Thirty-eight Starnet Member specification representatives gathered in Chicago for the 9th annual Starnet Specifier Seminar. This intensive training opportunity was geared to Starnet members who recommend commercial flooring solutions to end-users, architects, designers, facility managers and general contractors.
“One of the most valuable features of Starnet is the willingness of our members to openly share best practices with each other,” said Fred Williamson, Starnet executive vice president. “We offer member associates the ability to learn from some of the most experienced people in all segments of the commercial flooring business. This seminar brought together North American expertise to provide specialized training to those tasked with creating business opportunities and driving them to our Membership through creative selling techniques.”
The five-day seminar took place in conjunction with NeocCon’s 50th anniversary and featured a combination of panel discussions, guest speakers, and presentations on marketing, trends, forecasts and best practices, all focusing on the commercial selling arena. Attendees also had the opportunity to see the latest product introductions from Starnet vendor partners at their NeoCon showrooms.
The event kicked off with a product presentation and showroom tour at Tarkett, followed by a welcome reception on site. Day two featured Starnet preferred vendor presentations by Antron, Armstrong Flooring, Gerflor, Milliken, Mats Inc. and Tarkett. The day was capped off with a dinner hosted by Dixie Commercial following tours of their Atlas and Masland Contract showrooms.
Sunday morning attendees explored their personal strengths to maximize their full potential using Gallup’s Clifton Strength Finder assessment. This was followed by lunch hosted by Mannington Commercial after a private showroom tour. On the final two days, Dal-Tile and J+J Flooring Group hosted private showroom tours and attendees were afforded time to explore all the Starnet preferred vendor showrooms at The Mart.
Throughout the seminar, the Starnet Specifier Committee and attendees held several break out sessions to improve their specifying capabilities and enhance the value of solutions they offer to key influencers and decision makers involved in purchasing commercial flooring products.
“The passion of the group to further develop their specifying career was amazing,” said Kathi Kennedy, Starnet Specifier Committee chairperson. “And I must extend a big thank you to our Starnet Vendor Partners for sharing their knowledge, inspiration, and hospitality throughout the entire seminar. The event would not have been the huge success it was without their support.”
For more information, visit www.starnetflooring.com.
