| Whether you are a shortline manufacturer, a farm equipment
wholesaler or an independent rep – all three sponsoring associations
want to welcome you.
One thing will be apparent soon after your convention attendance
begins – while all three associations do combine in some joint
activities, these really are three separate conventions.
Each convention is devoted to that specific segment of the ag
equipment industry in which the main membership specializes; i.e.
manufacturing, wholesaling or repping.
To attend any one convention, including the joint activities,
registration with the association of your choice is required.
Specific registration information may be requested from the three
associations listed at the bottom of this page.
So You're New?
Everyone attends their first Fall Convention at some time. One
thing you’ll readily see, attendees aren’t shy! If you have a
question, ask someone. If they don’t know the answer, ask any of the
association staffs at their respective convention registration
booths. They’ll be glad to help. The individual that stands around
waiting for something to happen is usually the person "left in the
dark."
The Step before the First Step
Convention programs are great. They’re educational, often
entertaining and provide a key networking source for you to meet
others in the shortline farm equipment industry. But, in reality,
the number one reason most companies attend is to meet with either
those who will market your product or with those who manufacture the
product.
It can’t be emphasized enough – well prior to the conventions
(July is not too early), you should personally phone or write to the
companies you want to contact, to set up an appointment during the
convention.
If you don’t know who you want to talk to, ask the appropriate
association to send you their membership directory. Or, check out
the membership list on the associations’ respective web sites. Most
convention attendees have their appointments scheduled well before
the convention even starts. It is a safe bet that most of the
companies listed in these directories will be attending the fall
meetings.
Now, the First Step
Even before you arrive, be sure that you are registered for one
of the three conventions. While you may register at the convention
itself, your name will not be placed on any advance registration
lists, nor will your name badge and convention tickets be awaiting
your arrival.
No matter which convention you’re attending, after checking-in at
the hotel, stop by the registration desk for your attendee packet.
Check to be sure your attendee packet includes all name badges,
tickets and programs that you’ll need. Don’t forget to complete your
room locator card in the Communication Center.
The Communications Center
FEWA, FEMA and AIMRA jointly sponsor a "Communication Center"
where room locator cards for each convention attendee are posted on
display boards. Attendees fill in their room numbers on the cards
and can use the Communication Center to leave messages for other
convention attendees, as well as pick up their own messages. In
addition, FEMA has a separate "Messages To" board on which you can
post your own message to either attending marketers or
manufacturers. Be sure that your room number is correctly displayed.
This is how attending manufacturers, distributors and reps will know
how to contact you at the hotel.
Be sure to check the Communication Center boards regularly for
messages from other convention attendees who want to contact you.
This should be done regardless of the convention you are attending.
Where to hold Appointments
Meetings between manufacturers and distributors and/or
independent reps are usually scheduled in the room of either the
manufacturer or marketer. It should be mutually agreed upon between
the two parties before the appointment time. All three associations
provide Appointment Books to their registered attendees. These
booklets will help you keep track of the convention program events
as well as your appointments with manufacturers and/or marketers.
Registration Lists
Advance registration lists will be sent to all convention
registrants two or three weeks prior to the convention to let you
know who will be there. Don’t wait to receive the lists before
making initial contacts. Assume that most CEOs or sales executives
from companies that are members of any of the three associations
will be attending. Waiting until convention time to try and schedule
appointments will usually result in the party you want to reach
already being "booked" with previously scheduled appointments.
FEWA and
FEMA also post attendee lists online.
Contact Sessions
FEWA and AIMRA each have their own "contact/appointment session"
at which manufacturers can introduce themselves and their product or
service to marketers. These are excellent sessions where you can
contact individuals with which you have not been able to make
previous appointments. Advance registration is suggested.
Exhibits
There is also one product exhibit event scheduled during the
conventions – the FEWA-sponsored "Industry Showcase."
If you are registered with and wear the name badge of any of the
three associations, you may attend this exhibit during the hours it
is open. Questions about FEWA’s Industry Showcase should be
addressed to FEWA.
Questions
If you still have questions, contact any of the three
associations:
- FEWA - (319) 354-5156
- FEMA - (314) 878-2304
- AIMRA - (866) 759-2467
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