I’m not sure that Mr. Unser ever attended a Sales Pro, but after attending myself for the first time last month I can assure you that he described this event well. Between nearly 100 vendor reps and 100+ sales reps, there were numerous opportunities for learning and networking. The planning that goes into this event is not a small task either. The marketing team at Durvet begins preparing months in advance to ensure that there is a healthy dose of learning coupled with a little bit of time for fun. You know what they say about all work and no play…

This year, Sales Pro was held at the JW Marriot in San Antonio and in true Texas style, it was beautiful and BIG!  I did not track my steps while there, but I am sure I would have broken any previous record I may have set.  The festivities kick off on Tuesday and it is a full-on sprint until Friday morning.  The days are filled with vendor breakout sessions, which give the reps a chance to learn in-depth about a variety of vendor topics.  The evenings consist of trade show and dinner providing a less formal opportunity for networking and 1 on 1 interaction.  On Wednesday afternoon, we do make a little time for the fun I mentioned earlier with a golf outing (this year on a PGA course – wow!), a sightseeing trip to the historic Riverwalk or an afternoon at the onsite waterpark.  The days can be long, but knowledge and relationship building garnered during the week is well worth the extra hours!

As the newbie, I was pleasantly surprised how actively engaged everyone was in the event. From the vendors to the sales reps, every attendee was present and eager to grow their business. It may seem obvious, but we are better for our customers when we can truly hear what their needs are and understand the products that are available to meet those needs. These people get that. And let’s face it, we love our animals! Whether it is as a consumer or a backyard farmer, our animals are either our passion or our livelihood. 

For me personally, I truly enjoyed getting to put faces with names. If you call Durvet, most often I am going to be the person who answers the phone. I love to talk (if you know me, I know you will be shocked by that….ha!) and I have become personally invested in many of our “regulars”. Being able to see these people and sit down and have meals with them, or do an activity together on Wednesday, made that bond even tighter.  I look forward to next year in Charleston, South Carolina. I will have officially put the rookie badge away, although I have a feeling I have A LOT left to learn.