Booth space is now available at the North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors’ (NAFCD) Annual Convention and Executive Networking Forum, providing manufacturers and suppliers a unique opportunity to meet with distributor partners for executive-level business planning.

The annual NAFCD event will take place this year in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 13-15, and is expected to draw hundreds of executives and leaders from the top distributors and manufacturer in floor covering. The 2012 Executive Networking Forum features a new sample-free and display-free format, allowing exhibiting manufacturers and distributor attendees to achieve more significant goals while in Orlando, according to NAFCD.

Rather than displaying samples and discussing products at the Forum, exhibiting suppliers will be able to meet with distributors to develop business plans, set sales strategies, and learn how to best do business with their partners. Booths on the floor will offer a private and comfortable setting in which to interact with many attendees in a short period of time, touching on important matters that go beyond just products. This year’s event features more time for networking and more opportunities to hold pre-scheduled meetings.

“This new format gives our company the opportunity to meet with our distributor partners to understand their challenges, identify opportunities, and learn how they do business,” said Duane Goetze, marketing director at Shaw Industries and NAFCD board member. “As an exhibiting manufacturer, the Forum offers far more flexibility to talk with new and existing customers about business, strategy, and where our company and products are heading. We’ll set appointments with decision makers, and rather than merely ‘sell our goods,’ we’ll identify and develop opportunities to grow each other’s businesses. And with no major displays, we’re saving thousands of dollars in shipping and setup costs.”

Exhibitors at the Forum who purchase booth space have the opportunity to customize their experience, including the choice of a high-boy or desk-height round table, creating a discrete, non-competitive environment in which to make valuable connections, NAFCD said. Reserving a booth also provides access to significant registration discounts for as many representatives as the exhibitor sees fit.

In addition to the Forum’s formal meeting format, suppliers will have a number of opportunities to interact with distributors in more relaxed settings, such as the opening reception and the Thursday night celebration featuring an interactive cooking demonstration by one of Orlando’s most popular chefs. NAFCD is also excited to re-introduce an optional game of golf to the event.

Exhibiting attendees are encouraged to attend all of the Convention’s educational sessions and keynote addresses, which offer valuable sales and business training, advice on building strong relationships, policy updates, and economic insights designed to help executives and upper-level managers run their companies more effectively.

Manufacturers and suppliers interested in exhibiting at the 2012 NAFCD Executive Networking Forum can contact Scott Narug at snarug@nafcd.org, or (312) 673-5974. Additional exhibit and sponsorship information can be found at www.distributorconvention.org.