RV Aftermarket Association Annual Executive Conference Held This Month in Phoenix

Aftermarket professionals from around the nation all headed to Phoenix, AZ, this month for their annual WDA -The RV Aftermarket Association (WDA) Executive Conference, October 14 - 18, at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel in Phoenix. This year's theme was "Amazing What You Can Do From Here." This unique format always inspires greater understanding between suppliers and distributors, plus creates new and solidifies existing business relationships.

Attendees arriving early could participate in the WDA golf outing at Orange Tree Golf Course on Friday, October 15.

The real business aspects of the meeting got rolling that evening with a welcome reception and new products showcase.

Saturday morning's session included an appointment sessions where suppliers and distributors finalized all their appoints for the next two-and-a-half days. This was followed by Roundtable discussions where the different groups, suppliers, distributors and manufacturer's agents, came together to talk about their needs and expectations as it relates to the association.

The keynote speaker at Saturday's luncheon was Rob Palevic, Do-It Best Corporation, and his topic was, "Electronic Interchange Between Distributors and Suppliers Using the Internet."

Then, from 1 - 6 p.m. on October 16, the distributor-supplier conferences began and continued until noon on October 18. Rather than a typical trade show format, suppliers set up displays in hotel  rooms and distributors made appointments to come visit. This has proven to be a valuable method because it allows both companies to have the undivided attention of the other without typical distractions. In this comfortable setting, suppliers and distributors talk about any issues that need to be addressed such as on time deliveries or stocking levels. And it's also a great time for distributors to see what new products and ideas the supplier plans to bring to market in the near future.

And there was a special agenda for spouses and guests of the members. Shirley Prest (Prest-o-Fit) became a legend during a past WDA conference held in Phoenix as host of the spouse program. And once again Shirley put together a program to entertain and educate these important attendees.

The climax of the conference is always the awards banquet where the association honors various members for achievement or contribution such as the Catalog of the Year award, the Distributor of the Year and Supplier of the Year.