Q. I already exhibit at or attend commercial-marine trade shows.
How is FirstSource: Maritime Fleet different?

A. FirstSource: Maritime Fleet is a highly targeted event. Trade shows are great for seeing lots of people and products in a short amount of time. By their nature, it can be challenging to have in-depth conversations amidst all the hustle and bustle of a big trade show. And sometimes, finding the right buyer or supplier can be like finding a needle in a haystack. FirstSource events are designed to enable suppliers and buyers to have in-depth substantive conversations spanning several days. FirstSource events limit participation to a manageable number of qualified professionals, and are structured to provide multiple opportunities for formal interaction, plus hours of informal networking over two days.

At the end of a typical trade show, you return to the office not sure about what you have accomplished, and you have only begun the process of developing a meaningful relationship with a handful of business cards. At the end of FirstSource, you will return to the office knowing all of the participants and all about their latest products, innovations, or product needs. You’ll have cultivated a valuable group of highly qualified industry contacts you can call on when you need them.

As a supplier, you’ll enjoy unmatched one-on-one time with buyers where you can learn about their product and service needs, and their future plans so you might better serve them. Best of all for suppliers, there are no drayage, labor, or hidden fees!

Q. Sounds interesting, but two days with a bunch of sales people? Is this going to be a high-pressure environment?

A. Definitely not. The two-day format of FirstSource allows all participants plenty of time to meet and talk. All of the FirstSource suppliers understand that this is a great opportunity to present their products in a relaxed, comfortable environment. These professionals are interested in the opportunity to have more than a five-minute conversation. They are keen to have the luxury of engaging in meaningful dialog to understand each buyer’s unique needs and challenges, and to discuss ways they might meet these needs.

Q. As a buyer, do I get to pick who I have scheduled, one-on-one meetings with, or am I assigned meetings?

A. Buyers may review each supplier profile and select individual meetings, or buyers may choose to have meetings set for them (Easy Pick), based on their purchasing responsibility and interest criteria.

Q. What if I’m not picked by a particular buyer for a one-on-one meeting?

A. FirstSource offers a host of social opportunities to meet with all delegates. In addition, buyers may add additional meetings at any time during the event.

Q. I’m already doing business with some of the participants. Why should I bother attending?

A. Let’s be real. The industry has a finite number of suppliers and buyers. No event is going to provide all new participants. So while finding new customers or new suppliers is great, nurturing and cementing relationships with existing customers is just as important!

Q. I’m a buyer—what’s in it for me?

A. As a buyer, attending FirstSource is a more efficient way to do business. It eliminates the need for brief, often unproductive office appointments that interrupt your busy day. Finding new products from your current suppliers or new suppliers can be done in a relaxed fashion without the distractions of day-to-day business. As a fleet operator, this is also a great opportunity to compare notes, and share common challenges and solutions with your colleagues.

Q. I’m a supplier—what’s in it for me?

A. For suppliers, FirstSource is your opportunity to identify and meet new buyers, and to spend more quality time with your best customers. At FirstSource, you can really get to understand how your products fit in the mix and what other products you might be able to provide them. For savvy suppliers, FirstSource is part sales, part networking and part primary product-development research. It’s really a matter of concentrating your efforts in a short period of time for greater efficiency.

Q. What is included?

A. There are no hidden charges! All food, beverage and event functions are included. Buyers attend as our guests, and suppliers are only responsible for transportation and hotel room.

For suppliers, FirstSource includes one-on-one meetings, inclusion in the exclusive FirstSource Portfolio, plus the opening reception, breakfasts, lunches, dinner, breaks, and the closing reception… all food and beverages are included.

For buyers, FirstSource includes your custom meeting schedule, airfare, hotel room, airport transfers, inclusion in the exclusive FirstSource Portfolio, plus the opening reception, breakfasts, lunches, dinner, breaks, and the closing reception…all food and beverages are included.

Q. Who else is coming to the event?

A. We are happy to share a complete list of participants, which is growing every day. Just give us a call.

Q. How do I sign up to participate?

A. It’s simple! Contact:

Brian Perkins
+1 207-799-1356
bperkins@HighlinerEvents.com

or

Paul Fiano
+1 772–215–3490
pfiano@HighlinerEvents.com

 

 

Highliner Events, LLC does not have any affiliation, endorsement, license or relationship with High Liner Foods, Inc.