First Timers FAQ
- What is EDS?
- Who attends EDS?
- Why attend EDS?
- How does EDS work?
- How do you get an appointment at EDS?
- How do you prepare for appointments at EDS?
What is EDS?
EDS is two events in one, and both of the events have dimensions that make EDS much more than just a show. To get the most benefit from participating in this unique event, participants have to understand its multiple dimensions, and plan in advance to capitalize on its distinctive features.
EDS is an appointment-centered meeting place, and becomes more so each year. Planning for EDS should include contacting the people you want to see well in advance of your arrival in Las Vegas. Whether your purpose is to refresh an existing relationship or to create a new one, you should have a checklist of what you want to accomplish at each meeting. Planned objectives, and preparation to meet those objectives, are the basic elements behind every successful EDS meeting.
EDS is a marketplace, where conversation and conference lead to commerce. Every meeting at EDS has to explore or confirm a "fit" between the products a manufacturer offers and the markets a distributor or representative serves.
EDS is a resource center and a forum. Your planning should also allow time to visit Tri-Association Central, where the three associations that bring you EDS also put their resources at your disposal. As a forum where industry trends are explored, EDS provides both formal and informal methods of learning what's new, what's happening, what's going to be happening, and what it means to your company and your prosperity. Keynotes, seminars, and networking events all put you on top of the trends that shape your future.
Who attends EDS?
Most of the people wearing Exhibitor badges at EDS sell products they manufacture, or have manufactured for them, through the distributor channel. They may be at EDS to find new distributors, or to meet with their established distributors, or primarily to recruit manufacturers' representatives. Other companies with Exhibitor badges offer products or services that the companies attending EDS use in their own businesses… software, internet services, consultants, etc.
Distributors of electronic components and related products attend EDS from all over the world, and they include both those who do business primarily in their own local markets, and those who do business nationally and globally. Some distributors specialize in particular component categories, such as switches or batteries, and some specialize in particular customer categories, like lighting or security.
Many manufacturers participating in EDS outsource their field sales to professional organizations (rep firms) that serve a clearly defined territory, do not take title to the goods they sell, and are compensated primarily through commissions on sales results. (Many also receive fees for providing special services and/or retainers for introducing "missionary" product lines — new market entries without an existing customer base in the territory).
The three primary U.S. trade associations concerned with electronics distribution, Electronic Components, Assemblies, and Materials Association, Electronics Representatives Association, and National Electronic Distributors Association, sponsor EDS and have key personnel on site to answer questions about the industry as well as about the associations.
All of the major electronics industry trade publications (print and online) that cover the channel, and many of those that cover products and technology attend EDS. Thus, EDS is a prime venue for interfacing with editors and reporters. As with the other aspects of EDS planning, you need to tell the media in advance what you have that's new and suggest a time to meet, either one on one, or through a press conference in Media Central.
Why attend EDS?
Distributor attendees are looking for new lines to carry compatible with the needs of their distributor base, or for new products from their existing vendors, and/or to build relationships and to find out what's going on in the industry. Be prepared to tell them who uses your products, and how they differ from similar and/or competitive products They expect new vendors to have a program in place, including recommended inventories, selling prices, return policies, lead generation and marketing support.
Representative attendees are at EDS to facilitate dialogue between the distributors that they call on and the manufacturers whose products they bring to market. They may also be looking for new line opportunities, and to meet with their current principals for review and planning. Representatives who are looking for product lines want to be sure that a new line will fit well with the other products they sell. They want exclusivity in their clearly defined territories. If you do not have an established customer base, expect them to want to be paid fees for introducing your missionary line.
Manufacturer attendees may be looking for new distributors, new representatives, or both. They may be at EDS only to interface with their existing channel network. They may be planning to introduce new products for their distributors to sell, or new strategies and programs. They know that at EDS they can get more done at less expense than via any other meeting of their channel partners.
How does EDS work?
It doesn't matter whether your EDS "home" is a booth, a Euro-Suite, a conference room, or a hotel suite — your company is being represented and your interests are being served. Make sure your environment projects the right message about your brand.
In a booth or Euro, be on your feet to welcome guests, whether drop-ins or appointments. If you're staffing your space alone, and you're with a guest, acknowledge the next visitor and provide something to look (product samples or literature, company information, testimonials, etc.) at while you finish your prior conversation. Make sure you are equipped to take notes on action items and keep a record of everyone you've talked with. Even if the conversation goes nowhere, after EDS send a letter or an email acknowledging that it took place. Qualify the people you're talking to so you don't appear busy when you're with someone you can't do business with, and meanwhile discourage a real prospect from waiting.
It will sometimes happen that you'll have more meetings happening than your space can accommodate. Contact EDS Management for additional options that may be available. In a suite, arrange for early housekeeping so you can move a meeting into a bedroom that's been made up. On the show floor, remember that Tri-Association Central has lounge facilities that you might use, even if you are not an association member. If your meeting is with an editor, reporter, or analyst, you may be able to reserve a private room in Media Central.
Looking at the show as a PR opportunity is as outmoded as looking at your booth as a billboard. Shows are about commerce — whether the deal is made on site, or the site visit is setting the stage and building the relationship for later, the ultimate goal is to sell. At EDS in particular, the attendee is not looking for something to buy — but for something to sell. Branding is still a buzz word and may be a function of the biggest presence. Advertising in the Show Daily and Directory — sponsorships — hospitality — these are all ways to look big and build brand.
How do you get an appointment at EDS?
Ask for it. Make a list of whom you want or need to see, and call or email with a suggested time. Tell them what you'll have at EDS, and what it can mean for them. Using the EDS mailing list of registered distributors is one way to get appointments or drop-ins from people you don't know. Tell them what you'll have at EDS, and what it can mean for them.
The experts tell us it takes three repetitions to get an idea across. Use your own contact list too — and don't worry about crosschecking it with the EDS list. Your invitation may be the tipping point for someone who hadn't previously registered. Use the EDS Meeting Facilitator service to announce that you are open to seeing new distributors, whether in specific regions or across the country. It's free, it's easy, and it's effective, because it prequalifies mutual interest. Go to www.edsconnects.com and sign on. Use the EDS Online Scheduler to keep track of your appointments. Before the show, you can download it to your PDA. Attend the speed networking session to meet many new potential business partners in a rapid and efficient forum.
How do you prepare for appointments at EDS?
Every appointment needs an agenda, although it won't necessarily be the same agenda for each meeting.
Ask the distributor or rep you're meeting with what they want to talk about, and integrate your agenda with theirs. Have necessary support data on hand, including Sales history, market share/competition, new product information, business plans, and be prepared to discuss foreseeable problems and opportunities.
Here are some of the issues that are likely to be on any agenda. Be prepared to answer them as well as to ask them.
- How's business?
- What's affecting business in your market area?
- What are your forecasts for the year ahead?
- How are we doing? How can we improve our service to you and your customers?
- How have you been impacted by the major trends and issues in the marketplace?
- Globalization and manufacturing moving offshore
- Impact of e-commerce and industry consolidation
- Environmental pressures, technology advances — wireless and others
Don't talk about your product — talk about what your product can do for your visitor and their customers.
Don't scare people away because you're so busy talking to your own staff.
Take notes, collect business cards — and follow up.
An industry sage once remarked that the two basic elements that make EDS tick are new opportunities and old friends. Certainly the EDS environment is conducive to adding a personal element to every business relationship.