Reflections on ICMG 2011

As 2011 swept into action, it did not appear as though the Inter-Company Marketing Group conference (ICMG) was going to make the cut for the busy line-up that was materializing. Then, a conversation with one of our networking partners convinced me to sign up to support some initiatives we had underway. Shortly thereafter I received a call from another networking partner who had several prospective customers lined up at the conference and asked whether I could join in on those meetings as well. I must add, it was not difficult to leave three feet of snow behind and head to Miami either.

The meeting was a great success by all standards from attendance to networking opportunities. Par for the course for ICMG. The true test now is what will come of the meetings and introductions that started in sunny Florida. Now, two weeks later I can start to discern the value of this year's meeting.

First, I was able to field-test the co-marketing story that Disability Insurance Specialists shares with our respective networking partners and was further convinced of the efficacy for each value proposition. Second, our mutual relationships with existing customers and prospective clients were solidified. Third, and most importantly, the meetings at ICMG have led to action steps and several real, new opportunities have been added to the pipeline.

All in all, my assessment is an A+ for ICMG 2011. I suppose it is assured that I will be getting the early registration discount for 2012!

Inter-Company Marketing Group - Annual Meeting 2011

The Inter-Company Marketing Group (ICMG) annual meeting is taking place next week from February 1 - February 4, 2011 in Miami, FL. Last year, in the midst of a stagnant economy the ICMG meeting set a record for attendance. This year they are already set to break that record. So what is it about ICMG that has such drawing power?

ICMG is different. Like most conferences, there are opportunities to attend educational seminars and informational presentations regarding current market trends, but that is not what makes ICMG special. The main goal of ICMG is to foster an environment where attendees can form mutually beneficial business alliances. Companies with products are there to find people to sell them and sales organizations are there to find products they can sell to their markets. Service organizations find companies that have gaps in their ability to support products needed in their portfolios and desire speed to market, rather than years of building or restructuring.

If the phrase "win-win scenario" wasn't coined at an ICMG meeting, then ICMG has at the very least brought it to a whole new level.

These kind of business deals and alliances take place at other conferences as well, no doubt. But usually they consist of backroom meetings and the salespeople circling around the pool of prospects just hoping to separate one from the herd. Not so at ICMG. Just like going to the market, everyone is here to buy, sell, service or in some way enhance their offerings to their clients and improve their bottom line. The organizers of ICMG have done a great job in fostering this environment and the record turnout is once again all the proof that is needed.

Hope to see you in Miami! If you are not able to attend, you can follow my updates on Twitter @DIspecialist.