2003 PTDA convention attendance was up 7%

The PTDA 2003 convention, held Oct. 16-18, 2003, in New Orleans, La., was well attended and received. Over 700 people participated in networking and educational sessions organized around the theme “Doing Good Business in Turbulent Times.” (A report on the convention appeared in Machinery & Equipment MRO, November 2003, pg. 34.)

Attendance at the PTDA 2003 Convention was at its highest since 2000. This year’s total of 737 attendees was a 7% increase over last year. Attendees included 187 distributor delegates representing 119 firms, an impressive 29% increase from 2002. Manufacturer attendance was also up, with 310 delegates representing 143 companies, up 2% from last year.

A total of 127 manufacturers and service providers participated in table-top discussions as part of the Manufacturer-Distributor Idea Exchange (MD-IDEX).

“The exceptionally positive response from members on the quality of the PTDA 2003 convention program and their success at meeting their business objectives is gratifying,” said PTDA executive vice-president Mary Sue Lyon. “We know that distributor attendance is a critical factor in both manufacturer and distributor satisfaction, which is why we were particularly pleased to see distributor attendance up 29%.

“We already have begun planning for the PTDA 2004 convention in Orlando, Fla., with the goal of continuing to improve members’ experience and return on investment.” Next year’s annual convention is set for Oct. 14-16, 2004, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando.