at
Warehouse
Freeman Discount Deadline for Orders
October 4, 2016
Electrical Order Form Due
October 11, 2016
Telecommunications Order Form Due
October 11, 2016
Last Day for Advance Shipment to arrive at
Advanced Warehouse w/out surcharge
Direct Shipments may arrive to Exhibit Site
October 24, 2016
October 11, 2016
November 1, 2016
Complete?
Questions about how to register? Please
contact
[email protected]
Exhibitor Registration
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Each 8x10 booth includes two individual full convention registrations. Additional exhibitor registrations
can be purchased for a fee ($595) which includes full show floor and general session access as well as
access to all meal functions held at the event.
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If you are the primary contact from your company, you can use the Vendor Administrator Portal to
register your booth staff, manage registrations and make any necessary changes. Click here to log into
the Vendor Administrator Portal and enter your email address along with the password.
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If you are not the main contact from your company, click here to access the online exhibitor registration
page. You will need to input your unique company code in the „vendor code‟ field to register
each attendee, which you can obtain from the primary
contact person from your company.
Special Exhibit Features
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If you require enhanced privacy to conduct meetings onsite, exhibitors
have the option to utilize private areas
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Located in the back of the Exhibit Hall, several fully-draped areas will
be set up so that you can host private meetings.
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Sign up sheets will be available onsite and are on a first-come,
first-serve basis.
Exhibitor Evaluations
Please remember to fill out your exhibitor evaluations!
Feedback from the evaluation questions will provide NAFCD + NBMDA
with the information needed to enhance each year‟s Annual Convention
to make it the most productive environment for exhibitors and
attendees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where and when do I ship my materials?
A: We recommend that all materials be shipped to the Freeman Advanced
Warehouse between the dates of October 4 – October 24, 2016.
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Shipping labels are included in the Exhibitor Service Kit
Record your tracking number
Consolidate packages; see Exhibitor Service Kit or contact Freeman with
specific questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are my belongings secure in the exhibit hall?
A: Show Management will provide perimeter security during the show
and additional security during set-up and teardown, but is not
responsible for any theft or damage to products or displays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I encounter problems during the show, who should I
contact?
A: If you run into any problems while onsite you can contact any
NAFCD or NBMDA staff member either on the show floor, or at the
registration. Freeman will also staff an Exhibitor Service Desk during
the event on the show floor. Don‟t hesitate to ask anyone with NAFCD,
NBMDA, Freeman or the Hyatt for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to prepare someone for working my tabletop?
A: The key to effectively managing your tabletop during the exhibit is to have
staff that are very familiar with your company‟s U.S. and Canadian distribution
program. Staff that are prepared to listen to the concerns and suggestions from
distributors, interested in developing strong business and social relationships
and open to ideas to enhance profitability will succeed.
Helpful Resources
• Refer to the event website for links and information about the
following items:
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Exhibitor Badge Registration
Exhibitor Service Kit
Exhibitor Marketing Kit/B.Y.O.D. Program
Convention Schedule
Information about Speakers or Sessions
General Convention and Exhibit Information
Final Reminders
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Make appointments in advance with 2016 attendees by accessing the online attendee
list (updated weekly) by clicking here.
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Review and make sure you comply with the Table Top Rules and Regulations
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Register your booth staff for badges in advance.
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Take advantage of the B.Y.O.D. Program and invite first-time, non-member
distributors to attend this year‟s convention for free!
We’re Here to Help!
The North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors and the North American Building
Material Distribution Association want you to have a successful and cost-effective exhibitor
experience. In addition to Show Management, the Freeman staff is always ready to assist you.
Contact information for Freeman can be found in your exhibitor service kit.
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For all matters relating to your exhibit experience please contact:
• Kristen Finnegan, 312.673.5418 or [email protected]
• Robb Shrader, 312.673.5581 or [email protected]
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For all matters relating to general NAFCD or NBMDA questions, please contact:
• Kevin Gammonley, 312.321.6845 or [email protected]
312.321.6836 or [email protected]