Feedback From Meat & Poultry Retail & Foodservice Leads To New Networking & Sourcing Event

SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE USA – FirstSource Events announces its newest addition to a suite of well-received intimate, hosted-buyer events now serving perishable food categories, including seafood, specialty cheese and deli–for both retail and foodservice channels. FirstSource: Meat & Poultry 2014 is poised to be a powerful, hosted-buyer event for the retail and foodservice meat and poultry industry segments. The idea originated after investigating a channel specific event for meat and poultry. Organizers realized after talking with industry leaders that a single channel was too narrow to maximize participant value. "Listening to the feedback, we decided to produce an event to address both retail and foodservice channels, recognizing that some of the products are different. The vendors we spoke with thought the two channels would make for a successful and efficient meeting," said FirstSource Co-founder and Show Director, Brian Perkins.

Combining exclusive vendor presentations, product tastings, and one-on-one meetings, the event offers an efficient method for high-volume supermarket chain and foodservice buyers to identify and source innovative products from pre-qualified vendors of meat, poultry and specialty meat-case products. FirstSource events limit participation to a manageable number of qualified professionals, and are structured to provide multiple opportunities for formal interaction as well as important informal networking. Hotel, airfare and meals for invited buyers are covered by the event organizers. A limited number of pre-screened vendors pay a fee to take part.

FirstSource: Meat & Poultry is about finding new solutions, as Perkins noted, "We are not looking to bring in only the vendors everyone already knows. But we are looking to help foodservices and retailers find specialty, high-quality products from superior vendors that have ample capacity. Looking for vendors of grass-fed beef, hens raised without antibiotics, or sausage makers doing specialty craft links? This is the place." FirstSource narrows a broad field of vendors to only the companies that can provide innovative products and solutions. Because it's a chance for buyers and sellers to mingle in a low-pressure environment, it is also a great time for companies to do product research.

"These events have earned a 100% satisfaction rating from participants," Perkins explained. "The meeting is very casual and it's a low-pressure environment–yet the meetings and networking opportunities are highly productive and allow buyers to efficiently identify and source innovative products."

FirstSource Events has earned an enviable reputation. Richard Pineda from Sizzler USA, speaking about FirstSource: Foodservice Seafood said, "There's value to being able to see multiple suppliers in one setting instead of having them come out and visit us on an individual bases." Many buyers and vendors say they will return each year an event is held. Pineda said he was looking forward to next year's FirstSource meeting.

FirstSource: Meat & Poultry 2014 Event Details
April 2-4, 2014 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel
11775 Heron Bay Boulevard
Coral Springs, FL 33076

www.FirstSourceEvents.com/Meat_Poultry/index.htm

For information about FirstSource: Meat & Poultry contact:

    Brian Perkins, Show Director, (207) 799-1356, bperkins@FirstSourceEvents.com
    Karen Thomas, Sales Director & Retail Recruitment Director, (727) 596-9696, kthomas@FirstSourceEvents.com
    Hilary Manning, Foodservice Recruitment Director, (207) 372-0668, hmanning@FirstSourceEvents.com

More Information About FirstSource Events

FirstSource Events is now in its fourth year, and is run by an experienced team of event professionals with a wealth of perishable and retail industry experience. The team brings exceptional experience in event sales, marketing, operations, and innovation, and is committed to delivering powerful, attendee-driven, vertically integrated events that are highly efficient sourcing opportunities for buyers and vendors.

For information on FirstSource visit www.FirstSourceEvents.com.

Source: FirstSource Events