2023 Ball Seed Customer Days will be here before you know it. Follow along to see all the behind-the-scenes details about this spectacular event! (And scroll to the end to watch a welcome video with Susannah Ball.)
Collaborating ‘Together’
Marketing manager for Ball Seed, Jaime Kedrowski and Office Communications Supervisor, Anne Dieter work together to assist with the organization and flow of Customer Days, but they also have their specific duties.
“My role specifically is to handle the overall marketing of the event, it is very strategy focused and has a lot of moving pieces to it,” Kedrowski said.
“I take care of ordering tents, catering, volunteers, golfcarts, giveaways as well as any and all things that need to be booked for the event,” Dieter said.
Additionally, both Kedrowski and Dieter join forces with the Ball breeding companies, the Grounds crew, and the Marketing department to implement activities and make things happen successfully for the big day.
Event Structure & Preparation
Below are several other duties that Kedrowski accomplishes to create a clear message for our customers in preparation for Customer Days:
-
Assist with signage
-
Setting plants in garden showcase areas
-
Approving communications
-
Collaborating with stakeholders
-
Handling speaker programs
-
Video highlights and media relations
Kedrowski said the way things are structured is like a puzzle, putting little pieces together to make a bigger picture. “There really are all these different moving parts to make this event come together,” Kedrowski said.
She will be experiencing her very first Customer Days event in 2023 as a new hire for Ball Seed. Dieter has been involved in constructing this event for so many years now that she has forgotten how long it has been.
“I kind of internally know what needs to be done because it’s almost like repetition for me, which is why I want to come up with a structured checklist for future reference,” Dieter said, so that future Customer Days are just as fun and memorable.
Here is What to Expect
Now it’s time for YOU to get prepared for Customer Days as well!
First, you’ll experience golf cart transportation from your parking spot the day of the event.
“We have four, six-passenger golf carts that will pick up people from the lots to bring them to registration,” Dieter said, where guests are greeted by Ball Horticultural Company leadership and many friendly, familiar faces.
Refillable water bottles will be given to every visitor upon arrival, so you can replenish your water as needed at the event.
“For Customer Days, we aim for more sustainability, so we don’t want disposable plastic water bottles,” Dieter said. “Instead, we will have water coolers throughout the Gardens so that everyone will be able to fill their water that way.”
Take note of the agenda: There are several educational presentations, demos, and tours, along with a lunch panel in the middle of the day with Ball Seed Sales Director, Jim Kennedy on how to be successful for the 2024 season.
“This is a way for guests to learn how Ball Seed is helping our customers succeed,” Kedrowski said.
Overall, the goal of Ball Seed Customer Days is to provide opportunity and inspiration.
“It is a collaborative effort to allow people to get tours and see the presentations, but also keep the flow moving from the gardens to inside,” Kedrowski said. “The last thing we want is for anyone to feel that they are pressed for time.”
Join Us this Year!
Dieter is super excited this year “to see everyone together enjoying the day." ˘
Kedrowski also has some advice for all who plan to come out to Customer Days.
“Walk the grounds three times if you can. Go to the presentations, get business cards from the different horticulture experts that you run into on the grounds and try and get the full experience,” Kedrowski said.
This is a year you won’t want to miss. Call or email the number below for any additional questions or information and be sure to come on out to Ball Seed Customer Days, July 27 & 28 this summer.
RSVP today! Visit www.ballcustomerday.com to register online. Have a question? Please call us at 800-879-BALL or email fieldtrial@ballhort.com. We hope to see you this summer in The Gardens at Ball.