Confex were delighted with the success of their 2023 conference. A record 96 delegates headed out to the Canary Island of Lanzarote for 4 jam-packed days of business meetings and networking. Over 630 1-2-1 meetings were held between Members and Suppliers, whilst attendees were also given an insight into the buying group and industry through presentations from FWD’s James Bielby, TWC’s Tom Fender and Cerve’s David Walker and Mark Profitt.
CEO Tom Gittins and COO Jess Douglas laid out the group’s successes of the past year, including surpassing £3bn turnover, having 234 Members and continuing to focus on and grow award-winning CORE with a target to become a £30m Own Brand. They also set out the group’s goals for the future. Alongside data partner TWC and tech partner CERVE, Confex’s 3 key targets for the future are; to grow inter-connectivity; expand data-led insight and use tech to drive efficiencies and position Confex as the most progressive, digitally first buying group in the UK.
The atmosphere was fantastic with delegates enjoying the beautiful island of Lanzarote alongside networking and business sessions to create a collaborative and forward-thinking buying group. Chairman Martin Williams announced next year’s location as Barcelona and Confex looks forward to planning another fantastic trip for its Members and Supplier Partners.
“The 2023 Confex conference was a clear example of how these events need to be. A perfect blend of Collaborative Member 121s, Strong Industry presentations and a melting-pot of ideas and sales opportunities. All delivered in a truly wonderful setting. Well done to team Confex on an outstanding event.” Ben Cooper – National Account Controller Wholesale – Swizzels
“Delighted to have been able to join fellow Confex Suppliers and members at this year’s Conference. The occasion was extremely well organised. We had ample opportunity to meet and discuss. We found the experience very rewarding.” Sean Trow – Managing Director – Central Supplies (Member)
“Attending the Confex annual conference enabled me to spend time with members discussing issues industry wide and supplier specific topics that in turn lead to agreements for joint strategy and growth ambitions. The agenda set by the Confex team strikes the perfect balance between formal sessions with industry guest speakers, member and supplier meetings followed by more relaxed sessions whereby you can seek out time with key customers. By the end of the conference you leave with new customers with new identified prospects, opportunities to develop with your existing customers, key takeouts to support with making decisions for growth, a larger member and supplier network and of course some fantastic memories” – Amanda McIntyre, Senior Manager Independent Wholesale & Buying Groups – Coca Cola European Partners
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