AER to make dealer event annual

swadminMarch 3, 2009

SEABROOK, Texas – It may sound counterintuitive to launch a new boat dealer and repairer event during one of the marine industry’s most challenging times. But that’s not the case for AER Supply, according to Rudolf Mes, general manager.

The marine distributor, which held its two-day AER Supply Product Showcase 2009 at the Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, Texas last week, felt the time was right for an event that would not only help it boost sales, but give buyers a chance to save money on supplies and manufacturers an affordable way to get in front of dealers.

Exhibitors were charged only $450 for a 10-foot by 10-foot booth space, and attendees were offered a special extra discount incentive. Dealers and repairers received a card upon registration at the event on which they could list five manufacturers to receive a 5-percent discount on purchases of that brand’s products from AER for the next 30 days.

The event, which was AER Supply’s first dealer meeting in 15 years, attracted 39 dealers on the first day and 60 on the second day and featured 25 manufacturer exhibits. In fact, the distributor had to turn a handful of potential exhibitors away due to space limitations. That’s why AER Supply, which plans to make the event annual, will be holding the event at a new location next year.

“The first edition of our Product Showcase was very successful,” said Mes. “We need to tweak some little things next year to make it an even bigger success, but after speaking with all of the manufacturers and most of the dealers, everybody expressed that they were very happy with the outcome of this event. The opportunity for dealers to talk direct with representatives of the different manufacturers was considered to be a big benefit, and the seminars were also welcomed with a lot of participation.”