The Distributors 42nd annual Mid-Year Conference and Trade Show has been successfully held this week against the stunning backdrop of Port Douglas, Queensland.
Members, customers, and suppliers of The Distributors were welcomed to the Sheraton Grand Mirage in Port Douglas with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by a local elder, followed by welcome drinks and a dinner sponsored by Mondelēz. Attendees were treated to a thought-provoking presentation from Gus Balbontin.
Day Two began with an optional Mind Movement activity sponsored by Shine followed by the opening of conference sessions, where we heard from George Tsapoutas, CEO, The Distributors; Theo Foukkare, CEO, AACS; Karen Campbell, General Manager, MyBrandz Software; and Mark Mckenzie, CEO, ACAPMA. These presentations were followed by an address from Olympic champion, Jacqui Cooper.
The ‘speed dating’ style of the trade show returned this year following its successful introduction in 2022, giving suppliers the opportunity to sit down with customers and explain their product in depth.
The third and final day began with an optional activity of a Rise and Shine walk through Port Douglas to watch the sunrise over the ocean. This was sponsored by Tonik, with Lisa Schilling-Thomson and Cheryl O’Brien from Halo Food Co guiding the way.
Today is the final day of the conference and a full report, including award winners from tonight’s gala dinner, will appear in the next issue of C&I Retailing magazine.
