Maine Camp Experience held its first business partner trade show on June 6, 2012, at one of its member camps, Camp Takajo in Naples, ME. The member camps search hard and far to find the best products and services for their camps, campers and staff. Quality is key, as well as working with businesses that maintain similar high standards in products and customer service. And getting great value through our group purchases lets our member camps invest savings in more capital areas for our camp families.
Dan Isdaner (Camp Mataponi) talks with folks from Bank of America.
We had a packed dining hall and waterfront with more than 40 partners who spoke directly to each member camp director. We walked on boats, buses and vans; chopped some lumber; sampled the latest ice cream flavors; ate new foods; learned of new, safe serving ware and cleaning products; previewed new camp apparel and software; spoke with bankers and services; and learned about great new trip resources for our campers.
Plenty of purchases were made that day! Here's what a few had to share:
I went into the show open-minded knowing I was supporting many existing customers and hoping to meet a few new camp directors at the same time. Either way, it was important for me to be there and support them and their businesses.
Trade shows are hard to judge. If you want to know how the show is going to turn out you need to show up!
The show was well-run and organized and I was able to network with existing customers (which does not always happen in the summer because the directors are so busy at camp), meet a few new camp directors and create some potential new opportunities. It was a busy couple of hours.
Well done "Maine Camp Experience". You are off to an amazing start.
I look forward to working with you in the future and next year's show.
