"Over the past eight years I've attended many trade show events, presenting Crayola® and Silly Putty® products to customers across various channels. I'm happy to report that ECRM-run events consistently exceed my high expectations. Partnership with ECRM has been extremely advantageous to Crayola® business opportunities. Here is just a sampling of the vital support they provide. * Presenting new products to current and new customers * Securing customer commitments and/or follow-up meetings * Collecting customer feedback on products and services * Helping with sell through of closeout items * Management and scheduling appointments with valued potential clients * Ensuring easy set-up of presentation rooms or booths * Providing expert support and maintenance of website information Perhaps what makes ECRM an outstanding leader in their field is a corporate culture that is guided by strong business values, including integrity, objectivity, partnership, innovation and high performance. Naturally, not all customers purchase new Crayola® products, but ECRM expertise gives Crayola® the best opportunity to achieve our greatest sales potential." Fred Heavilon

"ECRM has provided our senior-level sales, marketing and category management executives with a forum to meet with a great group of retailers from all channels of trade in a category-focused format." Mark Thorngren

"ECRM really gave our company a strong foundation in its early stages to make sure we saw the right customers at the right time throughout the year. We will continue to expand because our attendance provides us with consistent exposure from the senior management level to make sure that we are executing. I highly recommend attending an ECRM show for anyone considering it." Rob Burton

"You guys did it again. I thought with the economic conditions a lot of folks would stay home.Very good mix of chains, distributors and “Consultants”. Fab location and as usual great job by the ECRM team. Only problem is, your causing us a lot more work. All the follow up will result in new business and I will not be able to complain about how bad the economy is. Thanks again." Hugh Scollins

"By attending ECRM International EPPS, Vogue International was provided a conduit to expand our distribution throughout Europe and Asia, something that would have been difficult to replicate had we not participated. ECRM provides a great platform for manufacturers and retailers from around the globe to meet and build potential long term business partnerships, and as a result of our meeting(s) in Athens, I have already put the show into our budget for 2010." Stuart Hamilton

"ECRM is the best game in town. Sure beats the hell out of any booth or trade show set up. The aspect of being able to meet with these many buyers at the mid-tier level and to do it in a day and a half – you can't get that anywhere else." Don Ryan

"I wanted to sincerely thank your staff for TREMENDOUS support. Dana and Sarah could not have been any more helpful and Brock's assistance was invaluable in scheduling. Everyone there was great as usual, so positive and willing to help. The ST JOHN large room was PERFECT and we were awarded BEST ROOM unanimously by retailers. Last year we came to ECRM with ZERO distribution. This year we came with 34,000 stores in large part due to the opportunity ECRM afforded us.This year was a TOTAL SUCCESS." John O'Maley

"By attending EPPS, we actually were able to bring to market an innovative product that there was no way some of the large retailers would have taken our calls. When they saw the product at EPPS, it just popped and the next thing you know, there was national distribution. If you did not have this event, it would still be sitting on the drawing board and would never have got off the ground!" Wes Hopper

"These events are an excellent opportunity to see several quality contacts, with little effort, in one convenient location. We can meet with the buyers in a relaxed and friendly environment. Additionally, ECRM provides so much valuable information to make things easier for us to prepare and follow-up." Tom Cheek

“Prior to attending ECRM, the company was at $14 million in sales. The company is now at over $250 million. We went public and raised over $120 million dollars; stock went up from the teens to over $40 per share. I attribute it all to ECRM attendance.” Bill Fogarty

"We have been attending ECRM shows for three years now and each year, we meet with significant buyers that make decisions while we are at the show. We have added several new customers that have led to our products being available in hundreds of stores. The time here is used very efficiently, we have three full days and every minute is used and is valuable." Jan Miller

“It’s the best business show in the country, bar none. No one does it better in terms of organization, format and efficiency. If I had the budget for one show a year, it would be with ECRM.” Matthew Reilly

“The structure and planning for these events is incredible. It was my first ECRM show, and I can’t wait to follow-up with these productive meetings. I’m looking forward to my next ECRM event.” Dan Lee

“What I love about the Ad Comparison system is that it is so user friendly. I do a lot of promotional analysis, not only for my internal brands but for competitive as well. The Ad Comparison system allows me to quickly pinpoint when an event took place and having the visual and pricing to go along with it makes it 100x more effective!” Mary Saczynski

"Marketgate is great! It meets the needs of so many of our different departments. As a category manager I am able to track not only what my customer is executing for us and the competition, but also what his competion is running in market too! Our ROI (return on investment team) can get a great snap shot of execution for planned events and also competitive factors that effect the outcome of the event. Our upper management team loves the share of voice report provided in the platinum package as this give them a great view of how we are performing overall and identifies opportunities to increase promotion. Within the past year, this tool has really taken off at Mars." Jennifer Schrampf

“In the promotional health and beauty care category, ECRM is “the” meeting place for manufacturers and retailers. At other trade events, it’s more of an exhibition and you hope that buyers will stop by your booth. At ECRM, you are guaranteed planning sessions with qualified buyers. I have been attending ECRM shows for over 10 years and I have not found a selling format that provide this type of one-on-one interaction, enabling us to form new partnerships without traveling all over the country. I have successfully launched several new brands using these events. In addition, ECRM offers excellent socializing opportunities that enable attendees to really get to know each other on a more personal level. At ECRM, you feel like you are selling to your friends.” Bunky Mar

“ECRM’s Cough, Cold and Allergy EPPS event is an excellent opportunity for Burt’s Bees. The timing is perfectly aligned with category reviews and we can meet face-to-face with decision makers in just a few days here. Unlike many other trade events, there is a clear purpose and agenda to these meetings, everyone is here for a specific reason. ECRM provides a great forum for us to meet with our customers and make an impact in the category.” Sal DeBenedetto

“ECRM provides Ricola with a great opportunity for interactive discussion. The twenty minute meeting format gives us undistracted, face-to-face time with retailers, unlike other formats. In addition, ECRM is the only format that uses technology to facilitate the entire meeting process. Unique methods and technology set ECRM events apart from other trade shows.” Robert Thomas

“We don’t have to look very far to find the value of ECRM. In fact, we can directly trace over $1 million in sales from the ECRM events that we’ve attended.” Jennifer Finley

“The fact that so many key retailers come to you and your product displays during the events – it really takes the hassle away. And, the scheduling format results in business targets maintaining their appointments, allowing you to truly capture the opportunity and value in the event.” Art Kahn

“ECRM is a lot more productive than trade shows because of their scheduling process and the companies that attend. This way, you don’t arrive at the show wondering if you’ll meet with qualified customers, you know you will.” Varti Deuchoghlian

“ECRM did a great job hosting this event. The friendly staff is always there to support you and put you in the best position to succeed.” Steve DeJohn

“We chose to participate in this year’s ECRM Winter Confectionery event, in an effort to present our products and programs to retailers that we have never met with.  As a smaller company, it is difficult at times to get in front of major retailers due to time availability, etc.  The ECRM event allowed us to present our programs in a focused atmosphere.  We gained a lot of new contacts and now have a tremendous opportunity to grow our business.” Dave Sanborn

“ECRM’s technology makes going to their shows a breeze! From the event we can email notes to our sales assistant in the office and they receive a recap of the meeting instantaneously.” Alexander L. Ferrino

“ECRM’s technology makes going to their shows a breeze! From the event we can email notes to our sales assistant in the office and they receive a recap of the meeting instantaneously.” Alexander Ferrino

"At Upsher-Smith, we start off every year with a new plan with each one of our customers at ECRM’s Branded Pharmaceuticals event. The format of the event ensures quick, continuous meetings that continue to grow our business. We are assigned to meet with all our customers at scheduled times, which holds them accountable to finding us at the show. All these meetings at once would be overwhelming, but ECRM prepares us with continuously updated customer information and easy follow-up through the MarketGate software." Brad Leonard

“We love the notes that we take at the event with the MarketGate software. Our administrative assistant prints booklets with all the notes, and we use them all year long. Zydus always gets value from ECRM. We see so many customers at once, and we’re able to talk about our pipeline for the entire year.” Karen Strelau

“The ECRM Cosmetics, Fragrance and Bath show was an extremely successful show for us. It was the best way to start off 2010 and the most effective format for us to present our holiday line. We were thrilled that we had the ability to see so many top notch retailers in just a few days.” Eli Tobias

"Turin Chocolates has chosen to be part of ECRM shows for many years. As a company, we realize the value of attending ECRM events compared to other shows. When you exhibit at the confectionary shows, you are constantly watching the aisles to see if an important buyer is passing by. There is a very good chance you will miss many important opportunities. With ECRM events you are guaranteed 20 meetings with all of these buyers, which saves you the stress of seeking out buyers. At ECRM, you have your own meeting room which you can merchandise with everyday and seasonal products. In addition, you are equipped with a computer that helps organize your meeting notes, as well as, helps with follow up after the show.We feel it is very cost effective because we are having meetings with many buyers in one location instead of spending time and money flying all over the country to present your line at headquarter calls." Ann Marie Cavanaugh

"I am a consistent user of your ad comparisons website. I have used this online tool for a number of comprehensive promotional studies for a major retailers particularity in the Drug Channel. The private label reports are extremely helpful when trying to analyze strategy and how retailers promotional schedules stack up compared to their competition." Angela Reda

“We use Market Gate to help us monitor competitive ads by market, especially if we are seeing some major competitive pricing and/or promotional issues. Not only do we use this to monitor competitive ads, but also to review timing and execution of our own promotions at specific retailers. This program is easy to use, thorough and very inclusive of the data we are seeking. It is well worth the investment!” Sheila Guntren

"This was our first ECRM show and the event opened up entirely new opportunities that we might never have seen if we had not attended. The ECRM show offers a nice blend of opportunities that include the convenience store market, traditional brick-and mortar, online e-commerce, close-out retailers, and the catalog business. This format is excellent because the scheduling is highly efficient—we know who we will see and when we will see them—affording us the opportunity to be prepared for each meeting. It also eliminates wasted down time and time away from the office." Ken Johnson & Steve Wahl

“ECRM makes it possible for us to see all of our customers in one location, giving us face-to-face meetings with many companies in the industry we want to see. The organized, structured arrangement of our meeting schedule provides us with an efficient way to improve our business.” Stefan Merlo

“ECRM has been a valuable tool for our company in helping our business grow. ECRM EPPS events and technology have assisted us in simplifying the whole process from start to finish.” Jeff Nitzkin

“The ECRM event provides the most value of any meeting we attend during the year.” Jim Mellaci

“We have been attending ECRM events since the very beginning. Through the past 16 years, the shows have connected us with every major retailer in the country. ECRM has helped us to develop lasting relationships with buyers and other manufacturers in the industry. The platform allows us to aggressively launch new products in a two to three day period, while doing this on our own would take close to 3 months. Not only are the events a success, but the ECRM staff provides support to make sure you are accomplishing your goals.” Jim Mellaci

“We have been attending ECRM events since the very beginning. Through the past 16 years, the shows have connected us with every major retailer in the country. ECRM has helped us to develop lasting relationships with buyers and other manufacturers in the industry. The platform allows us to aggressively launch new products in a two to three day period, while doing this on our own would take close to 3 months. Not only are the events a success, but the ECRM staff provides support to make sure you are accomplishing your goals.” Jim Mellaci

“We really get a lot accomplished at ECRM events. Contrary to your typical trade show, ECRM events are more of a two day working session at one location where you can see a whole universe of retailers that present huge sales opportunities. I also receive a specific Ad Comparisons search to my e-mail every Monday that allows me to easily see what my competitors and own brand is doing just by a few clicks of a button while sitting at my desk. Ad Comparisons provides complete information and access to national advertisements outside of my own geography, and it’s free with the cost of ECRM participation!” Jill Short

“An EPPS event is a great investment. The fee we paid for registration here does not even compare to the $100,000 it would have cost us if we had visited each of the buyers at their offices, factoring in meals, lodging, entertainment, not to mention time out of the office. There’s nothing better than this type of show. We love the low-key atmosphere; meeting with major players: company owners and direct decision makers. In addition, pre-event software allows you to prepare and plan to go after certain accounts. It's a great format to develop products and build relationships with major players across the industry.” Marty Sokoloff & Denny Arsene

“I just want to let you know that your show (Skin/Hair EPPS), which I almost wasn’t going to spring for, has paid for itself many times over. Looks like we are now in a major retailer and about to become the vendor of another. Our success is also thanks to a sales rep I met from your event. Good job!!!" Steve Rosen

"My company has attended 3 ECRM events, and 80 percent of our distribution is a direct result of participating in these meetings. Unlike a typical tradeshow, ECRM provides manufacturers the opportunity to meet with a large number of focused decision makers who are looking to grow their categories. EPPS events are a very efficient way to grow your business, listen to new ideas and network with other manufacturers. The staff really cares about their clients. With ECRM, you don’t feel like the company is just looking to fill the exhibition floor and make money. It is a true partnership.” Jon Horovitz

"The ECRM meetings are must-attend events for our prescription and OTC products, and they have a great reputation for well-run meetings in the retailer/manufacturer space." Mike McBride

"This is one of the best (if not the best!) tradeshows. Buyers get to see a lot of product, no waiting, pre-set schedules- I loved it!" Michael Freede

"As we launched Yes To Carrots ECRM was a critical component of our development and a lot of fun! Today, we view ECRM as the perfect setting to meet our retail partners and catch up with our industry peers!" Ido Leffler

"ECRM is the fastest way for me to have meaningful meetings with all the decision makers. I find that other forums don’t give me quite enough time to make the presentation and determine if the follow up will aid in additional sales. The cost is minimal if the sales follow. ECRM helps me put my name and face with the product and the meeting allows me to determine if the skus are a fit for a certain retailer. Additionally, I am immediately able to use the MarketGate software and make contacts at ECRM. I recently have been with two different companies within a short time frame and I wanted to make sure that there was CLARITY of who I was with and what I was selling now vs. the previous products. The software makes it simple for me to send emails and new item forms etc." D'Lynn Everett

“You can really get a lot accomplished in such a short period of time. Although we can get in front of these big guys we are meeting with outside of ECRM, it is MUCH more focused and decisions are actually made during these meetings at the shows. It really gives you a chance to learn and get in front of the niche guys. With the big guys, it gives you amo to follow- up as ECRM is very well-recognized by the major players in the industry.” Rachel Stewart

"ECRM events are the most effective way to sustain profitable business relationships with a large number of retailers at one place and time. The platform of the shows facilitate the best way to get in front of decision makers, ultimately eliminating follow-up office visits and saving thousands of dollars collectively to meet with each individual buyer. ” Tom Scarfato

“ECRM events are the most effective way to sustain profitable business relationships with a large number of retailers at one place and time. The platform of the shows facilitate the best way to get in front of decision makers, ultimately eliminating follow-up office visits and saving thousands of dollars collectively to meet with each individual buyer. ” Nickolas Joannides

“As a small business entrepreneur marketing a unique silicone sheeting scar treatment product called, ScarAway, I needed to expose the product, its benefits and retail potential in the most cost-effective manner. I know that I am not alone as today everyone is watching their expenses, especially the small business owner. We have to be smart about where to spend and where to make cuts. Although the expediture for ECRM was substantial, the savings were far greater in the long run. I had already been going through the process of introducing my product line to buyers 1 by 1 and the process can be quite lengthy. I could have spent months and months meeting buyers 1 at a time...thanks to ECRM I was able to meet with 50-60 buyers all in one place in a condensed period of time. This was a huge benefit that ultimately saved me precious time as well. I made connections at ECRM with Buyers, brokers, distributors and trade magazines that I would never have been able to make.” Jessica Rowen

“Health care was my first ECRM event and it was nothing like I’ve ever experienced. It’s a very classy event and 90% of the buyers we met with were extremely interested in my brand. The ECRM staff was very accommodating, flexible, and great to work with! Even the meals and evening activities were top-notch. I would highly recommend this event to any and all start-up consumer brands!!” Daniel Baumwald

"ECRM is a top notch organization, and I am already looking forward to next year’s show...Although I have been a brand manager for many years, I have always worked for large companies, and have never attended an ECRM show. I found the show to be very well organized and productive. Having everything in one hotel--meals, lodging and meetings, made it easy, and reduced the time spent getting around." Lee Hill

"Great show!! You have very good people and a terrific process for all to leverage." Bob Richardson

“The ECRM show we attended has made significant strides in launching our company. We are big supporters of our format… Everything set up in your room and you don't find yourself as hurried. Also, the guaranteed appointments are always nice.” Sebastien Bourassa

“I think the mix of clients at the show was great. It gave us the opportunity to meet big, medium, and small accounts.” Stuart Taub

"ECRM meetings are the most effective meetings we go to. I am meeting several contacts that in another setting, I may have not had the time to meet with. Here, I can take the time to meet with them and see what they are about." Greg Thompson

"Having exhibited in many shows all over the world for more than 30 years I can honestly say nothing compares to the ECRM experience. Not only an opportunity to have 1 on 1 meetings with buyers in an orderly and well organized manner, but also the chance to meet them on a social level. The whole ambiance set by ECRM is a truly winning formula. As a result we have formed relationships with buyers that normally could take years to achieve and then may not even happen." Phil Parker

"I believe ECRM's EPPS events are the most productive trade events in the retail industry." Hal Burke

"The environment that ECRM has created is conducive to a lot of positive collaboration. We have developed our customer base substantially through attending ECRM's shows and when we leave, we have a rock solid group of 15-20 manageable leads." Frank Kruse

"This was one of the most well organized, well planned, well timed, and successful events I have ever attended. The 20 minute meetings were the perfect amount of time for the customers to express their needs and allow us to describe how we could fill those needs. It also worked for customers we are currently doing business with as a category review time with no interruptions." Richard Kohler

“Overall, a very good show! It was great not having to rush through all our brands in 20 minutes. Being able to focus and really get to the core of what the buyer was looking for was super!" Gail Hekkema

"EPPS is a wonderful venue for us to introduce our new and exciting products to a wide range of customers that we would not get to see otherwise. We are proud supporters of the ECRM concept of shows and will continue to exhibit to enhance the Caboodles products and brand." Ernie Lippman

"We have never come to a show and not had a success. We are just a middle sized account and always add new sales from these shows. We have never come to a show without adding a major account, everyone gets to see new products and offer their instant feedback at once. We know right away if we have a winner. In the last three or four years, ECRM has doubled our business. The only manufacturer who is not successful at ECRM did not do their job properly!" Richard Alimenti

"I just wanted to say thank you for allowing us to present our product at ECRM's Fall Holiday Baking Show. You and your staff were most helpful in allowing a new product like ours to receive recognition for the holiday baking season.... I was pleased that Nature Research could bring a new product to ECRM and that I received many comments from the buyers glad to see new product at this type of show. I would recommend this event to any new company or a company launching a new product." Stephen Felderstein

"EPPS offers great exposure because everybody from the small guy to the big guy gets an equal opportunity to meet all the major retailers." Edward Koss

"We have done a lot of traditional trade shows but really enjoy the EPPS format because they have more impact. The 20-minute meetings are more intimate. The ECRM staff is also phenomenal from the standpoint of interaction, follow up and communication." Richard De Santis

"Thank you for the preferential conditions you gave to Phabel for attending to the Brighton’s meeting. It was quite an experience! I must say that we were impressed by the professionalism of the ECRM team, as well as of the whole session." Michel Favier

"I thought the best format that I have had for meeting the decision makers." Tony Steinmann

Good event; we accomplished all the goals we had set for customer meetings. Tom Ewing

“This was our first ECRM show, and I feel it was a great success for our company. The ECRM staff, did a great job at helping us network during the social functions. We will definitely be back next year. Actually we are trying to figure out what other ECRM shows would be beneficial to getting our message across. Thanks for doing such a great job.” Michele Sherbert

“Superb exposure to multiple accounts in a short period of time. Well planned. Attentive staff.” Donna Italiano

“I have attended hundreds of meetings and tradeshows in my 30+ year career in sales and marketing. The 10-minute private meeting format utilized at ECRM’s EPPS Natural and Organic meeting was by far the most efficient and productive use of time I have ever experienced. The meetings were with qualified contacts and the potential for real business as a result was quite astounding. Pet Botanica definitely will plan on attending future ECRM events.” Diana Makeig

“Well run, productive event for Dicksons. Plenty of networking opportunity. High level of professionalism by your team.” Steve Mohler

“The EPPS show was a very good event for Confab, we got to meet a lot of people in a very short amount of time. In addition, something of the sort would have usually taken 2-3 months under regular circumstances. Our account manager was a tremendous help in the entire process. We would have liked to have more meetings! Overall it was a great show!” Jocelyn LaRose

“We felt that the ECRM team and meetings were very well organized, and very functional. The web site prior, during, and after the event has been most efficient. We found the staff to go above and beyond to make things right at the event. Business meetings functional and efficient. Accommodations and social events 1st class. We found the staff each person we encountered to be very accommodating and pleasant-- it was about making our meeting successful. We would love to return if applicable. We found value in the meetings and structure of ECRM meeting style. Great job to all of the staff- each and everyone!” Melissa L. Triano

“This was the best show I have been to in years. Attentive staff, always smiling and extremely helpful and knowledgeable. To be face to face with a serious potential buyer for 10 or 20 minutes is the best scenario I could hope for. Access to this fantastic website which allows me to follow up for up to one year with these customers is a great tool, eliminating hours of work. I even have to congratulate you on your choice and quality of food and wine. Chris, our contact, was professional and always available for us neophytes. You run it right and I congratulate you and all your staff. It was first class all the way.” Gilles Gosselin

"Montagne Jeunesse finds the ECRM events a very effective part of marketing mix. Allowing us to showcase our new products concepts directly to the major decision makers of some of the largest retailers in the world." Brian Stevendale

"Absolutely the most professional, well organized event I’ve ever attended. All staff is well trained and well informed with a great disposition and willingness to help. Great Job!" Steve Vega

"EPPS is a great chance to get our full story in front of retailers at an executive level. It would take five months and a lot of money to go see as many buyers as we’ve met with in three days." Scott Sumser

ECRM has always been an efficient and productive show for Allegro. The international events tend to be an ideal blend of productivity and fun. The show format eradicates the conventional noise associated with regular exhibitions; the structure is such that both retailers and vendors can optimize their time. PJ Brice

"Very efficient structure for meetings to product and action points. Meetings are very focused and provide opportunities for relationship building with either existing or future clients." Matt Allen

"I’ve been attending ECRM shows for over 10 years and have found them useful from the beginning. I attended the first international show in Barcelona three years ago and have been to every one ever since. The fact that the meetings are scheduled for you makes the show more user friendly up front, and the technology the show employs provides an easy basis for follow up." Joel Carden

"All the technology is user friendly and incredibly easy to understand. Everyone says it’s the best program going for buyers and sellers to keep information. The way EPPS is organized is great." Dave Burkman

"As a company attending only our second ECRM show, I have been really impressed with the detailed organization that ensures everything runs smoothly. Original Additions strategy is to gain international exposure/customers for our brands and both of these objectives have been met through the ECRM shows we have attended." Mark Taylor

"Excellent organization. Outstanding quality of the attendees. Excellent quality/price ratio. We sincerely believe that this event will bring several business opportunities in the future." Pierre De Agostini

"If you are looking to build relationships with international retailers and distributors, your money is well invested in an international ECRM show. There is no other show that offers a better return on your investment than an ECRM EPPS events." Craig Arnold

"This was the first opportunity our company took to reach out globally with our line of products. We used this show as a tool to better understand what the different regions of the world required as far as packaging, shipping, etc. We also used the show to expand our knowledge of important retail and distribution outlets worldwide. As usual, the show provided an excellent venue for accomplishing these goals." Traci Palmero

"The show provided a tremendous opportunity to easily reach international accounts. I was pleased with the turnout and the overall experience." Ron Elderton

"The contacts were very well qualified. The addition of the tablets that allowed us to document our meetings was also a great asset to the follow up process. The accommodations were very nice." Mary Jo Smith