Our JTL regulars’ tables have always been one of our company’s most popular events. In the last five years, we have organized around 125 of these events together with our partners, so we can celebrate an anniversary this week: We are now holding the JTL regulars’ table in Hanover – our first event at the time – for the 15th time. A real milestone, which I talked about with Philip Valentin, who has been supporting the format in his function as Partner Manager for several years now.
Philip Valentin, Partner Manager at JTL, in an interview about the JTL regulars' tables
Christina: Hello Philipp, nice of you to take the time for this interview to mark the anniversary!
Philip: Sure, no problem. An occasion like this needs to be celebrated.
Christina: Die-hard JTL fans will already be familiar with the JTL regulars’ tables. Could you briefly explain the format for the rest of us?
Philip: A JTL regulars’ table is a meeting of the JTL community in a relaxed atmosphere that can take place anywhere in Germany. It is always hosted by one of our official JTL service partners, who come up with a special program for the evening, which usually includes two or three specialist presentations. Overall, the focus is on sharing experiences and networking among online retailers. But the latest trends in eCommerce are also always a big topic.
Christina: How did you come up with the idea for such a format?
Philip: The impetus for an event of this kind came from the exchange with our partners. Our common wish was to create a platform for an informal exchange with our community. And exchange is meant quite literally here: not only should customers be provided with information from the eCommerce industry during the JTL regulars’ tables, we also want to hear their feedback and wishes. After all, this ultimately benefits our products.
Christina: Why are the JTL regulars’ tables offered by service partners and not by JTL?
Philip: From the very beginning, it was very important to us that the JTL regulars’ tables are not marketing or sales events, but an open forum for our community. We are therefore delighted that our service partners have largely taken over the planning and organize the evenings according to their wishes. For our participants, this means first and foremost an incredible amount of variety, because each regulars’ table becomes a unique event – which is often also regionally characterized.
Christina: That definitely sounds very promising. In your opinion, are there any other reasons why online retailers – or those who want to become one – should visit one of our JTL regulars’ tables?
Philip: Absolutely! The participants of our JTL regulars’ tables meet around 30-50 merchants from a wide range of industries in just one evening. This means that they can exchange ideas and talk to colleagues at eye level who they might otherwise never have met. At many events, we from Partner Management or other JTL colleagues are also on site and are available to answer questions from the community.
Christina: Who can take part in the JTL regulars’ tables?
Philip: The JTL regulars’ tables are open to anyone who is interested in JTL products or online business in general. It doesn’t matter whether you’re already an experienced eCommerce expert or just toying with the idea of getting into online business. The colorful mix of participants is what makes this format so enriching!
Christina: Where can I find the next dates for the JTL get-togethers? And how do you take part?
Philip: Interested parties can find an overview of the next JTL get-togethers on our website at: jtl-software.de/jtl-stammtisch. To take part in one of the events, simply log in using the corresponding button. The Good: Our JTL regulars’ tables have always been free of charge and this will not change in the future!
Christina: Finally, a question that might interest those who want to organize a JTL regulars’ table themselves: How do I become the host of such an evening?
Philip: JTL regulars’ tables can only be organized by our official JTL service partners. So if you are a service partner, you are welcome to contact us, the partner management, for further planning. Together we are sure to organize an unforgettable event.
And as a little goodie, we even give hosts of the JTL regulars’ tables their own awards, which our partners can then use for their marketing.
Would you like to host a JTL regulars’ table yourself? Then get in touch with Philip and our colleagues from Partner Management and plan your event with them!
