TRADE ONLY EVENT

2011 Pondemonium Course Descriptions

Double Your Sales - How We Did It In Chicago
Session Description: In 2010 we went on 142 design consultations and sold 110 of them. That's over 77% closing ratio! No matter how good of an artist you are, if you can't sell your work, you'll starve! Brian Helfrich has selling water feature art down cold. Brian's method for designing and selling water features has changed in this "new economy" and this session is your chance to learn Aquascape's new sales formula.
Speakers: Brian Helfrich & Jeff Payton

Building the Future...TOGETHER!
Session Description: The water feature business has matured and the economy has cooled. What's next?! Through innovation from everything from products and pricing to selling and marketing together we can build the next golden era for water features. In this keynote you will learn how to plug your business into the philosophies and ideologies with water features that appeal to today's new consumer.
Speaker: Greg Wittstock

Water: Make it your future to have a future!
Session Description: Water was hot in the garden than cooled off. Why? To build the future you have to learn from the past. Discover what didn't work about water then and what's being done now that not only will make it vogue again but also become a spark to the rest of your business.
Speaker: John Stanley

Growing the Water Gardening Hobby to Harvest Future Revenues
Session Description: Loyalty is the key to business sustainability. But how do you develop customer loyalty with water features? Improving the customer experience and adding value in every experience a consumer has with you and your product will assure long-term category success. Understanding the Aquascape best value proposition ad what we've done to achieve that will be your personal road map for success with water features.
Speaker: Scott Rhodes

The Latest and Greatest Product Innovation(s)
Session Description: It's said it's the little things that make big differences, but sometimes it's the big things that change everything! Find out how one new product will make it easier than ever to eliminate one of the biggest hurdles water feature owners have. Come see next year's decorative water feature line that continues Aquascape's focus on value-oriented water gardening. Get a first-hand look at several new products that will improve the way you move water in 2012.
Speaker: Dave Kelly

Project Spotlight: The coolest project and what was successful as well as challenging about them
Session Description: Aquascape has always taken on large and unique projects as part of our stated goal to learn by pushing the boundaries. Large and unique projects are a seductive force to contractors wanting to test their skills. See the latest that Aquascape is doing and what we are learning from that can help you decide what you should and shouldn't attempt out there in the field!
Speaker: Ed Beaulieu

Aquascape's New Formula for Success - And How You Can Implement It
Session Description: What Aquascape does: why it works with today's consumers, with selling decorative water features and how you can implement it to sell water features. From merchandising to displays to hosting events and even packaging, when it affects a sale, you better have a plan.
Speaker: Jeff Payton /John Stanley

The Best Business Practices to Start Today
The world is filled with business books and information on what you "should" do. But there's only 24 hours in a day to do all you gotta do. What you gotta make sure you do is what's most important. Hearing from your peers on what they believe is most important should help you answer that question for yourself.
Speaker: Pond Guy Peer Group

Get Your Feet Wet
Consumers have changed the way that they buy water features which is now changing the way that we must go about selling them as well. This seminar will focus on three simple, entry-level water features to help you get your foot in the door with your potential customers. By following our easy processes to promote, sell and install these features, you will be given a blueprint for success in the water feature business. Come see how truly profitable the water feature business can be for you!
Speaker: Jill Robertson / Doug Duval

How to Create an Ecosystem that Rocks!
The Aquascape Ecosystem is predicated on "working with Mother Nature, not against Her!" Understanding water biology and chemistry and what factors impact an aquatic ecosystem will give you the base-line knowledge to set-up your ecosystem properly.
Speaker: Ed Beaulieu / Scott Rhodes

Engaging Customers through Social Media
Social media is a powerful communication and marketing tool. Discover how to develop an effective social media strategy to strengthen your business and brand. Part of that strategy includes finding current and new customers on popular social media sites in order to build lasting relationships by keeping them engaged and loyal.
Speaker: Jennifer Zuri

Making Money Despite What's Going on in the Economy
Many entrepreneurs think only top-line sales not the bottom-line that ultimately pays the bills. Putting together a budget and reviewing it and often allows you to make changes that will assure you end the year profitably.
Speaker: Colleen Heitzler / Beth Montgomery

Distributor University
This course covers all the basics of our Aquascape philosophy and culture as well as a review of all Aquascape products. Majority of the time will be spent on technical knowledge, troubleshooting, and maintenance. So be sure to attend if you are looking to jumpstart your pond knowledge or if you're looking to become the next pond champion for your company. This course is geared toward new distributors or new employees of current distributors.
Speaker: Lucas Henry