The annual conference is an absolute must-do. Every year we come away with measurable benefits that exceed the cost of attendance. At the last conference, we learned from another member of a good source for a particular product that we buy a lot of. It turned out they had a comparable product but were much cheaper, saving us $500 a month. A year later, that “casual” conversation at the conference has saved us over $5000.

Peter and I have been attendees at most of the conferences since joining the association. Each year we are reminded of the reason we attend the conference. Not only does it allow us to speak in a relaxed environment with our suppliers and see new and existing products, but it allows us to network with our peers, old and new. To discuss shared challenges, successes and failures all in the spirit of understanding and support.

Our business won an award of excellence in the Awards for Excellence in 2013 with a contemporary version of the Mongolian Ger or as it is commonly known ‘Yurt’ that complied with the NZ building code. The entry then went on to be entered in the IAA awards for 2013 and also received an award. Our own perception of our business and our products was enhanced and improved by gaining this recognition and gave us fresh impetus to keep refining our package.

Baytex has been a member of the association since its inception. Being a part of this organisation and attending conferences, Baytex has managed to establish good supplier relationships very quickly with all potential suppliers and their new innovative products, all in one place. Networking among our peers, or at the regional meetings, has offered us interesting collaborative opportunities. The conference awards present to our peers how creative and innovative you can be as a business in the fabric industry.