SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE USA – Specialty cheese is becoming an increasingly important way for retailers and foodservicers to distinguish themselves over the competition. For consumers, craft cheese has grown as an important commodity where quality is paramount. FirstSource: Specialty Cheese 2014 offers a unique method for high-volume supermarket chain and foodservice buyers to condense months of searching for the next great cheese into two and one-half highly productive days at the Marriott Fort Lauderdale/Coral Springs.
The FirstSource networking event is limited to high-volume buyers and sellers of specialty cheeses. It combines buyer-scheduled 20-minute one-on-one meetings, icebreaking introductions, vendor presentations and product tastings. In addition, vendors' products will be featured at many of the event's meals and receptions. 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. Show Director Brian Perkins noted that this event is an important addition for a company that has earned a reputation for successfully connecting buyers and vendors in perishable foods. "FirstSource is becoming the first place buyers look when they want to find new, quality products."
"Once we get someone to experience an event, they are loyal because of its efficiency. We have vendors who tell us FirstSource reduced the time it took to get a new account. Buyers tell us they learn more in two days than they have in the last two years," Perkins said. The FirstSource model works well also because it allows operators to talk with other operators. Perkins explained, "Part of the value is the ability to talk to someone in a similar situation as you, but who isn't your direct competition. There are great opportunities for the exchange of ideas. And in this case, it's no small bonus that attendees will be able to chat with other cheese aficionados."
"FirstSource 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."
Lee Smith, Publisher and Editorial Director of Deli Business and Cheese Connoisseur magazines weighed in on the FirstSource: Supermarket Deli 2013 event, saying, "It's a fairly structured environment, and it keeps buyers and manufacturers together and interacting, but I was surprised at the easy-going feel of the personal interactions." She explained what she heard most from attendees was pretty simple but very important. "'Now I know I can pick up the phone and my call will be taken.' Even buyers say, 'I've learned so much about these companies and products.'"
FirstSource: Specialty Cheese 2014 Details
March 26-28, 2014 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel
11775 Heron Bay Boulevard
Coral Springs, FL 33076
For information on FirstSource: Specialty Cheese 2014 contact:
- Brian Perkins, Show Director, (207) 799-1356, bperkins@FirstSourceEvents.com
- Karen Thomas, Sales Director, (727) 596-9696, kthomas@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 events visit www.FirstSourceEvents.com.
Source: FirstSource Events
