Hardlines Distribution Alliance (HDA) has announced the new dates for the 2023 Group Merchandising Conference (GMC). The conference will be held May 8-11 at the Embassy Suites Atlanta – Buckhead. The new dates will allow attendees to take advantage of a spring timeline and provide more time for distributor attendees to strategize their own fall markets.
“With the earlier time frame, we are excited for all attendees to embrace more opportunities that will result in more growth and development of intra-group business,” says Steve Synnott, CEO at HDA.
In addition to the new dates, all attendees will be treated to the highly interactive and quality event they have grown to expect at the GMC. With the opportunity to display products, brochures and digital resources in each hotel suite, manufacturers can count on uninterrupted, one-on-one meetings with dozens of distributor members at one venue. With this format designed to maximize ROI, all attendees can look forward to forging relationships that build new business opportunities.
“The GMC is not your typical trade show,” says Jim Depolo, national sales manager with VP Racing. “It is a much better format to actually interact with and gain new business from new and existing customers.”
Manufacturer and distributor attendees can also take advantage of the social networking opportunities at receptions and meals that take place throughout the event. Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood boasts dozens of restaurants near the hotel, allowing guests to easily make dinner plans on the Monday and Wednesday evening of the conference.
“Having the ability to meet together as manufacturers and distributors brings great value to all parties,” says Rick Berry, a buyer at Buttery Company. “Key relationships are built in these meetings that could potentially have huge success in many aspects of our business.”
Click here to hear from Synnott and HDA president Shari Kalbach on how the organization has evolved and insights into business in 2023.
