JTL Connect is now almost a week behind us and we are still thrilled. For the third year in a row, the event exceeded all our expectations – whether it was the number of visitors, the atmosphere or the many valuable discussions with trade fair guests. Perhaps some of you have already followed the day via our social media channels. However, we would like to provide you with a summarized recap of our event below.
PreConnect
PreConnect had been sold out for some time. In cooperation with the Händlerbund, we offered interested parties a place to meet, exchange ideas and talk business on the eve of JTL Connect. Some lucky people were even able to get a few tickets via media partners and Facebook groups in the last few days before the event. The crowds were huge, with almost 250 participants joining us in the Volksgarten in Düsseldorf in perfect weather. Good information and a good atmosphere got us in the mood for the actual event.
The day at a glance
As in previous years, our recap video of the event provides an overall impression of JTL Connect:
With the Mitsubishi Electric HALLE, we had planned for a large audience this year. However, we had only hoped for more than 1,500 visitors on the day itself. The hall and foyer were already bustling with activity at around 9 am. JTL founder Thomas Lisson kicked things off with this year’s keynote speech. We will of course be announcing the developments, changes and innovations he addressed there via our channels over the coming weeks and months.
This was followed by a veritable firework display of contributions. We also recorded these in the plenary session so that we can publish some of them on our YouTube channel. Others are also being planned as future blog posts.
Although all the presentations were very well attended, there was never a dull moment at the exhibitors’ stands. At any time of the day, groups of curious retailers were bustling around each of the partner and exhibitor areas to find out about solutions, services or elements from their presentations.
To let the flood of information sink in, many of the visitors took advantage of our coffee bar and deepened new and old contacts there.
Speed dating
Our speed dating candidates were also visibly satisfied. Many of the discussions were constructive, highlighted interesting problems in the use of our solutions or provided exciting suggestions that we would like to address in the future. In the recap video you will also find a short summary from a speed dating visitor.
JTL-WMS live
Just like last year, the crowds were huge. Although we had already increased the space and staff to help visitors pick and pack, there were still longer waiting times. However, once the interested parties had gone through the process, many were impressed by the possibilities. Our colleagues at the stand were on hand to provide advice and assistance as well as referrals to other contacts.
Special thanks go to all our partners who contributed items for our demo stock as well as the necessary hardware and helped out at the stand themselves.
Survey
We were able to shorten the waiting time in the queue for some prospective JTL-WMS customers with our survey. And customers who were willing to give us some feedback also stopped by the survey stand itself. Here are some of the results that we have already been able to evaluate:
Aftershow
After the large number of presentations and business talks, we moved on to the evening program after 6 pm. The barbecue buffet and drinks catered for the physical well-being of the after-show guests. While the DJ and live band provided relaxed and exuberant entertainment, many attendees took advantage of the great weather to reflect on the day outside and share their experiences with each other.
Feedback
We were particularly pleased with the positive feedback we received, some on the same day and some afterwards in discussions with exhibitors or via social media. Here is some feedback:
The JTL Connect on Facebook
Speaking of social media – in addition to our recap video, you can of course also find a few more videos on Facebook. Our video team filmed the demo warehouse and the live use of JTL-WMS as well as two interviews with Richard Lange from DHL and Patrick Janz, our JTL-Fullfillment Network Product Owner. We have also made more photos of the event available in an album. So it’s worth taking a look!
Conclusion
After the very successful JTL Connect 2016, the challenge was to top it again in 2017. But we are completely satisfied. The feedback from exhibitors and visitors was also that JTL-Connect is gradually developing from an in-house exhibition into a fully-fledged eCommerce event – a fact that we are very pleased about. Of course, we also have the constructive criticism of the day in mind and will incorporate it into our future planning. Last but not least, we would like to thank the main sponsor DHL, the many other sponsors and exhibitors, our media and event partners, but above all all the trade fair visitors who made their way to Düsseldorf! We are already looking forward to the next events with you!
