AVDA Unveils 2009 Academy of Training

AVDA unveiled its 2009 Academy of Training, featuring a variety of conferences, workshops and Web-inars. The association has expanded the scope of education and training offerings, as well as availability, by offering recorded sessions of all Webinars. In a time where many companies have been forced to scale back training, the AVDA Academy of Training provides a cost-effective solution for training on distributor/manufacturer specific topics and general business issues.

The cost of a Webinar for AVDA members is $149 per login site – not per attendee. This allows large groups of employees to access training together. Also, all Webinar sessions are recorded and available for purchase following the event. In February, the first Webinar of 2009, “Hiring for the Sales Professional,” was presented by Landy Chase. Chase is a nationally active sales expert who specializes in increasing the effectiveness of business owners, sales executives and managers in sales and marketing skills. The session focused on the 80/20 rule; the principle that 20 percent of salespeople produce 80 percent of business, and how 80 percent of all hiring decisions made by managers are mistakes. Chase shared methods to avoid hiring mistakes.

Additional Webinars this year include “Crushing Price Objections” with Tom Reilly, “Disaster Preparedness” with Mike Foster and “Security and Fraud within Companies” with Barry Brandman. For a full schedule, visit the AVDA Web site, www.avda.net, and go to the Events page.

AVDA members can also access in-person conferences and workshops, the most popular being the University of Industrial Distribution (UID). Celebrating its 16th year, the next session will be held March 8-11 in Indianapolis, Ind. UID is a concentrated educational program focused on the unique needs of wholesale distributors. Known worldwide for excellence in education, UID is sponsored by leading distribution professional associations, in cooperation with the Industrial Distribution Program and Indiana University/Purdue University. Attendees of UID may work toward a Certificate in Industrial Distribution.

AVDA offers many training opportunities via its membership with the Association Education Alliance, LLC (AEA). AEA develops affordable educational products and programs for use by its member associations. AEA was formed in 1991 by five associations; PTDA, AHTD, EASA, FPDA and NAHAD. Currently, AEA represents 43 industrial trade associations. AEA executives meet biannually to identify, evaluate and develop educational products and programs for use by member associations, as well as to facilitate networking and idea sharing among AEA members. For more information visit www.aeamembers.net.

Upcoming Training and Events

AVDA 2009 Annual Conference
“Thriving in Dynamic Times”
April 19-21, 2009
Renaissance Vinoy® Resort and Golf Club
St. Petersburg, Florida

Crushing Price Objections
featuring Tom Reilly – Webinar
April 20, 2009

Disaster Preparedness
featuring Mike Foster – Webinar
June 12, 2009
Security and Fraud within Companies
featuring Barry Brandman – Webinar
Sept. 30, 2009

Four Pillars of the Sales Professional
presented by Don Buttrey
Oct. 6-8, 2009
Dayton, Ohio

AVDA 2010 Annual Conference
April 18-20, 2010
Silverado Resort®
Napa, California