The Value in Becoming a Tri-State Vendor

I am often asked “Why should I become a vendor at the Tri-State CAMP Conference?” and my answer is always, “Why is it important that a bridge have a foundation?” Being a vendor at TRI-STATE is a lot like being a solid foundation for two reasons.

First, as a vendor, you are able to spend quality time with your customers, which leads to developing a trusted and valued relationship with them. The trust that is formed can’t be underestimated. Our summer season is short, and we, as directors, have a lot on our plate during the summer. We need to know that what we are buying is quality and if the product or service doesn’t work properly, we don’t have a lot of time to resolve the issue.  Directors want to be able to pick up the phone or send an email and know that our vendors will just take care of it and that they are there rooting us on and in our corner, especially during the summer.

Secondly, vendors ARE the foundation of the Tri-State CAMP Conference.  Our 300+ vendors make our professional development conference possible.  TRI-STATE has become the largest and best off-season event for camp pros in the world. The conference fees are kept low because vendors exhibit, which allows us to bring a number of our staff members, which in turn, helps us all run a better camp for our campers. This would not be possible without the support from the vendors. As directors, WE KNOW THIS! That is why we are so loyal to vendors who exhibit at TRI-STATE.  Camps continue to buy from TRI-STATE vendors for years (for some, going on 20 years +). Many TRI-STATE attendees will do business only with TRI-STATE vendors because of the support you give the camp industry.

Being a vendor at TRI-STATE is a lot more than making a sale.  It’s creating trusting partnerships with your customers and an entire industry for years to come.

Jason Samuel is the Chair of the Tri-State CAMP Conference Vendor Committee and the Director of Camp and Youth Services at the Jewish Community Center of Stamford.

Posted on Mon, November 19, 2018 by Jess Michaels