How we make the LP Gas Growth Summit a reality

Uncovering a select group of propane retailers to attend the LP Gas Growth Summit is nearly a six-month process.

Propane retailers and partners meet one-on-one at the LP Gas Growth Summit. (Photo: LP Gas staff)

It’s a process we as an LP Gas staff enjoy because it affords us the opportunity to speak one-on-one with retail propane decision-makers about their operations. These conversations well in advance of the Growth Summit provide insight into retailers’ wants and needs, whether it’s a particular product or service on which they have an eye, a new market opportunity that’s piqued their interest or a new path to growth.

Our one-on-one conversations with propane retailers ultimately lead to one-on-one conversations between retailers and our partners over two days of the Growth Summit, held at Reunion Resort, just outside Orlando, Florida. By this point, eligible retailers have committed to attending the Growth Summit and look forward to meeting with partners who can help them better their operations.

On the other side, the partners who have committed to the Summit are motivated to help propane retailer operations by taking the time to visit with them and understand the details of what’s happening on the front lines. Often, the partners can offer a solution to the challenges that retailers face. The first step to sharing that solution is implementing a process that connects key retailer and partner representatives. That’s where the scheduled meetings play a key role. These 20-minute, one-on-one meetings are the basis of the Summit and a key mechanism for attendees to build long-lasting propane partnerships.

Ian Downey of Boyle Energy enjoys the LP Gas Growth Summit barbecue. (Photo: Lou Ferraro/Park South Photography)

A new feature of the Growth Summit that we implemented this year is the location of one-on-one meetings. In the past, retailers and partners held personal conversations at partner tables in Reunion Resort ballrooms. This year, the comfort of these meetings improved greatly, as retailers now visit partner suites at the impressive Reunion Resort tower. Partners and retailers can choose the manner in which they conduct their meetings. At least one partner held meetings outside on the balcony, with palm trees dancing in the distance.

While we put a premium on the one-on-one meetings, the Growth Summit also provides attendees with opportunities to meet one another on a more personal level. That’s why we’ve implemented an opening-night cocktail reception, a golf scramble after meetings on the first full day of the event and a barbecue to punctuate the evening. During this barbecue, it’s pretty common for attendees to immerse themselves in a healthy game or two of cornhole.

LP Gas Growth Summit attendees at Reunion Resort. (Cover photo: Lou Ferraro/Park South Photography)

One of the final features of the Growth Summit each year is a group photo on the grounds of the luxurious Reunion Resort. That photo ultimately graces the cover of an ensuing edition of LP Gas – just one of the many perks enjoyed by attendees.

Would you like to be featured on the cover of a 2020 issue? This is your chance to commit to our next event. This is also a good time to inform retailers about another notable benefit of attending: LP Gas covers your lodging, meals and golf during a two-night stay at Reunion Resort.

If you’re a propane retailer interested in attending our 2020 Growth Summit, contact me at brichesson@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3748. If you’re an industry supplier of products or services and are interested in becoming a partner, please contact LP Gas Publisher Brian Kanaba at bkanaba@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3745.

Bringing retailers and partners together and witnessing firsthand that invaluable connection – one that benefits individual businesses and ultimately the industry as a whole – scores high on our rewards meter.

We can’t wait for 2020.