Time is Running Out, But It's Not Too Late - Register Now!

Yes, the Early Bird registration rate ended on September 12, but that doesn't mean it's too late to register for this year's conference.  After all, DPHA showroom customers expect you to have your fingers on the pulse of our industry, and our educational programs certainly help you do that.  Need a refresher?  Click on the following links to see quick video recaps from some of last year's speakers at our annual conference: 

• Donald Miller - Mother Goose was Right: How to Tell Compelling Stories that Earn the Trust of Your Clientele 

• Jill Schiefelbein -  Friends, Romans and Clients: Lend Me an Ear - Listen More, Sell More 

• Kerry Singh -  Delivering Exceptional Customer Service (Even on Mondays)

Besides our educational programs at the conference, the Product Showcase will be open during Friday's breakfast, lunch and evening reception. On Saturday, the Showcase is also open from 8:00am to noon to allow showrooms to meet only with exhibiting manufacturers and their reps to discuss new products, business plans for the year (training, literature updates, display updates, customer service processes, etc.) and address issues related to customer service, product needs and problem resolution. Anyone not exhibiting but caught violating our "no-suitcasing" policy will forfeit their conference badge, and will be escorted from the premises.  

 

The manufacturers that have taken advantage of the opportunity to showcase their products and solutions in front of the leading showrooms in North America are: 

• Accel Group/David Hawkins Design Management - #113
• Accurate Lock & Hardware - #410
• AD Waters USA - #213
• Amerec - #403
• American Standard - #108
• Americh Corporation - #509
• Amerock - #607
• Ashley Norton - #608
• Axent Corporation - #209
• AXOR/hansgrohe - #302
• Baci by Remcraft - #205
• BainUltra - #202 and #204
• Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham - #309
• Bathroom Butler - #111
• Berenson & R. Christensen Hardware - #303
• Bravo Business Media - #402
• Brizo Faucet Company - #211
• California Faucets - #504
• Cement Elegance - #513
• CEU Events - #605
• Colonial Bronze - #203
• Dezi Home - #502
• Dornbracht Americas - #210
• DXV - #110
• Elkay - #300
• Fleurco, Inc. - #510
• Frank Allart & Company - #313
• Franke Consumer Products - #401 and #500
• Franz Viegener - #600 and #602
• GRAFF - #301 and #400
• Grohe - #110
• Hamilton Sinkler - #208
• Hastings Tile & Bath - #508
• Home Trust International - #610
• Hydro Systems - #601
• Icera - #212
• Infinity Drain - #312
• Julien, Inc. - #412
• Kartners Bathroom Accessories - 405
• KEUCO Management Inc. - #201
• KWC - #401 and #500
• LACAVA - #101
• Laufen #604
• Lenova - #404
• MCN European Enterprises - #413
• Mountain Plumbing Products - #409
• MrSteam - #501
• MTI Baths - #305
• Nantucket Sinks - #612
• Nikles USA - #503
• Oceania Bath - #505
• OMNIA Industries - #100
• Palazzani USA - #103
• Pentair Everpure - #310
• ROHL LLC - #408
• Ryvyr - #102
• Samuel Heath - #511
• SLIK Portfolio - #109
• Steamist - #304
• ThermaSol Steambath - #200
• THG USA - #311
• Top Notch Distributors - #411
• Valley Acrylic - #105
• Vicenza Designs - #104
• Victoria & Albert Bath - #308
• Water, Inc. - #603
• WETSTYLE - #512

To register for the conference, just  click here to download the Conference Prospectus and Registration Form. 

The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Kory Nelson from Premier Marketing in Northern California

The DPHA 17-in-17 Program recognizes up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will profile 17 DPHA members with 10 or less years of experience. Each month from June through October 2017, members will be inducted into the 17-in-17 club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. This week we recognize Kory Nelson, an outside sales person from Premier Marketing, whose customers are situated in northern California and Nevada.

 

Joining Premier Marketing 4 years ago while still in college, Kory has worked his way through every aspect of serving showrooms and sales staff, and now is constantly sought out by customers for his troubleshooting ability and product knowledge.  Kory's ability to explain product details and functions in an easily understandable way has quickly become one of his strengths.

 

In the last three years, Kory has also developed a knack for looking at a showroom from the perspectives of both the designer/sales staff as well as the consumer.  According to one of his nominators, when Kory makes a display or stock suggestion to a showroom manager, it is well founded with and backed up by sales data.

 

Kory is passionate about the DPH industry and according to another of his nominators, "views supporting the showroom as a commitment and  personal responsibility.  When working with the showroom, Kory is down to earth.  He goes the extra mile to be there and assist in whatever way is needed." 

 

Connections: How long have you been in the DPH industry?

Kory: 4 years  

 

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Kory: Personally, the biggest surprise that I've found in our industry is not what it is, but what it isn't. Our industry isn't a 9-5 workplace that shuts down when the showroom or manufacturer is closed. It's an industry of people that are diligently striving to offer the highest quality product and services. 

 

Connections: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in our industry?

Kory: The biggest challenge that I've faced was accepting that it takes many years to become proficient with our industry and its countless applications.  

Connections: What do you enjoy about being in this industry?

Kory: What I enjoy most about this industry is the variety that every day has to offer while working with colleagues that I can sincerely call my friends. 

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Kory: As I grow in this industry I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by many influential individuals who offer tremendous advice and insight. It is exciting to be part of such an innovative, fast-paced industry, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many wonderful and interesting people.   

If you would like to nominate someone for the 17-in-17 program, click here to download the nomination form, complete it and send your nomination to Jim Babbitt via email at  jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax to 866-623-6180. It takes only a few minutes to complete a nomination form, but isn't that time well spent for recognizing someone who is making an impact on your business and/or our industry?

Golfers, We Really Need to Hear From You by Next Monday, October 2nd!

DPHA members had such a good time playing golf at Torrey Pines in 2015 that we are hoping to bring the golf tournament back to the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa when DPHA gathers for its October 11-14 Annual Conference and Product Showcase in Chandler, AZ. We've reserved tee times at the fabulous Whirlwind Golf Club on Wednesday, October 11th from 12:30 to 6 p.m. if we have at least 16 golfers.  Experience a truly unique Southwest golf experience sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian community. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, this unique golf course is also home to the PGA's Nationwide Insurance Tour Gila River Golf Classic held every year in October. The cost of golf is $200 per person which includes golf, cart, range, box lunch and 19th hole reception. If you are interested in playing in the golf outing, make sure to check off the appropriate box on the conference registration form (click here to download the conference prospectus and registration form) or just send a quick note to jbabbitt@dpha.net or leave a message for Jim at 224-999-0434.

 

One Last Reminder - There is No Suitcasing at the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase

We wanted to remind representatives of manufacturers that have elected not to purchase display space in the 2017 Product Showcase that non-exhibiting manufacturers are not permitted to market their companies, their products or share catalogs, product literature, promotional and marketing pieces or any other similar items with DPHA Conference attendees in the Showcase or in the vicinity of the Showcase during Conference hours. 

 

We also ask dealers attending the Conference to respect the no-suitcasing policy by refraining from discussing products and other business while in or around the Showcase with non-exhibiting manufacturers and reps, and to remind manufacturers and representatives that the Showcase is neither the time or appropriate place to discuss their offerings without an exhibit.

 

We've made it easy to distinguish between exhibiting and non-exhibting manufacturers. Manufacturers with display space will have an exhibitor ribbon attached to their name badge.

 

There will be numerous other networking opportunities when everyone can schmooze with one another after the Showcase ends and Conference programs conclude. DPHA thanks all those planning to attend the Conference in a little less than two weeks for honoring the no-suitcasing policy.

Saturday Morning's Product Showcase - Come One, Come All and Be Our Guest!

Want to have your showroom staff take advantage of the opportunity to see the latest products in our industry? Any member or non-member can attend the Product Showcase on Saturday, October 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at no charge. However, if you want members of your team to come, they still need to preregister by sending Jim Babbitt an email at jbabbitt@dpha.net letting him know they want to attend that session. Remember, no one can access the Product Showcase without a DPHA name badge. The following is the list of companies exhibiting at the Conference. For a look at the Product Showcase floor plan, click here! 

• Accel Group/David Hawkins Design Management - #113
• Accurate Lock & Hardware - #410
• AD Waters USA - #213
• Amerec - #403
• American Standard - #108
• Americh Corporation - #509
• Amerock - #607
• Ashley Norton - #608
• Axent Corporation - #209
• AXOR/hansgrohe - #302
• Baci by Remcraft - #205
• BainUltra - #202 and #204
• Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham - #309
• Bathroom Butler - #111
• Berenson & R. Christensen Hardware - #303
• Bravo Business Media - #402
• Brizo Faucet Company - #211
• California Faucets - #504
• Cement Elegance - #513
• CEU Events - #605
• Colonial Bronze - #203
• Dezi Home - #502
• Dornbracht Americas - #210
• DXV - #110
• Elkay - #300
• Fleurco, Inc. - #510
• Frank Allart & Company - #313
• Franke Consumer Products - #401 and #500
• Franz Viegener - #600 and #602
• GRAFF - #301 and #400
• Grohe - #110
• Hamilton Sinkler - #208
• Hastings Tile & Bath - #508
• Home Trust International - #610
• Hydro Systems - #601
• Icera - #212
• Infinity Drain - #312
• Julien, Inc. - #412
• Kartners Bathroom Accessories - 405
• KEUCO Management Inc. - #201
• KWC - #401 and #500
• LACAVA - #101
• Laufen #604
• Lenova - #404
• MCN European Enterprises - #413
• Mountain Plumbing Products - #409
• MrSteam - #501
• MTI Baths - #305
• Nantucket Sinks - #612
• Nikles USA - #503
• Oceania Bath - #505
• OMNIA Industries - #100
• Palazzani USA - #103
• Pentair Everpure - #310
• ROHL LLC - #408
• Ryvyr - #102
• Samuel Heath - #511
• SLIK Portfolio - #109
• Steamist - #304
• ThermaSol Steambath - #200
• THG USA - #311
• Top Notch Distributors - #411
• Valley Acrylic - #105
• Vicenza Designs - #104
• Victoria & Albert Bath - #308
• Water, Inc. - #603
• WETSTYLE - #512

Manufacturers and others interested in displaying this year at the DPHA Product Showcase should contact Executive Director Jim Babbitt as soon as possible at 224-999-0434 or email Jim at jbabbitt@dpha.net. Do so now, because as you can see, there are only a few spaces left and time is running out! Again, for a look at the Product Showcase floor plan,  click here.

The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Kelly DeSola at Watermark Designs in Brooklyn, NY

The DPHA 17-in-17 Program recognizes up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will profile 17 DPHA members with 10 or less years of experience. Each month from June through October 2017, members will be inducted into the 17-in-17 club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. This week we recognize Kelly DeSola, the Customer Relations Manager at Watermark Designs in Brooklyn, NY.

 

Although in the industry for only a very brief time, Kelly has already attended two DPHA annual conferences, and according to one of her nominators, "She is a superstar and has taken customer service to a new level by visiting dealers in order to strengthen her relationship with them".

Connections: How long have you been in the DPH industry?

Kelly: 2 years.  

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Kelly: I was most surprised by the camaraderie throughout the entire industry. It is like one big family. It is so nice to work with people, in places near and far, as a team. Sometimes things don't go as expected, and it's nice to know that I can usually count on working with the salespeople and reps to help the end user. Even though we are not in an office or showroom together, we are able to work as a team.

Connections: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in our industry?

Kelly: The biggest challenge I face is the expectation of everything being available.  Watermark's fixtures really are custom made to order and a frequent problem is the customer's lack of understanding of what that entails versus the demand and the pressure they feel to receive products right away.   

Connections: What do you enjoy about being in this industry?

Kelly: I love the constant craziness! Whether it is helping somebody with a completely customized fixture, helping build somebody's dream bathroom or getting to the bottom of an issue somebody is having with their fixtures, there is always something going on. There is never a dull moment and there are new situations to deal with every day. We never stop learning and it really keeps you on your toes.  

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Kelly: I really appreciate being selected and look forward to growing within the DPHA community. 

If you would like to nominate someone for the 17-in-17 program, click here to download the nomination form, complete it and send your nomination to Jim Babbitt via email at  jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax to 866-623-6180. It takes only a few minutes to complete a nomination form, but isn't that time well spent for recognizing someone who is making an impact on your business and/or our industry?

Alberto Comini, 1940 - 2017

It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that DPHA and its members learned of the unexpected passing of Alberto Comini on September 12th. When you hear Alberto's name mentioned, the immediate word that comes to mind is "gentlemen". He will be sorely missed by the entire DPHA community.

Alberto was born in Italy and immigrated to the United States in 1960 at the age of 20. He founded OMNIA Industries and led OMNIA to become one of the market-leading decorative hardware companies in North America. Alberto was involved in numerous civic and charitable activities and in fact, OMNIA Industries was a founding member of DPHA.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Alex, Denyse and the entire OMNIA and Comini families. To read more about Alberto, click here to see his obituary.

Golfers, We Need to Hear From You by October 2nd!

DPHA members had such a good time playing golf at Torrey Pines in 2015 that we are hoping to bring the golf tournament back to the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa when DPHA gathers for its October 11-14 Annual Conference and Product Showcase in Chandler, AZ. We are planning on playing the the fabulous Whirlwind Golf Club from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Experience a truly unique Southwest golf experience sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian community. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, this unique golf course is also home to the PGA's Nationwide Insurance Tour Gila River Golf Classic held every year in October. The cost of golf is $200 per person which includes golf, cart, range, box lunch and 19th hole reception. If you are interested in playing in the golf outing, make sure to check off the appropriate box on the conference registration form (click here to download the conference prospectus and registration form) or just send a quick note to jbabbitt@dpha.net or leave a message for him at 224-999-0434.

There are Still Some Spots Available for the Sales Track Training Program at the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference

The Program and Showcase Committee, under the leadership of Richard Campbell (Belmont Hardware) and Ryan Paul (GRAFF), provides members with an offer that is almost too good to be true. You can bring multiple members of your sales team to the DPHA Conference for only $245 per person and have them participate in a custom sales training session developed specifically for showroom professionals by the incomparable Robb Best (Elkay). The Sales Training Program is a combination of both classroom learning and a roundtable workshop where your team can learn successful sales and showroom practices from peers across North America.     

 

The details:

• Attendance is limited to individuals who have never attended the DPHA conference previously, and offers a more "sales intensive" focus.
• Cost to attend is $245 per person (spots are filling quickly - there are a very limited amount of seats remaining)
• The special $245 rate for a participant in the sales training program is only available to those who have someone else from their company attending the conference on a full conference fee.

The special $245 rate covers admittance to the conference for the following events:  

• Friday, October 13, 5 to 7:30 p.m - Cocktail Reception in the Product Showcase
• Saturday, October 14
• 8 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
• 8 to 11:45 a.m. - Product Showcase
• 12 to 1:30 p.m. - Awards Luncheon
• 1:45 to 5:15 p.m. - Sales Training Track Program
• 7 to 10:30 p.m. - Closing Banquet

The DPHA Product Showcase features new products, bestsellers and the latest technologies that will help keep your showroom fresh and on the cutting edge. The DPHA Annual Conference is the largest gathering of decorative plumbing and hardware showroom owners, manufacturers and representatives who understand that attending provides endless opportunities to improve their bottom lines.

The Annual Conference and Product Showcase is a great opportunity to not only get your staff more involved with the association and our networking, but to have them exposed to roughly seventy members exhibiting at the Product Showcase and their new cutting-edge product offerings. Here is the chance for your sales personnel to build even better relationships at the conference with those manufacturers usually seen only when they visit your showroom, which can only be better for your business while at the same time increasing their personal feeling of involvement with your business. 

 

How can you take advantage of new opportunities if you never leave the comfort of your office? The DPHA Conference not only helps you build relationships and expand your knowledge, but your participation also reflects that you care about the industry. 

Click here to download the Conference Prospectus and Registration Form. 

 

The DPHA 2017 Annual Conference - Education, Networking and Fun!

In a little less than 4 weeks, DPHA members will congregate at the beautiful Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ for the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase. If you have forgotten to register for the conference, we still have room for you, but you need to register with us as soon as possible.  Simply click here to download the conference prospectus, which includes the conference registration form on page 10.

There is outstanding educational content offered to attendees each year, but as those who have attended many of our past conferences will tell you, just because you're at our conference doesn't mean you can' have fun!

Several of the Fun Things to Do at the DPHA Annual Conference:

5K Fun Run and Walk: The 2017 DPHA Conference offers a 5K Fun Run/Walk that will allow everyone to spend more quality time with their DPHA peers in a healthy fun run/walk around the hotel property. The 5K Fun Run/Walk will take place Thursday, October 12 at 5:00 p.m. and there is no cost to participate. Email jbabbitt@dpha.net if you would like to participate.

DPHA Golf Tourney: On Wednesday, October 11th, join DPHA members for a day on the links at the fabulous Whirlwind Golf Club from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Experience a truly unique Southwest golf experience sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian community. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, this unique golf course is also home to the PGA's Nationwide Insurance Tour, Gila River Golf Classic held every year in October. The cost of golf is $200 per person which includes golf, cart, range, box lunch and 19th hole reception.

Arizona Food Tour: DPHA foodies unite for this delectable tour of Old Town Scottsdale's most interesting food venues on Wednesday, October 11th. Sponsored by Baci by Remcraft and Barber Wilson/Sterlingham, the Taste of Old Scottsdale Dinner Tour is a walking and cultural tour full of stories of the old west, demonstrations and delicious gourmet treats and wine from several of Scottsdale's unique and exciting restaurants that will leave the hotel at 5:30 p.m. and return around 9 p.m. This tour was rated as the top food and drink activity in Scottsdale by TripAdvisor. The three-hour adventure takes you back to the wild west, explains how Scottsdale was established, how it has changed over the years and current-day attractions. You'll also stop at four of Scottdale's unique eating establishments to sample their fare. Space on the tour is now limited, so contact Jim Babbitt or Rebekah Covay as soon as possible if you would like to reserve a seat on the bus. The cost is $175 per person, with all proceeds being contributed to the Council of Fellows Scholarship Fund.

Opening Reception: On Friday, October 13, DPHA members will gather in the Product Showcase for our opening night reception, sponsored by LACAVA. The drinks will flow from a host bar sponsored by Amerec and Barber Wilson/Sterlingham, and we will munch on tantalizing hot and cold hors d' oeuvres. The reception provides a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new ones and see the latest and greatest in new and innovative products.

Closing Banquet: We close our conference in style, Saturday October 14. A gourmet feast, sponsored by American Standard, DXV and Grohe, is planned followed by music and dancing, and again drinks will flow from bars sponsored by Dubois USA, Julien and Renaissance Design Studio.

Bar Time: The Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa's bar will be hopping after the conference programs are over. DPHA members usually congregate there to discuss their businesses, what's working, what's not and what others are doing. There simply is no better networking opportunity in our business. 

Here's Even More Icing on the Cake for Dealer Members at the 2017 DPHA Product Showcase

We've added a little extra spice to the DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, October 12-14 at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ.  The 2017 Passport to Prizes offers an opportunity for our dealer members to leave the DPHA Conference with a little something extra. Each eligible attendee will receive a passport card that they need to have stamped/signed by the following exhibitors to be eligible to win one of the prizes listed below. 

• Accurate Lock & Hardware (#410) - Fire HD 8 Tablet with a set of VIBES High Fidelity Ear Plugs 
• Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham (#309) - Gift Certificate for British Foods
• Berenson & R. Christensen Hardware (#303) - Young Living Rainstone Diffuser
• California Faucets (#504) - Bottles of California Wine
• Franke (#401 and #500) - Pescara Kitchen Faucet
• Hamilton Sinkler (#208) - $300 Apple Gift Card
• ICERA (#212) - Bathroom Vanity
• Infinity Drain (#312) - Yeti Prize Package
• Keuco - iLook Move Cosmetic Mirror with 5X Magnification
• KWC (#401 and #500) - LUNA-E Kitchen Faucet
• Lenova (#404) - GV-08 Glass Lav Sink
• Oceania Baths (#505) - Kobo Aura H2O Reader
• ROHL (#408) - $500 Dean + Deluca Gift Card
• Valley Acrylic (#105) - Valley Acrylic Swag Bag
• Wetstyle (#512) - CUBE Bench

The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Justin Tracy at ROHL

The DPHA 17-in-17 Program recognizes up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will profile 17 DPHA members with 10 or less years of experience. Each month from June through October 2017, members will be inducted into the 17-in-17 club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. This week we recognize Justin Tracy, the Director of Customer Service at ROHL in Irvine, CA.

 

After spending 10 years in the high-end food and beverage industry developing a passion for customer service, Justin began his career with ROHL LLC in late 2009.  Since joining the ROHL team he has made it his daily goal to ensure that all of their customers and consumers receive exceptional support from the ROHL Customer Care team.  According to one of his nominators, Justin has built a culture of taking care of the customer first through his thoughtful listening and training.

 

Justin has also been a part of the ROHL A.I.V. (Authenticity Innovation Value) Training Institute team since 2010.  During that time he has helped develop and train more than 1,000 showroom consultants on ROHL products and their philosophies in the market place.  Justin's passion for customer care can be seen and felt daily within ROHL's four walls and by all of the showrooms, designers, architects and consumers that he has had the pleasure of working with.

Connections: How long have you been in the DPH industry?

Justin: November 9th, 2009 was my first day at ROHL and in the DPH industry. 

 

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Justin: The lack of contention between competitors.  I have seen so many wonderful examples of individuals and showrooms working well with each other.  It's competitive out there but, from my perspective, the "cutthroat nature" of today's business world does not seem to show itself as much as I would have expected. 

 

Connections: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in our industry?

Justin: The unfortunate turnover within the decorative showrooms.  Training and knowledge is so critical to success in our industry that it is a shame there is not a greater amount of talented people that stay at their showroom for an extended period of time.  

Connections: What do you enjoy about being in this industry?

Justin: I am a problem solver by nature and as everyone in our industry knows, problems arise in all sorts of ways and on all types of projects.  I get to spend my days teaching others how to fine tune this skill set and execute it myself.  I go home with a smile every day because I know I made someone's life better to some degree each day I am here. 

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Justin: Just a big THANK YOU for this honor! 

If you would like to nominate someone for the 17-in-17 program, click here to download the nomination form, complete it and send your nomination to Jim Babbitt via email at  jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax to 866-623-6180. It takes only a few minutes to complete a nomination form, but isn't that time well spent for recognizing someone who is making an impact on your business and/or our industry?

If You Like Waiting Until the Last Minute, the Last Minute is Here!

We recognize that many DPHA members are procrastinators and like putting things off to the last minute. Well, guess what? The last minute is here! Tuesday, September 12 is the last day to register for the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase at the discounted rate. Member registration fees increase from $800 per person to $900 per person on September 12. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Click here to download the registration form or call DPHA at 888-871-6520 to reserve your spot at the October 12-14, 2017 Conference being held at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ.

Why the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference & Product Showcase is a Must-Attend Event

DPHA conferences are known for their outstanding educational programs that provide opportunities to access information and learn practices that make your job easier and more rewarding. 

While DPHA conference programs are educational, fun and great reasons to attend, the number one reason to attend the 2017 DPHA Conference is to take advantage of the opportunity to network with peers from across the nation who face the same challenges you do and who also look to capitalize on new opportunities. There will be plenty of networking opportunities when the leading minds in the industry gather at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ on October 12-14, both structured and informal. They include breakfasts and lunches on both Friday and Saturday, the Friday evening cocktail reception in the Product Showcase and the Saturday night closing banquet. The unstructured times between educational sessions, during breaks and at the bar also present great opportunities to connect. 

The networking opportunities not only allow you to make new connections, but also to strengthen existing ones. Avoid the temptation to spend most of your time with people you already know. Make it a goal to meet a new supplier, a new DPHA member or an existing member who you don't know that well. This helps build your network and the resources that you can tap when you want to discuss a problem, opportunity or simply when you need to get a different perspective. There's no better time to reserve for the DPHA Conference than right now. Click here to reserve!

No Suitcasing at the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase

We want to remind representatives of manufacturers that have elected not to purchase display space in the 2017 Product Showcase that non-exhibiting manufacturers are not permitted to market their companies, their products or share catalogs, product literature, promotional and marketing pieces or any other similar items with DPHA Conference attendees in the Showcase or in the vicinity of the Showcase during Conference hours. 

 

We also ask dealers attending the Conference to respect the no-suitcasing policy by refraining from discussing products and other business while in or around the Showcase with non-exhibiting manufacturers and reps, and to remind manufacturers and representatives that the Showcase is neither the time or appropriate place to discuss their offerings without an exhibit.

 

We've made it easy to distinguish between exhibiting and non-exhibting manufacturers. Manufacturers with display space will have an exhibitor ribbon attached to their name badge.

 

There will be numerous other networking opportunities when everyone can schmooze with one another after the Showcase ends and Conference programs conclude. DPHA thanks all those planning to attend the Conference for honoring the no-suitcasing policy.

 

The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Joseph Torres at Renaissance Design Studio (Woodland Hills, CA)

The DPHA 17-in-17 Program recognizes up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will profile 17 DPHA members with 10 or less years of experience. Each month from June through October 2017, members will be inducted into the 17-in-17 club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. This week we recognize Joseph Torres, a Sales/Technical Consultant at Renaissance Design Studio's showroom in Woodland Hills, CA.  

Joseph came to Renaissance Design Studio from outside the DPH field, in fact from the auto industry, which some people think may have contributed to how "fast" he has developed within our industry.  Originally hired to fill a shipping/receiving position, Joseph became the manager of that same department within a year, and subsequently restructured the entire warehouse operation, achieving great new efficiencies.  Since that time, Joseph has also assumed a sales position, selling both hardware and plumbing, generating a large volume of sales while simultaneously continuing to fill his role as the warehouse manager at the Woodland Hills' location.

Connections: How long have you been in the DPH industry?

Joseph: 5 years

        

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Joseph: My biggest surprise would be the fast pace; we are fortunate to deal with multi-million dollar projects. With so much at stake, you would think that people would want to slow down and make sure things are precise, but I hear on a daily basis, "I need this like last week."  For the most part things work out, but there's been situations where it didn't and made things worst. 

 

Connections: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in our industry?

Joseph: I have faced this challenge multiple times, and it's something that will continue to occur because we're a showroom that believes that nothing is impossible. Our clients constantly challenge us to create things that don't exist. I've been in situations where I've had to design, engineer, and execute a component/product for the first time. We don't believe in the word "no" or "can't."

Connections: What do you enjoy about being in this industry?

Joseph: I believe I've heard this from someone else but it's true - not every day is the same. You may leave one day having solved a certain set of problems, but the following day you will walk into another set of challenges that are completely different. This industry definitely challenges you and keeps you on your toes at the same time.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Joseph: Thank you again for this honor and consideration.

If you would like to nominate someone for the 17-in-17 program, click here to download the nomination form, complete it and send your nomination to Jim Babbitt via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax to 866-623-6180. It takes only a few minutes to complete a nomination form, but isn't that time well spent for recognizing someone who is making an impact on your business and/or our industry?

The 2017 DPHA Sales Track Training Program - An Offer You Really Can't Refuse!

The Program and Showcase Committee, under the leadership of Richard Campbell (Belmont Hardware) and Ryan Paul (GRAFF), provides  members with an offer that is almost too good to be true. You can bring multiple members of your sales team to the DPHA Conference for only $245 per person and have them participate in a custom sales training session developed specifically for showroom professionals by the incomparable Robb Best (Elkay). The Sales Training Program is a combination of both classroom learning and a roundtable workshop where your team can learn successful sales and showroom practices from peers across North America.          

 

The details:

• Attendance is limited to individuals who have never attended the DPHA conference previously, and offers a more "sales intensive" focus.
• Cost to attend is $245 per person (spots are filling quickly - there are a limited amount of seats remaining)
• The special $245 rate for a participant in the sales training program is only available to those who have someone else from their company attending the conference on a full conference fee.

The special $245 rate covers admittance to the conference for the following events:  

• Friday, October 13, 5 to 7:30 p.m - Cocktail Reception in the Product Showcase
• Saturday, October 14
• 8 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
• 8 to 11:45 a.m. - Product Showcase
• 12 to 1:30 p.m. - Awards Luncheon
• 1:45 to 5:15 p.m. - Sales Training Track Program
• 7 to 10:30 p.m. - Closing Banquet

The DPHA Product Showcase features new products, bestsellers and the latest technologies that will help keep your showroom fresh and on the cutting edge. The DPHA Annual Conference is the largest gathering of decorative plumbing and hardware showroom owners, manufacturers and representatives who understand that attending provides endless opportunities to improve their bottom lines.

The Annual Conference and Product Showcase is a great opportunity to not only get your staff more involved with the association and our networking, but to have them exposed to roughly seventy members exhibiting at the Product Showcase and their new cutting-edge product offerings. Here is the chance for your sales personnel to build even better relationships at the conference with those manufacturers usually seen only when they visit your showroom, which can only be better for your business while at the same time increasing their personal feeling of involvement with your business. 

 

How can you take advantage of new opportunities if you never leave the comfort of your office? The DPHA Conference not only helps you build relationships and expand your knowledge, but your participation also reflects that you care about the industry. 

Click here  to download the Conference Prospectus and Registration Form. 

 

Click here to reserve a hotel room at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa.

Sorry, Kim Falby - I Really Do Have Egg on My Face!

For the first time ever last week, Connections listed companies and individuals that were nominated in one of the six Professional of the Year award categories - Customer Service Department, Manufacturer Professional, Representative Agency, Representative Professional, Showroom Professional and Showroom.  Regrettably, we inadvertently failed to include Kim Falby of Julien in the Manufacturer Professional of the Year category.  Please accept our apologies, Kim, and again, congratulations on your nomination - you should be very proud of the fact that you are being recognized as a leader in our industry!