NEW ORLEANS — The Industrial Supply Manufacturers Assn. and Industrial Distribution Assn.'s spring convention, held May 17–19 in New Orleans, brought manufacturers and distributors together to make their own music. The convention's theme, A Whole New Tune, was exemplified in the booth program's new flip-flop format, which saw distributors in booths one day, manufacturers the next; Biz-Tech, the technology showcase; the first convention-sanctioned Career Fair; and the new product showcase on the booth program's floor.

"The number of badges for delegates was 1,570," said Chuck Stockinger, executive director of ISMA. "There were 230 distributor companies and 380 manufacturing companies at this spring convention. As a comparison, Denver's 2002 fall convention number was 1,405, with 207 distributor companies and 323 manufacturing companies, and Hawaii's 2002 spring convention numbered 884, with 169 distributor companies and 239 manufacturing companies. This year's increase is a fact that thrilled planners."

As a first for the spring convention, attendance was open to all distributors, service providers, buying groups, marketing groups and other trade associations and their members.

Honored at the Opening Session were ISMA's American Eagle Award recipients, which included manufacturers with more than $20 million in annual sales, Norton/Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Weiler Corp., Kimberly-Clark Professional and Kennametal; manufacturers with less than $20 million, Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co., Lexington Cutter, Inc. and Precision Brand Products, Inc.; distributors with more than $10 million, Ferguson Integrated Systems Div., Barnes Distribution and Acklands-Grainger, Inc.; distributors with less than $10 million, AHB Tooling & Machinery, Inc.; overall outstanding individual effort honoree Production Tool Supply Co.; and overall winner Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.

Value-Added Partners of the Year – an award that recognizes the partnership between manufacturers and distributors that results in documented cost savings or productivity improvements for end-users – included distributor Industrial Distribution Group, Inc. and cutting tools manufacturer Carboloy, Inc. Honorable mentions were given to manufacturer Sorbent Products Co., and distributors Jergens Industrial Supply and Empire Machinery and Supply.

The coveted American Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to D. Dan Kahn, founder and chairman of Production Tool Supply, Detroit. Kahn's company continues to support its distribution partners with private imprint catalogs, customized Web sites and supporting marketing materials. Kahn was recognized, in part, for the charitable and philanthropic works he's done, particularly in the Detroit area.

Kahn said of the award, "It was one of the highlights of my nearly 60 years in indus-trial distribution. I was extremely proud of the reception; and to receive a standing ovation made me very grateful for the honor."

ISMA's Industrial Distribution Career Fair was considered a success, with 13 participating organizations there to hire talent. Enthusiastic students were lining up to talk with company representatives, and most said they were satisfied with their experiences. About 115 registered students, representing six universities, attended.

"It was great," said Brian Reynolds, associate director of Texas A&M University's industrial distribution program. "What distinguished this program from other career fairs was that all the companies participating were looking to hire people. Of the 46 students we brought there, all of them had very positive experiences."

I.D.A.'s Small, Specialty & Emerging Distributor Luncheon was packed, and reportedly, was a success. Manufacturers and distributors worked together and discussed topics such as human resources, marketing, passion in the sales force, and delivering a company's message to its customers.

The first day of the 2003 spring booth program, featuring distributors behind the tables, was full, with manufacturers waiting in lines to meet with them. The second day, highlighting the manufacturers, was thinner on attendees.

One of the most popular educational sessions, "How Effective is Your Sales Force Compensation Plan?," saw the most attendees, numbering about 100 people. Other seminars and educational sessions numbered far less.

The inaugural Biz-Tech was the place for technology suppliers, with booths highlighting management, tracking and supply chain software and systems.

The Young Executive Forum seemed to be everywhere, and reportedly, did one of the best jobs at promoting itself and its purpose to the convention's attendees. With the YEF Golf Tournament on Saturday (and a 59 percent increase in participating golfers over last year), and the organization's social event Sunday night (where a 68 percent increase in funds raised over last year was announced), YEF encouraged networking, fun and participation in its activities.

At the I.D.A. membership luncheon, I.D.A. president Mort Harris welcomed the association's 55 new members, introduced the new officers and president, Jim Beckstein, and said that in the next year, "I.D.A. will be more business focused, value added, cost effective and will respond to business needs."

Also honored at the luncheon was Distributor of the Year Steve Short of Updike Supply, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. Presented by INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION magazine's Associate Publisher/Editor Jack Keough, the honor was a surprise to Short, who maintained that members only get out of an association what they give it, and encouraged the other members to become more involved.

The convention's social events were filled to capacity, with attendees taking advantage of the opportunities to network and "be seen."

I.D.A./ISMA's fall convention, recently re-named I.D.A.'s Annual Distributor & Manufacturer Business Expo (see story on p. 23), will be held Nov. 22–24 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago.