The Automotive Distribution Network welcomed 41 shareholder companies and 27 key vendors to St. Louis for its Spring Network Membership Meeting.
The event took place March 25-27 at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel in downtown St. Louis.
The three-day event kicked off Monday evening with a cocktail and dinner reception for the 151 attendees, on the top floor of the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel overlooking the downtown area.
Throughout the meeting, the members had one-on-one discussions with each vendor to discuss new programs and promotions for the year. The Network’s Latin American shareholders had the opportunity to collaborate with suppliers specific to their international programs.
Members also attended roundtable discussions regarding new enhancements to The Network’s 2019 marketing and training programs, key information and technology strategies and its online B2B ordering system. The Network unveiled brand-new online sales initiatives, made possible with its acquisition of Sophio, offering fulfillment opportunities for the shareholders wishing to take advantage of this growing piece of the market.
“This was a great event for our shareholders, staff and vendors,” said David Prater, president of the Network. “To a great degree, this is still a relationship business, and the time spent meeting with vendors during the afternoon discussing new programs and products was time well-spent by all. Combine that with our roundtable sessions reviewing our marketing and IT offerings and everyone came away energized and armed with new tools for success.”
The Fall Network Membership Meeting will take place seaside this September at the iconic Hotel del Coronado located at the Pacific’s edge on Coronado Island, just minutes from San Diego.
Headquartered in Germantown, Tennessee, the Automotive Distribution Network operates under the Parts Plus, Parts Plus Mexico, IAPA and Auto Pride brands.
