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I ’ m a live-for-today kinda guy , more spontaneous and less of a planner . But I ’ m working on it . My wife and I are actually organizing a summer vacation . And here at OPE Business , we ’ re making arrangements for an event I ’ m very excited about . I want you to join us in person for the OPE Business Dealer Forum on Nov . 5-7 in Dallas , Texas .

Do you need to attend an event in person these days ?

From the comfort of a heated tractor cab , 24 hours a day , you can find product information online . Equipment manufacturers share videos , specifications , pricing , and feature details on their websites and on social media . You can meet people on a video chat , discuss business , and look each other in the eye ( sort of ).

Through the pandemic , computers and the internet made life easier , personally and professionally . You connected with people , worked and sold stuff .

GLENN HANSEN

The internet helped keep us together , but it also disconnected us . The separation and isolation experienced by so many has been devastating . And that ’ s mostly pandemic-related , but not all . Our reliance on our devices over the last three-plus years should remind us of the power of in-person connections .

In-Person Power We launched the OPE Business Dealer Forum in 2022 and we schedule it with two other B2B happenings ; the Accelerate Conference is organized by our partners at Powersports Business , and the ELEVATE SUMMIT is a product of Boating Industry . It ’ s a powerful trio ; yep , it ’ s all about power .

This is a people-focused , in-person event . That ’ s what makes the OPE Business Forum different . We bring together the people who can help you face today ’ s business challenges and succeed . Personnel issues , digital marketing and operations , service process improvements , the questions about electrification , merchandising , sales strategies , and more . That will make us all better professionals at helping customers and servicing their products .

We ’ re together in one location – OPE , powersports , and marine – though we keep most of the learning sessions separated . Still , we know power-products dealers can help each other in non-competitive situations . Come to the OPE Business Dealer Forum and meet dealers as well as industry expert service providers .

A Computer is a Tool , Not a Substitute My co-workers are all over the country . From my home office near St . Paul , Minn ., I work with people in Arkansas , Texas , Ohio , Illinois , California , and other locations . It ’ s easy to think location doesn ’ t matter , our video meetings are efficient and functional . And I am tired of them .

I often forget until we get together in person . My computer is a tool , not a substitute . To shake someone ’ s hand or give ‘ em a hug . We almost lost that . Let ’ s all be more careful .

See you soon – in person . OPEB

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4 OPE Business April 2023 www . OPEBusiness . com