MRC Represented at the 2011 SEMA Show

The MRC Rep Conference and Awards Ceremony will take place on Sunday, October 30, 3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton Pavilions 1–2. The featured discussion is entitiled “Have You Ever Wanted to Tell Your Reps Off? And Vice Versa?” Don’t miss it!

As plans are made and schedules set for the 2011 SEMA Show, it is important to remember the conferences, meetings and networking opportunities designed specifically to address the manufacturers’ rep segment of the specialty-equipment industry. One of the most important is the Manufacturers’ Rep Council (MRC) Rep Conference and Awards Ceremony, which will take place on Sunday, October 30, 3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton Pavilions 1–2.

“Have You Ever Wanted to Tell Your Reps Off? And Vice Versa?”

So why doesn’t it work? There are solutions! We will discover them in a short, 75-minute, highly interactive session at the MRC Rep Conference and Awards Ceremony. The relationship between the manufacturer, account and rep is an important one, and just like any other relationship, it must be built on great communication and trust. First, we have to figure out what we aren’t doing that we should and what we are doing that we shouldn’t. We’ll start there and together build a solid plan to move forward into a more productive partnership. The result, of course, should mean more $$$ and less frustration for us all.

	Hall of Fame STAR 2010 Jim Considine, TruXedo 2009 Bob Cook, Magnaflow Performance Exhaust 2008 Bill Perry, Winfield Consumer Products/Husky Liners

This year’s featured speaker is Mary Repetto. She is the president of Management Essentials and a partner in Lighthouse Consulting Partners. She is a certified sales professional from the Manufacturers’ Representatives Education Research Foundation, is certified as a project management professional by the Project Management Institute and is a certified business analysis professional by the International Institute of Business Analysis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Colorado, an MBA in finance from the University of Colorado, a master’s certificate in project management from DeVry University, and a green belt in Six Sigma from Villanova University. Prior to starting her own business, Repetto spent 20 years in sales and product management with AT&T and Lucent Technologies. Repetto consistently receives client praise for her unique approach to speaking and training delivery. She is an author, speaker, instructor, content contributor and expert facilitator. Her expertise in soft skill instruction enables her to motivate, challenge and guide participants through a memorable learning experience.

Prior to the presentation, MRC will once again recognize its Hall of Fame and STAR Award recipients. These awards honor those individuals and companies that best represent the industry, promote the use of reps and act in an ethical and professional manner. Past recipients include:

Exclusively for Members

The Rep Center at the SEMA Show provides SEMA-member manufacturers’ agents with a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in which to catch up on the days’ activities, meet with prospective clients and network with fellow reps. Services offered in the MRC-sponsored business center include computer, fax and copy services, a message board, rep-matching service, conference areas and free coffee.

Promoting and Supporting Education

Education and training continue to be key initiatives for the MRC. In the rep segment, customer service and strategic partnerships remain critical areas that will either hinder or enhance a rep’s ability to grow and expand. To this end, MRC has partnered with the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) in support of the following sessions that will be “Powered” by the council:

Customer Service Excellence: From the Mom & Pop Store to the Nordstrom Way
Tuesday, November 1,
9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center,
Room N253

Best-selling author Robert Spector offers essential tips for outstanding customer service. Spector draws upon the lessons he learned from his interviews with small, independent businesses as well as the management of Nordstrom, which began 110 years ago as a mom-and-pop store. Learn customer service essentials that will help make your business a success—no matter what size you are!

Strategic Partnerships: Reaching New Customers Through Non-Traditional Channels
Wednesday, November 2,
9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center,
Room N257

Marketing budgets are tight, yet it’s critical now more than ever to reach new customers. How do you expand your efforts without breaking the bank? Don’t miss this panel of industry veterans as they examine how strategic marketing partnerships can help you reach new customers. Learn how to combine resources that will help cut costs and tap into new consumer bases. The panel will share real-world examples of how other companies have successfully used cross-promotions, sponsorships and co-branding to grow business. Learn how to position your company as an appealing marketing partner. Don’t miss this intriguing discussion that will challenge you to consider new ways to market your company.

See you in Vegas!