Speed Meetings

 

As part of the agenda on Monday, March 6, we will be hosting our annual Operator Speed Meetings, which is one of the most impactful and unique components of COEX allowing for valuable face-to-face dialogue between suppliers and chain operator leaders. This is an opportunity for attending operators to share their goals, objectives, and needs with the entire supplier community. 

View participating operator companies >> 

 

Guidelines

Operators, the goal of the speed meetings is to allow you to share your top priorities, needs and/or challenges with the manufacturer/supplier community. This is not intended as an opportunity for suppliers to sell you on their specific products. 

  • You are driving the conversation – this is your time to address suppliers, those who you currently work with and those who are interested in working with you. While the conversations will be collaborative, we look to you to start by sharing what’s important to you and your organization.  
  • To get the most out of these fast-paced conversations, please be prepared to share your company’s top priorities, needs, or challenges and how supply partners can better support you.
  • Start each round by introducing yourself (including your role) and spending a few minutes sharing those top priorities and areas needing support.  
  • Depending on the size of your group, your counterparts will then introduce themselves and ask questions about your needs and/or business.  
  • It’s helpful to have pen and paper and/or business cards to capture any names or ideas so you can follow up with each other via the mobile app later.  

Download a COEX Speed Meeting Operator Tips/Template >> 

Suppliers, to get the most out of these fast-paced conversations, review the attendee list in advance and consider which operators you plan to meet with, with some back-ups in mind in case a table fills up.  

  • Operators will start each round by introducing themselves and spending a few minutes sharing their top priorities, needs, or challenges and how supply partners can better support them.  
  • This is not a time for you to sell.  
  • You will be sitting at operator tables with individuals from other organizations, please be respectful of the other suppliers and give everyone a chance to ask a question.  
  • This time is intended to learn about the organization and the operator individual hosting the table. Be curious, ask questions, and take detailed notes so you can follow up after the speed meetings conclude.  

FAQ

Q: What’s the format? 

A: For eight, 15-minute rounds, operators will be seated at marked tables, while suppliers traverse the room. Suppliers will have the chance to meet with different operators in each round, on a first-come, first-served basis. During each round, suppliers will be seated with other COEX attendees (there could potentially be 2-3 different suppliers at a given operator table). Operators will lead the discussion, starting by sharing their top priorities and areas needing support. Suppliers will ask questions and discuss the operator organization in greater detail. 

Q: How do I sign up? 

A: No need to sign up in advance, the operator speed meetings will be open to all attendees. Operators, as part of your complimentary registration and hotel accommodations, we request that you host a speed meeting table. This is an exclusive opportunity to meet with current and future supply chain partners to discuss challenges and maximize business building opportunities. If you for some reason are unable to host a table during the allotted time, please notify Courtney Graham Sriha at courtney@ifmaworld.com. 

Q: Do I get to pick who I meet with?  

A: Yes and no. Operators will be seated at tables, suppliers will traverse the room each round. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with new people each round. We recommend bringing multiple individuals from your organization to be able to have as many conversations as possible. If you don’t get a chance to connect with someone you wanted to, we recommend using the mobile app to reach out to them. 

Q: Can I make appointments? 

A: Not during speed meetings. If you don’t get a chance to connect with someone you wanted to, we recommend using the mobile app to reach out to them.  

Q: What should I bring?  

A: If available to you, feel free to bring a one-sheet, brochure, or POS so partners can get to know your organization quickly or follow up. Pen and paper, plus your IFMA mobile app are also good to have. Operators, a sign with your company name will be provided for you.  

 

Note for Operators: As part of your complimentary registration and hotel accommodations, we request that you host a speed meeting table. This is an exclusive opportunity to meet with current and future supply chain partners to discuss challenges and maximize business building opportunities. As a registered operator attendee, you will be assigned a speed meeting table and the IFMA staff will follow up with more information and best practices on how to maximize your experience. If you for some reason are unable to host a table during the allotted time, please notify Courtney Graham Sriha at courtney@ifmaworld.com.