The FBINAA Conference, hosted at The Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney, kicked off on September 16 through to September 20, and what an exciting event it was!
Proud to be one of the many contributors and exhibitors at the event, 5.11 provided the Conference Entry Gift and the MPC case ‘goodies’ including the ever popular embroidered FBI Cap and FBI Patch.
5.11 sent the big guns (pardon the pun) out ensuring that we were more than aptly represented in the persons of 5.11 Acquisition’s CEO, Tom Davin who flew in from the US was accompanied by Australian MD Audrey Vallens, Australian Sales Director (and NSW Essential Services in-the-know specialist), Tony Fitzgerald, and as if that didn't do the trick, a number of 5.11 Australian support staff were there to meet, greet and assist delegates attending the Conference, tend the Exhibition Stand and were responsible for doing a roaring trade in sales of 5.11 Tactical Series items such as Polos, Jackets, FBI embroidered Caps to name but a few of the total items that were on display.
5.11’s decision to be a sponsor coupled with the presence of key personnel and visiting dignitaries, provided invaluable exposure for the 5.11 Dealer Network in Australia; only good things can happen from here folks!
In fact with regard to the value of 5.11’s exposure at the Conference, Tony and I are pleased to report that just one week after the Conference Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ravi Narayan from Fiji invited 5.11 International over to Fiji with a view to purchasing uniforms for the Fijian Police Force! Good things are a-happening alright!
Day 2 of the Conference saw NSW Police Commissioner ,Andrew Scipione APM host the FBI National Academy Graduates’ Reunion Dinner and our very own Tom Davin was invited by the Commissioner to speak! Suffice it to say “Tom did us proud!” Also at the dinner, 5.11 provided the 5.11 Challenge Coin, presented to all who graduated and attended the dinner, what a memorable keepsake for the visiting members of the FBI to take home and, by which, to remember this wonderful 5-day event.
But wait, the Conference was not all business! Na-hah! It was the new business partnerships and friendships that were made and old friendships renewed. Among the visiting dignitaries, we met the head of the Thailand Police Service, Police Major General Visanu Prasattongosoth and his colleague Police General Wichean Potephosree. They were so impressed by 5.11’s Exhibit and our one-on-one talks that the PMG Prasattongosoth invited 5.11 Australia to attend, as his personal guest, the next FBINAA Conference in 2013 to be hosted in Thailand.
To today, and with the FBINAA Conference behind us and the 2013 Conference ahead, 5.11 Australia is humbled yet excited about being accepted as a participant in these major events within the Asia Pacific region and we shall strive to foster and grow our associations with new partners and old alike.
Last but not least, a huge note of thanks goes out to all who worked so hard to achieve deadlines for the FBINAA Conference in sourcing and obtaining all inclusions for the;
• Exhibition Stand (décor) and Supplies
• Entry Gift Give-aways
• MPC Case inclusions
• 5.11 Challenge Coin
Tony and I wish to extend a hand in thanks to you all for your hard work, dedication and the loyalty to the 5.11 brand of business displayed throughout the Conference. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and duly noted. See you next edition of our Monthly er-Newsletter.
Audrey Vallens
Managing Director
