Everything Under The Sun: A2z Helps World Pet Association With Streamlined Operations

Thursday, August 11, 2016

A2z Helps World Pet Association With Streamlined Operations

World Pet Association logo.

Are you holding an expo or exhibition space for a large conference or convention? Do you need to figure out where to put exhibitors' tables in your exhibition space? Then, A2Z, INC. has the software solution for you. Located in Columbia, MD, this company is rather familiar with providing just the right event management and marketing tools that you need.

One of the company's success stories is its work with the WORLD PET ASSOCIATION (WPA). This organization is best known for its expo-type events, like America's Family Pet Expo, Aquatic Experience, and Atlanta Pet Fair and Conference. The largest event that they produce is SuperZoo, which has almost 1200 exhibitors, and 12,000 to 14,000 visitors in a 254,000 square foot exhibitor space. Don Poindexter, the organization's President, has built this association over 26 years to where it is today.

When he first started out in the pet store business in 1980, he was quickly converted to using the information technology available. Two years after his start, he had barcodes on every product and a barcode readers at the checkouts. By 1990 when he joined WPA, the association only had one computer and was printing out name badges on a typewriter. With his interest in efficient operations, Mr. Poindexter looks toward new technology in order to streamline operations. As he said, he has always been "a firm believer in technology making life a little easier and more efficient."

However, Mr. Poindexter turned to a2z, inc. in order to better provide for the needs of more 1700 exhibitors across the four different types of expos that WPA runs. "He wanted exhibitors to be able easily view available space, select booth locations, and execute contracts online. He also needed up-to-the-minute access to the floor plan status, a capability that is only available through a real-time platform."

A2z's solution overcame these barriers in other solutions that had been used by WPA previously - using a manual process to associate floor plans with the Association Management System, updating product listings and other databases by hand, and working through an unresponsive website. All of these barriers were also awkward and time-consuming.

Besides fixing these encumbrances, a2z's platform provided WPA with some benefits - the platform is cloud-based, allowing exhibitors to access the floor plan anytime, anyplace, and manage their directory listing; multiple users can access the platform at the same time; and the platform syncs with the WPA association management system (no more manual entries).

A2z designed a platform that gave WPA extra benefits and assisted in its functioning.

Although the WPA is still a relatively small business, running four shows has necessitated its growth from four to twenty employees. That growth is leading Mr. Poindexter from his role as leader of four shows to leader of an industry. While that change is in process, a2z's software solutions will allow his managers pinpoint control of the show floors as WPA takes its road into the future.