An important statement in the construction industry
On 28. and February 29, the first MEET & CONNECT took place in the Mewa Arena in Mainz. The E/D/E specialist area of construction equipment offered over 120 participants a networking event including a stadium tour and drone race. One thing is already clear: the event is going into its second round. Technological progress, demographic change, climate crisis: the current times are turbulent. Personal exchange and the sharing of experiences are becoming increasingly important. To create a framework for this, the E/D/E specialist area of construction equipment hosted MEET & CONNECT for the first time in February – a two-day networking event with a varied program.
The event, which took place in the Mewa Arena, the home stadium of 1 FSV Mainz 05, attracted over 120 participants. Stands from 32 manufacturers – all with a focus on construction and hand tools – found their place there. “The event was intended to offer representatives from industry and trade a platform to make new business contacts, strengthen existing partnerships and exchange innovative ideas,” explains Key Account Manager Stefan Schulz. He organized MEET & CONNECT together with four colleagues. Agenda adapted to handler needs. On the first day of the event, one thing was on the agenda above all else: networking. To this end, the specialist area offered participants a range of activities. For example, representatives from industry and trade were able to compete in a drone race or take part in a stadium tour. Stefan Schulz and his team had adapted the schedule for the following day exclusively to the needs of the E/D/E members present. Together, they took a look back at the past months and discussed the organizational direction of the current year: “We reviewed the experiences, insights and lessons learned in 2023 and derived concrete measures from them,” said the Key Account Manager. Afterwards, speaker and brand management expert Jonas Zeiser gave the participants further valuable input with his presentation “Positioning and strategy for your success – how to noticeably increase your sales figures with a strong brand”. Ralf Stiegler, Team Leader in the E/D/E specialist area of construction equipment, summarizes: “Together, we were able to set the course for a successful future and create the basis for sustainable growth.” International guests were also represented at MEET & CONNECT with the Belgian association for building materials, Bricks & Tools. The still young company, based in Westerlo, was founded during the pandemic and currently has 85 members. Managing Director Kristof Thys took the opportunity to talk to German distributors and suppliers on site. Next event planned for 2026 Stefan Schulz describes the event as a complete success: “With MEET & CONNECT, we have made an important statement in the construction industry as an organizer and operator of networks for the PVH.” Both members and suppliers were very enthusiastic about the event. That’s why one thing is already clear: the event will go into its second round in 2026. “But the greatest thing is that we have achieved exactly what we set out to do: bring people together in person so that they can use their shared strengths and create synergies.” [ah]
” Together, we were able to set the course for a successful future and create the basis for sustainable growth “
Watch the MEET & CONNECT video now
What is the appeal of the event for you?
“We are one of E/D/E’s oldest suppliers. We have been working together closely and in partnership for decades. We are using today’s event to further intensify our contacts. We also exchange ideas intensively with specialist and partner distributors here, talking about new products and market situations, for example. Events like this are very valuable and informative for us. We always like to come back.” (Marko Waldschmidt, Saint-Gobain Abrasives GmbH) “We are here to support the trade. Personal contact is still very important to us. It’s simply fun to meet people face to face. In the current economic situation, we want to be there for our customers and motivate them. Together, we can get the best out of ourselves.” (Ralf Schake, Schake GmbH) “MEET & CONNECT is a great platform for talking to distributors. The setting is informal, the hustle and bustle of day-to-day business is left out. People bring time and calm with them and can get involved with each other. We can also meet customers here who we might not meet so often in our daily operations.” (Christian Presinger, Kyocera Unimerco Fastening GmbH)
Why did you accept the invitation to Mainz? “We use the event to get to know our partners on a personal level. We are also here to share experiences with other distributors from the sector. I think that the challenges are currently very similar everywhere. Regardless of whether a company comes from Mainz, Berlin or Munich.” (Tobias Fröhlich, F. Kessel GmbH Baumaschinen) “At the Brill Group, we focus not only on traditional industry and its service providers, but also very much on the construction sector. We are therefore constantly on the lookout for new products to expand our product range. MEET & CONNECT offers a wide range of suppliers. Together we are looking for new sales channels and customer-oriented solutions.” (Christian Fischer, Brill Group) “We accepted the invitation to make personal contact with the suppliers. This is essential for us, especially in such turbulent times. We also wanted to explore untapped potential and find out how we can offer our customers the best possible service.
be able to offer an even better service.” (Carmen Walmanns, Berndt Deubner Baumaschinen und -gerat GmbH & Co.) “MEET & CONNECT is a great event for connecting people. For me, it was a great experience where I was able to make some important contacts.” (Kristof Thys, Managing Director Bricks & Tools)
What is the appeal of the event for you?
“We are one of E/D/E’s oldest suppliers. We have been working together closely and in partnership for decades. We are using today’s event to further intensify our contacts. We also exchange ideas intensively with specialist and partner distributors here, talking about new products and market situations, for example. Events like this are very valuable and informative for us. We always like to come back.” (Marko Waldschmidt, Saint-Gobain Abrasives GmbH) “We are here to support the trade. Personal contact is still very important to us. It’s simply fun to meet people face to face. In the current economic situation, we want to be there for our customers and motivate them. Together, we can get the best out of ourselves.” (Ralf Schake, Schake GmbH) “MEET & CONNECT is a great platform for talking to distributors. The setting is informal, the hustle and bustle of day-to-day business is left out. People bring time and calm with them and can get involved with each other. We can also meet customers here who we might not meet so often in our daily operations.” (Christian Presinger, Kyocera Unimerco Fastening GmbH)
