Our 2024 CDA Marketplace Takeaways
Dedicated to convenience wholesalers, CDMarketplace is a must-attend event for the Cheyenne International team as it brings the industry’s top suppliers and trading partners together for a jam-packed three days of engaging networking opportunities, distributor-focused education sessions, and a high-traffic trade show.
This year’s conference took place in the sunshine state of Florida, where calm breezes and waving palm trees greeted attendees at the JW Marriott Water Street to start the festivities. National Football League star, Joe Theismann, kicked off the event as the opening keynote speaker, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to make the most of their time at Marketplace. Industry members planned for the year ahead as they moved through educational sessions regarding the evolving economic and supply chain climate, followed by interactive exercises to increase sales and improve customer satisfaction, led by sales expert and educator Paul Reilly. Of course, Marketplace wouldn’t be Marketplace if it were all work and no play, however. Attendees ended night 1 at the Gasparilla Welcome Reception party where, in true Florida spirit, guests enjoyed a pirate cannon ball shoot, pirate coconut bowling, and a roaming photobooth and bird handler. As we’ve seen each year through attending the CDMarketplace, if there’s anyone that knows how to throw a networking event… it’s CDA.
The Cheyenne International team hit the ground running the following morning on the trade show floor to shake hands with customers new and old, and discuss plans for success in the upcoming year. The day was filled with optimism, energy, new ideas, and creative input as many prosperous opportunities lie ahead for the convenience industry as the market begins to show favorable growth following the aftermath of growing inflation. With wholesalers and distributors being our gateway to the market, the insights we receive from CDMarketplace are what make our time on the trade show floor not only highly valuable but imperative. This charge allows us to have a better understanding of our customer’s unique needs and challenges which, in turn, allows us to address these challenges more effectively and be a better ally for our partners.
The event concluded on Wednesday, and as sad as we were to leave, we’re excited for what’s in store for the year to come for convenience wholesalers, retailers, and suppliers. While tobacco has seen its fair share of challenges in recent years, the convenience distribution industry is strong and adaptable. We are honored and privileged to be able to do business with the folks within convenience and look forward to many years to come.
