In this episode of Let’s Talk a Little Shop, Emilie Lewis speaks with Cole Daugherty, the SVP of Exhibitor Marketing for the Dallas Market Center, about his experience in the trade show industry. They discuss the importance of relationships, collaboration, and in-person events for the success of businesses in the wholesale trade industry.

Highlights

• 0:00: Cole Daughtery is the SVP of Exhibitor Marketing for the Dallas Market Center with over 20 years of experience in the industry.
• 1:06: The Dallas Market Center is the world’s most comprehensive wholesale trade resource, housing various product categories such as home, gift, lighting, apparel, and more.
• 3:07: The key lesson learned in the industry is the importance of building relationships between buyers and sellers, and the Market Center serves as a bridge between them.
• 5:20: The Market Center focuses on working together as a community, valuing customers, and sharing their success stories through good storytelling.
• 8:55:9: Cole’s journey in the industry started with a PR agency, and he joined the Dallas Market Center 22 years ago as the PR director. He has since embraced the industry and contributed to its growth and diversification.
• 10:42: In-person events and meetings are crucial for the industry as they allow for product discovery, relationship building, and the ability to cater to diverse customer needs.
• 12:26: The industry is seeing a mix of product categories and price points across retail as consumers expect a broader range of options from stores.
• 14:20: The generational differences in the industry require a shift in mindsets around trade shows and in-person events, particularly in fashion and gift businesses where younger generations are more involved.

Key Insights

• 🎙️ The success of the wholesale trade industry relies heavily on building and maintaining strong relationships between buyers and sellers. The Dallas Market Center serves as a bridge to facilitate these relationships and support the growth of businesses. (Timestamp: 3:07-5:03)
• 🏢 In addition to being a comprehensive wholesale trade resource, the Dallas Market Center focuses on fostering a sense of community and working together as a team. They value their customers and prioritize good storytelling to share their success stories. (Timestamp: 5:20-8:42)
• 🌍 In-person events and meetings are irreplaceable in the industry as they allow for sensory experiences, such as smelling fragrances or feeling the fabric, which are essential for product discovery and decision-making. Digital support is important, but it cannot fully substitute real-life experience. (Timestamp: 10:42-12:12)
• 🔀 The industry is witnessing a shift towards a mix of product categories and price points as retailers diversify their offerings to cater to consumer demands. Unique and one-of-a-kind products are sought after, allowing retailers to stand out in the market. (Timestamp: 12:26-14:08)
• 👥 The industry needs to adapt to the generational differences, particularly in fashion and gift businesses where younger generations are more involved. Mindsets around trade shows and in-person events need to evolve to meet the expectations and preferences of these younger audiences. (Timestamp: 14:20-16:35)

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