Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/141651
Just Do It! EDITOR'S NOTES Nancy Estes, MBA, CAE Executive Director/Editor E very year, the Independent Distributors Association moves from city to city for the annual convention and trade show in an attempt to supply new experiences for all the members. Once in a while, the IDA chooses a special location to celebrate in grand style. Don't get me wrong. Every convention is phenomenal, because when the members get together, "good stuff happens." But the gorgeous Hawaiian Islands in the blue ocean were very unique. Historical Rome, Italy, and company tours were eternally memorable and this year, in 2013, the Canadian Rocky Mountains will affect every attendee with the majestic grandeur all their own. Wherever the convention is held, it would definitely NOT be nearly as successful without the help of the local members. This year the team includes the tour companies of Arrow-West, Black Cat Blades, Titan Supply and Union Tractor and extra assistance from Terry McKay. At this point, an awful lot of work has gone into the development. They have been great. Everything is more complicated in our world than it used to be. The logistics, the contracts and agreements all have more stipulations. We have been calling and writing many members. Generally, everyone is excited about the event. Some can't wait to see the scenery, others are mostly anxious about touring other companies. A few members will fit the convention into their travel plans to do other business in North America or take a vacation. Some just want to connect, do business and make some money. Overall, the response has been very positive. Every year, IDA has to guess how much food, how many rooms, how many buses will accommodate the group. People do not do business with a handshake any more. Not only is the association required to supply the numbers, we have to promise to pay for those numbers. On occasion, we run out of space or rooms, or IDA has to pay for services or products we did not use. All of this is a little more complicated when we have a unique venue like we do this year. YOU can be of enormous help to the success of the entire 2013 event. Register and, especially, reserve your hotel rooms NOW!. Remember, you can cancel without losing any money as it gets closer. TIP: When you register for your hotel room through the IDA website (www.idaparts.org), you will get the extremely low rate of $199. It will direct you to join the Fairmont's President Club. Please complete the form. The club membership is free, and it will allow many perks, such as: free Internet in your room and free access to the exercise facilities. Let's throw procrastination out the window. Make your October plans today. So the message to EVERYONE is "Just Do It!" All the best to you and yours! Nancy IDA CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW 2013 Banff • October 9-11 4 2014 Chicago 2015 Miami IDA UNIVERSAL July-August 2013