The first JTL regulars’ table took place on October 28, 2014 in a Düsseldorf brewery and was fully booked. Eight years later, our event series is still popular. Because both retail professionals and eCommerce newcomers know: Exchanging ideas with like-minded people is essential for long-term business success. To mark the anniversary, we spoke to our Training Manager Manuel about why the event is enriching for every type of retailer.
Interview with Manuel, Training Manager at JTL
Hi Manuel, thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us! Let’s start with the idea: How did the JTL regulars’ table come into being?
It feels like the JTL regulars’ table came about by itself. At events, we have seen time and again how lively merchants discuss a wide variety of topics with each other. So we thought: Let’s create regular opportunities for this! I also experience this again and again at the JTL face-to-face training courses. I’ve often had to call participants out of the breaks because they were engrossed in lively conversations.
That sounds wonderful! Who is the JTL regulars’ table suitable for?
For everyone! And by that I really mean anyone and everyone who is interested in eCommerce and modern retail. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been in online business for a long time or you’re just thinking about starting your business. Regardless of whether you are familiar with JTL solutions or not. The JTL regulars’ tables are free of charge and open to everyone.
How does a JTL regulars’ table usually work and what can we expect?
Depending on the region, there are usually around 30-80 participants. There is a lecture part and a free part for informal discussions. The lecture program is always put together by the respective organizers. Topics include things such as current industry trends, checkout optimization or tips and tricks for marketplace sales and search engine optimization – in other words, everything that is useful for retailers and keeps them busy.
At one or two JTL regulars’ tables, however, it has also happened that JTL founder Thomas Lisson has divulged exclusive news from the JTL cosmos. In my opinion, you can expect surprises at every regulars’ table. But the focus is still on networking.
Why is the JTL regulars’ table organized by service partners and not by JTL?
It is important to us not to organize an advertising or marketing event, but to encourage and promote professional exchange. That’s why we got our service partners on board very early on when organizing the JTL regulars’ tables. Although JTL employees are often present to answer questions, the focus of each regulars’ table is always on the merchants themselves.
What topics do the regulars’ table participants usually discuss?
It is often about topics related to the respective region, for example, if you need recommendations for certain services or have questions about warehousing and shipping. One of the most popular topics of conversation is definitely tricks and workarounds for JTL-Wawi. Both newcomers and seasoned experts benefit from such conversations. I always enjoy seeing how the community supports and inspires each other. It’s so important to get to know like-minded people and network as much as possible! But the later a Stammtisch evening gets, the more likely it is that the topics of conversation will move away from business. As with all JTL events, the fun factor is never neglected (laughs).
JTL regulars' meetings take place both digitally and on site
Definitely! It’s simply part of every networking event, especially at JTL. During the lockdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the JTL regulars’ tables were held exclusively online. Now on-site events are possible again. How will this be handled in the future?
I think both online events and on-site events have their advantages. With online events, you don’t have to travel and of course you have much more leeway when it comes to the number of participants. However, an on-site event is better for networking. Nothing beats a face-to-face meeting! That’s why we leave it up to the service partners who organize the regulars’ tables to decide whether they want to hold a regulars’ table online or in person.
I’m sure many blog readers are now curious. How can I make sure I don’t miss a regulars’ table?
You can find an overview of the latest JTL regulars’ table dates on our events page. Those who have subscribed to our event newsletter are also always up to date. The service partners who organize the regulars’ tables also provide regular information about current events.
Where can I get information if I want to organize a regulars’ table as a service partner?
Our service partners simply contact JTL partner management to coordinate the program and framework together. As an incentive, there are awards for regulars’ table hosts. Our partners can then use these for their marketing. You receive the “Host” badge if you have successfully hosted at least one JTL regulars’ table. The “SuperHost” badge is awarded for more than five regulars’ tables.
Thank you very much for the interview, Manuel!
