Strengthening Chapters And Making I&E Sizzle

Great Goals For This Year!

by Rich Wanders
National Acct Sales Mgr, Leggett & Platt CVP

The Affiliates Committee recently addressed a full agenda of issues as part of the NAFA Board of Governor’s meeting, held in New Orleans. The mission: helping to strengthen local chapters with more effective communications, as well as providing an energy-filled 2011 Institute and Expo (I&E), which is only five months away.

And what better venue to display NAFA drive, spirit, and (of course) a little fun than NASCAR’s backyard, the Queen city of Charlotte. For those exhibitors that have already signed up, we say "thank you."  For those who are still sitting on pit row, we say "ladies and gentlemen, start your engines" and make plans now.  The exhibit floor space is currently running at 40 percent ahead of the pace set in 2010, with many new sponsors already committed.  As Charlotte is within convenient driving distance from many major cities in the Eastern U.S., we expect great floor traffic.  It’s never too early to get those marketing juices flowing, as it’s the perfect setting to introduce innovative ideas and products to set your company apart.

The planning committee has some exciting enhancements to this year’s I&E including:

• Networking Welcome Reception convenient to the exhibit floor, with an upbeat NASCAR-themed setting, providing ample opportunity to interface with clients and friends (food, beverage and fun for everyone).
• Keys for a Treasure — a fun, yet effective way to draw floor traffic to your company (the exhibit brochure with details will be coming to you soon).
• Evenings are open for you to entertain your business partners, which means a captive audience during the hours of the exhibit.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Affiliates Committee, as we want this to be the most successful I&E ever. Look forward to seeing you in Charlotte.

We also continue our goal of making sure each NAFA Chapter has an Affiliate Chair to act as a conduit between the national Affiliate Committee and local chapters.  Let’s face it; time is a precious resource for everyone, especially in today’s business climate.  We realize the vibrancy of a chapter is directly related to fresh ideas, entertaining speakers, and topics that are important to fleet managers.  In that regard, we hope to provide a forum to leverage ideas between chapters, explore "best practices,"  and find out what’s working so that local meetings benefit everyone.  There are ample ways for you as an Affiliate to step forward and offer your collective years of valuable experience.  If you are asked to take on a more active role, we hope you’ll embrace the opportunity.  Stay tuned for future news on an Affiliate "tool kit."

Best wishes for a great finish to 2010, and an even more successful  2011!