October: Office Product Trade Show Season

Well if the leaves are turning colour it must be time for our industries annual trade shows. Those on the Vendor side of the business have attended two over the last two weekends - in both Toronto and Montreal.

Last weekend, the Basics group brought their dealers in from across the country to meet and greet at the Toronto Congress centre. A festive, around the world theme highlighted the annual show which was well attended. It was a busy Friday afternoon and early evening - and this reporter barely had time for a drink of water. It's always a good show if you are busy!!!! (Bad show if you spend your time talking with the other vendors).

Marnie Stone, of Stones Office Plus at the colourful Vision Global Media Booth.

I was there with my 3 vendors, American Tombow, Genuine Supply Source and Vision Global Media. We were super busy meeting with dealers from the Basics, Office Plus and Office Pro dealer groups. On a bright note - Vision was awarded with a Vendor of the Year Award in the category of "Best Service" by a small vendor. So we were really happy about that.  Thanks Basics, CIS and Guild dealers.

 

It's always great to renew old friendships and meet new friends at the annual show. We look forward to attending the show next year which will be held in..........Newfoundland!!!! That should really be something. I have been out to St. John's several times over my career and have always had a lot of fun. The people are very welcoming. I am sure the setting will make for a memorable event.

Sarah Fullerton of Fullerton Sales and Katie Huffman of Tombow,
at the Basics Office Products annual trade show.

The following weekend I ventured east, up the 401, for the annual celebration of the Quebec Office Product Industry - the AQIF show, which was held at Place Bonaventure in Montreal. A large turn-out of Quebec dealers and large enduser office product buyers attended this year's show that culminated with a Friday night masked ball. They always know how to "live life" in Montreal which is why it is always a popular stop on the annual trade show tour.  I never get tired of going to Montreal or working a show there.

I attended the show with Genuine Supply Source. GSS had a busy booth at AQIF as they presented their imaging supply products, including their popular "Fusion" Laser toner cartridges to the attendees. The show was solidly attended by dealers large and small, along with a numerous array of sales people from the larger Office Supply organizations. Plus the AQIF show attracted several large consumers. The GSS booth was busy as we met with many current customers and potential new customers.

John Brohman, Chantal Lussier and Dave MacMillan of Genuine Supply Source

I always look forward to the trade show season, they are great forums for meeting both long-standing customers and potential new accounts. Plus, - so long as you are busy, they are a lot of fun.