At Fendt, the start of the year is geared toward two target groups: the company’s own executives and its sales partners. These are two distinct events, held on different dates and with very different focuses. What they have in common: Both target groups need figures, goals, and updates. And both should return to their daily work with energy and anticipation for what’s to come. Two kick-offs, one shared goal: a start to the year that informs and inspires.
Management Kick-off: Out of the Rows of Chairs
About 200 managers who know the company and its processes and have already experienced many kick-offs: At the internal kick-off, the real challenge is to surprise. A traditional one-way presentation wouldn’t reach anyone here anymore. Still, the numbers retain their important place. To kick things off, senior management spends about an hour and a half providing insight into the past year and the direction for the coming one. After that, the afternoon belongs to the participants themselves.
And it looks different every year:
- 2022: Together, we created a chain reaction that only works when each part meshes with the next. A visual representation of collaboration that speaks for itself. In the evening, the bar took center stage as a gathering place for people from all departments.
- 2023: Teams set up a farm and, in the process, solved problems closely related to our customers’ world.
- 2024: The program was developed in-house. Fendt colleagues designed stations and invited everyone to participate. Listeners became hosts.
A joint wrap-up at the end brings together everything the day has sparked.
Dealer Conference: From the Presentation to the Machine
The dealer conference is a completely different story. The Dealer Principal Meeting brings together the senior leadership of the sales partners, while the Dealer Excellence Summit is for the sales staff. The agenda includes new products and features, the previous year’s figures, goals, pricing, warranties, and sales promotions. Everything dealers need to set up their sales strategy for the new year.
But it’s offstage where the program truly comes to life:
- At the machine: Dealers participate in product training sessions and demonstrations, which sometimes take them right out into the field.
- From the field: High-quality videos and testimonials from farmers show exactly who they’re selling to.
- At the factory: During the factory tour, attendees experience the brand right where it’s created.
- In the evening: Fendt sales staff and sales partners gather around one table, turning business relationships into personal ones.
- For international guests: A dedicated social program rounds out the visit.
It’s a format that only works in person—and that’s exactly why partners come back year after year.
Behind the Scenes: Making Sure Everything Fits Together
Behind both formats is an event planning process that starts from scratch every year. As a live communications agency, we support Fendt with everything from attendee management to technology, scheduling, logistics, and production planning, all the way through to the supporting program and decorations. We refine ideas, keep track of every detail, and ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. This allows executives and dealers to focus on what really matters: a shared start to the new year.
