HCN@HBT Bulletin Issue 01 Ray Quek Hardware Channel News RQ Consulting RQC

This year we had fully booked
out tradeshows in a number
of states. Over 150 members
registered across the country
and took time out from busy
schedules to connect with
their peers. Business sessions
ensured that they kept abreast
with industry news, upcoming
promotions, supplier changes
and presentations. Tradeshows
were held in the afternoon with
members and suppliers topping
off their busy day with a mighty
good feed at choice venues.
Adelaide Oval was the venue
in SA. Catalogues and
potential solutions were some
of the key issues discussed.
Based on the overwhelming
feedback, we acknowledge
that something needs to be
done here.
South Australia
State Conference
Wrap Up
Members took to the
tradeshow and openly asking
suppliers for support with
McGrath Donation stickers.
Adelaide Brighton Cement
was on board immediately and
many others followed suit.
In Perth WA, new ITT member
Beyond Tools spoke about their
Dream Big Expo which recently
took place. Check out their
Facebook page to experience
what a great family day this was.
Through the course of the
conference, it was evident that
our members required more
information about the Key
Supplier program. As a result,
we developed a new Key
Supplier brochure in between
conferences, which was used
for the remaining four states.
Western Australia
Vesta presented their
e-commerce solution, after
which members eagerly sought
them out during the tradeshow.
QLD members are a
photogenic and friendly
bunch! Adventures were had
when we used Google maps
to guide us to our dinner
venue. One lone supplier
didn’t quite make it, ending
up at the bar next door
wondering if HBT was going
to show up. How did he miss
this crowd?
This year, we tried something a
little different in NSW based on
member feedback. We moved
our venue to the Mercure in
Hunter Valley. Numbers were
down on previous years, but
those in attendance enjoyed
a yarn around the fire pit after
dinner with iconic tunes crooning
on an old record player.
Launceston, TAS brought
hail and icy winds (which is
apparently normal). Leanne
from The Sheffi eld Shed
brought a birthday balloon
to celebrate Cowdroy rep’s
birthday as pictured.
It may have been cold outside
in Tassie, but everyone is
certainly warm on the inside. It
was obvious members got on
well with each other and offered
help whenever they could. Truth
be known – “Freight” is a swear
word in TAS so we tread lightly
around this sensitive topic.
In VIC, the state conference
dinner was changed to a
cocktail function when numbers
went over 150 people. In spite
of the pouring rain, Melbonites
(also known as Mexicans)
came out in droves.
Merv Hughes was our special
guest at the business sessions.
Merv recounted stories of
his legendary cricketing past
and even managed a plug for
Diadora who brought him along
for the day.
Queensland
Tradeshow - Cowdroy, Duralex
& Dymark
New South Wales
Dinner Garlicks thumbs up!
Tasmania
Cowdroy birthday balloon from member
Victoria
A big hello from Queensland members
After dinner drinks around the fi re
Dinner table with members
Adelaide Oval
Tradeshow - ITI
Overall, the tradeshow was
vibrant with the MCG providing
a beautiful backdrop for the day.
Esdan Plastics was popular as
the manufacturers of the pink
hose. HBT and ITT members
showed solid interest in
developing a H branded air hose.
No umbrella?
Dinner party
Nigel’s custom
made HBT vest
Reunion at conference
Business sessions with Steve
VIC wrapped up the state
conference series and was
undoubtedly the biggest crowd.
Meeting Key Suppliers
Tradeshow - Spear & Jackson
6 HBT Group Bulletin | Issue 1
December 2016 | hbt.net.au 7