Special Report
May 2010
VideoPlus University - THRIVE in 2010 with Real Ideas and Real Results!
Stuart Johnson, Marinda McRoy and Magnus Brannström |
Direct Selling News Europe were delighted to host this first pan-European VideoPlus University event in Prague on 15th-16th April, with impressive turnout from direct selling executives from more than 20 countries. Companies represented include Avon, Amway, Oriflame, Forever Living Products, ACN, Nikken, Jafra, MonaVie, Tahitian Noni and many more!
Why did these executives choose to attend VideoPlus University?
The reason is simple: VPU is the ideal place to gather the information that’s working NOW to help direct selling companies reach their full potential.
“Excellent programme! I am glad I took the time to take part.”
VPU, Prague 2010 attendee
On the first morning of the event, as we waited in Prague for the arrival of our delegates, the volcano erupted in Iceland and airports began closing. Stress levels were rising as we started to receive emails, texts and phone calls from delegates who had their flights cancelled.
However, as always, the sheer determination of direct selling executives came through as they battled their way to Prague, and amazingly around 70 per cent of our registered delegates made it in time for the event to take place. We are eternally grateful for the effort they made and their contribution throughout the two days, especially as they had no idea when or how they would get home.
The great news is the VideoPlus University was extremely successful. All except one of our speakers made it to Prague and we were determined to ensure our delegates had an enjoyable and informative experience with us.
“Very valuable, useful and immediate impact of information.”
VPU, Prague 2010 attendee
The event began on Thursday evening with an informal, relaxed buffet reception where old friendships renewed and new contacts were made.
Mr Zdenek Juracka, President of the Czech Trade Association, along with Jan Stransky, Director of the Czech DSA, gave a ‘welcome to Prague’ speech and the rest of the evening was a great opportunity for everyone to network and prepare for the main event the next day.
The main VideoPlus University event commenced on Friday. I was honoured to be the MC/host for the day and to have the opportunity of introducing a great line-up of industry speakers. The speakers, through their experience, knowledge and insights, were able to make it a truly educational day for everyone involved.
Our first speaker was Magnus Brannstrom, CEO and President of Oriflame Cosmetics. He focused on the importance of branding, integrity and communicating the company message which have been the cornerstones of the Oriflame culture and incredible growth rate over recent years.
Stuart Johnson, CEO and Founder of VideoPlus, explained the history of the company and the strong relationships they have developed over many years with most of the leading direct sales companies, globally. And Marinda McRoy, Vice President of VideoPlus Europe, spoke about the products and services that VideoPlus offer and how they have partnered to support clients over the years.
Our next speaker was Clare Holbrook, Marketing Director for ACN Europe. Clare covered the importance of tools for growth and explained the range of multi-language tools and how they have helped fuel spectacular growth in recruitment and sales. She clearly related that success
to being able to deliver a company message clearly, consistently and effectively.
Andy Smith, General Manager of Amway UK, Ireland and France, related the fascinating journey the company has undergone in the face of adversity. Following a long and challenging court case against the UK government, which they eventually won on appeal, Amway UK had to evolve and reinvent itself and the key message was, through embracing change, the rebuilding of trust with the leaders became the most important part of the turnaround.
The growing impact of social media was also covered throughout the day. VideoPlus, through a video message from expert Gary Vaynerchuk, shed light and insight on how social media already plays such a large role in how we do business both today and in the future. From the internet to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc, the focus of the message from Gary is that it’s important to understand the dynamics of the technologies and to take an active position in controlling your company brand through the channels that are being used by the field organisations.
“A very good event! Professional, organised and full of success.”
VPU, Prague 2010 attendee
Candan Corbacioglu, Director of External Affairs, Amway Europe, then offered insights in how to consider geographical expansion beyond Western Europe. Candan focused on Turkey, who have a stable economy, represent the gateway between Europe and Asia and now have 30 direct selling companies connected to the Turkish DSA.
The panel question and answer session
Following Candan’s presentation, we invited all our speakers back to the stage to form a panel for our question and answer session. There were many great questions that led to an open, honest and lively debate between the panel and the delegates. It was a clear indication of a high level of interest in the various topics discussed during the day, and the open atmosphere of VPU proved an ideal platform for productive discussions amongst executives.
“Excellent – superb balance of speakers.”
VPU, Prague 2010 attendee
Keynoting as our final speaker of the day, was John Addison, co-CEO of Primerica. After a process that most would consider monumental in today’s world of financial services, Primerica just issued it’s initial public offering on the NYSE in April, raising over $320 million. John’s reputation preceded him as a dynamic speaker on his favourite subject of leadership and as always he delivered a dynamic message, as the audience was captivated by his thought-provoking and energetic delivery.
We are indebted to the contribution of all our speakers, who were greatly appreciated by all the delegates. The speakers delivered valuable and diverse content, as was apparent by the ratings and comments on the Event
Survey forms. We also recognise and appreciate the preparation efforts made by Anthony Chaplin, Managing Director of Nikken Europe, who was unable to attend due to airport closure.
The feedback about the content and speakers was extremely positive with general high marks given across the board, combined with the many requests for VideoPlus to continue the VPU event next year. Attendees also expressed that they wished more of their own colleagues had attended this event.
“Extremely beneficial! Would like to see more of these events, I enjoyed every bit of it.”
VPU, Prague 2010 attendee
Friday night gave all the delegates a chance to network over a beautiful dinner and be entertained by traditional Czech singers. It was a night of cementing new friendships and sharing the learning experiences of the day.
On Saturday, we focused our attention to the travel challenges created by the Icelandic volcanic ash and how to get our speakers and delegates home. I am pleased to report, again through sheer determination and resolve, they did get back - be it by hire car, train, bus or ferry! Long journeys for many, but all arrived back safely.
DSNE and VideoPlus, along with 25 delegates from the UK, travelled by chartering a 49 passenger coach and headed through the night on Saturday across Europe to the channel ports of France, by ferry across the channel and finally arriving home in the early hours of Monday morning. Spirits were high and the bonding of the delegates was fantastic. Such is the nature of our industry!
VideoPlus has educated over a thousand industry professionals in the past five years in this exciting VPU format that’s focused on helping industry companies grow and change. As a result of such successes and growing demand for the atmosphere of such an educational event, VideoPlus launched this first VPU in Europe. You can visit the website for further information about VPU and the recent event at http://www.videoplusuniversity.com/eu.
In summary, the volcano didn’t stop a hugely successful VideoPlus University and we encourage you to attend next year’s event!
For further information about VideoPlus Europe, visit http://www.videoplus.com/eu or contact Marinda McRoy directly at .
