MAFSI ANNUAL MARKETING CONFERENCE, SALES MANAGERS FORUM HIGHLY RATED

Post conference update

ATLANTA, (PRWEB) February 14, 2002 -- More than 450 manufacturers representatives, manufacturers and guests attended a highly successful MAFSI Marketing Conference and Sales Managers Forum held January 30-February 2, 2002, in San Diego, CA.

Themed Carpe Manana... Before Tomorrow Seizes You" this years conference tackled the important issues facing independent manufacturers representatives and factories today and how to prepare for tomorrows challenges. In particular, cutting edge industry experts addressed the most prominent issues facing the industry including e-commerce, changing channels of distribution, acquisitions and mergers, relationship management and an inside look at where the food service industry is headed.

Conference chair Ray Ward of Quality Rep Source, Farmingdale, NY said, We thank everyone who attended this years conference for their support at a time when we are still recovering from the attacks on our nation, our fellow citizens and the economy. As President Bush has asked, continuing with our everyday lives, conducting business as normal and traveling are some of the best things we can do to support America in the war against terrorism and in revitalizing the economy. Our resolve is being tested in these challenging economic times and attending this years conference was a good decision. Attendees went away with provocative insights that will help their agencies survive and thrive."

The Sales Managers Forum (SMF), held one day before the conference, themed, Taking on Tomorrows Challenges Together" was developed to address the unique and dynamic partnership that exists in the relationship between the manufacturer and manufacturers representative. It touched on the expectations of both parties, and how when expectations are defined and agreed to, it sets the stage for a successful business partnership.

SMF chair, Denny Rosini of Ettinger-Rosini & Associates Inc., in Dallas, Texas said, We often begin a new year by making resolutions of what we hope to accomplish, what we want to improve on, and the goals we wish to set. This years SMF helped us set resolutions to improve our businesses, become more productive and how, through partnerships, we can reach goals of increased sales and profitability together."

The marketing conference kicked off with a keynote address by Reid Ferguson, founder and president of Ferguson Marketing Group, on The Top 10 (Not So Secret) Secrets of Real Success," where he revealed the secrets of how to become truly successful in the business-world and in everyday life. Other general session topics included How To Market and Sell In A Cyber World" by John Graham, president, Graham
Communications, and Equipment, Supplies and Furnishings, Industry Trends and Forecast 2002" by Robin Ashton and Brian Ward, both of Foodservice Equipment Reports.

The Sales Mangers Forum kicked off with a keynote address by Phyllis Jones, vice president, sales, Bourns Inc., on Maximizing Productivity." Jones revealed a management program designed to maximize productivity between manufactuers representatives and manufacturers.

Conference workshops included 15 business, sales and marketing, and technology breakout sessions with topics ranging from technology, to contract and commission strategies, to industry think-tank.

The conference was also host to partners of MAFSI Member Services (MMS) for representatives and manufacturers. Exhibitors included MAFSIs member benefit services such as telecommunications management, branding and marketing programs including MAFSIs new apparel and promotional items program, as well as many more.

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The Manufacturers Agents for the Food Service Industry (MAFSI) is a non-profit, 501 (c)(6) membership association. MAFSI's mission is to promote the professionalism and continued growth of the manufacturers' representatives' function in the food service industry and enhance their sales and marketing methods.

MAFSI thrives with 700 member companies in the U.S. and Canada representing 2,000 sales agents and marketing professionals and manufacturing executives internationally. MAFSI members are a major force in the equipment, supply and furniture segment of the $335 billion foodservice industry.

Mark your calendars for next years Annual Marketing Conference and Sales Managers Forum
January 15-19, 2003
The Hyatt Regency Coconut Resort and Spa
Bonita Springs, Florida