We all know that the business supplies sector is a challenging arena.
However, the best operators are doing well and there are still plenty of opportunities if you know where to look and have the confidence to act. The OPI EuropeanForum provides senior level executives with the opportunity to meet with the leading players and learn more about the future of the sector in a unique, high-level setting.
Established in 2009, the first OPIEuropean Forum took place in London, UK. Following its success, the event now takes place every 18 months, offering a real highlight in the calendar. The forums are invitation-only events and provide a unique opportunity for C-level executives to mix and discuss the challenges of the day.
As OPI CEO Steve Hilleard says: “Industry leaders face many similar obstacles to growth, but they have very few opportunities to discuss their challenges in a non-competitive environment. By providing a neutral forum with high-level debate and exclusive networking, OPI believes that these leaders can learn from each other and drive the sector forward. “The addition of Chatham House rules makes it all off the record and provides a private arena for genuine debate. This means no press reports – even from OPI!”
Going Dutch
The 2014 OPI European Forum takes place from 22-24 September at the Huis ter Duin hotel near Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its central European location – just 25 minutes from Schiphol airport – means it is easy to get to from across the continent, enabling a fantastic crowd of senior leaders to attend. The sessions will be moderated by Roy Sheppard, a journalist, author and specialist conference moderator. OPI Director Janet Bell notes: “Having a professional moderator ensures the best outcome from an event at this senior level. We want the best information to be generated for all attendees and Roy will help us achieve this goal.”
She continues: “We also have an outstanding range of speakers who will bring important information to the table. That said, we always ensure the programme is not overloaded, so there is time to discuss topics in great detail. And there is plenty of time for networking too, of course. In our industry, personal relations are what really matter and the European Forum event will give delegates the chance to meet new people as well as reconnect with old friends. It certainly is an event not to be missed.”
Lively debates
Speakers include Kimberly Lear, a leading expert on multigeneration workforces and the challenges they bring. Brother’s Phil Jones brings his unique insights into our digital future – tailored especially for the OP sector. President International at Office Depot, Steve Schmidt, will be our Big Interviewee while VirtualStock’s Ed Bradley will be looking at the new challenge of big data.
Other topics include discussions on multichannel strategies, innovation, category growth, mobile marketing, social networking developments and rebranding, to name but a few.
The full programme can be viewed or downloaded at www.opi.net/ef2014.
If you would like an invitation to attend, please email OPI’s CEO Steve Hilleard on steve.hilleard@opi.net
