As we're on the cusp of September, it feels like the year is really moving on apace and we're entering that next phase of the industry's annual calendar.

This time of year is the period when traditionally manufacturer-organised dealer events kick into gear - plus we also enter into a cycle of some major, national trade shows.

Today for example, we hear from AriensCo about their plans for their dealer roadshow during September. Like other major manufacturers in 2021, they say due to Covid-19 restrictions and best practice they have decided to change their meeting format from a single conference for all dealers, to a number of smaller meetings located across the country.

We also have some news regarding plans for a couple of trade association-run events this autumn. We hear from the EIMA show in Bologna who are focusing on skills training for the sector and from IAgrE who will be considering future fuels. Interestingly though, IAgrE have chosen for their conference to remain virtual this year. They appear to be in the minority of event organisers in this regard during the second half of 2021 though, as most other gatherings vying for your attention, do appear to be returning to face-to-face environments.

Our own Service Dealer Conference for instance, is in advanced stages of planning for a real-life get-together come November. We hope to be near to full capacity but the event with 'Smart Working' as its theme, will take place within regulations and of course, we will do what is right and appropriate at the time. Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "I want to stress we have been very careful with all our decisions and we will stage a safe and welcoming event."

Speaking of which, there will be further exciting news regarding some of what will be happening at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry on Thursday November 25th 2021, in this Update next Friday. So watch out for that!

Is the usual debate different this year?

In seasons gone by, it has been around now that a perennial debate has raised its head regarding events. Not so much their value in general - that can be discussed until the cows and the tractors come home! No, rather considering whether the inevitable disruption caused by being away from your workplace for a couple of days is outweighed by the benefits afforded by attending? 

Always a difficult one to give an answer to, and one which frankly only an individual can make a call on - and even then the conclusion will vary depending on circumstances at any given time.

But is this debate weighted slightly differently in 2021? With the 18 months that the industry has spent apart, will the upcoming slate of dealer days and shows be approached with a greater relish than in a 'normal' year perhaps?

Here at Service Dealer we heard from a dealer recently who seemed incredibly keen to get back out to mix once again with their suppliers and fellow specialists. They told us, "Demo days are absolutely vital in obtaining the key information required on new or updated machinery being introduced - especially those that meet the specific requirements of customers. Many times in the past customers have come into the showroom asking for tools or machines that have a specific power source, dimension, weight, function or feature that doesn't exist. Having taken their contact details and attended a dealer day, there have been new models launched that tick many of their criteria boxes - ultimately resulting in sales been made. I have even taken photos and filmed new models at dealer days to show customers before the brand catalogues."

This dealer also told us how they feel events such as this are essential in sharing tips and ideas with fellow dealers. They felt topics such as showroom layouts, parts-counter footfall, marketing, advertising and merchandising are all usually up for debate with peers.

They concluded, "Driving home after a dealer day I have always been in a positive mood and have felt good, gaining useful knowledge and a beneficial day." They told us they believed that this year in particular, following all the lockdowns and enforced separations, the opportunity to reconnect could be a real boost to morale.

An upbeat view there, but is it one that you concur with? Also, is the argument that there's too many events competing for dealers' valuable time, of less significance this year, considering that there has been nothing to attend for so long?

I personally believe shows and demo days are on balance, A Good Thing. The positive benefits which attending can afford in terms of expanding knowledge, networking, gaining expertise, sourcing new lines for the business is hard to deny. But of course I haven't got a workshop full of machines, impatient customers and a shortage of parts and wholegoods to contend with!

So what do you think? Will you be attending all the events you will inevitably be invited to this autumn? Let us know in the comments below