Mark Lamutt
04-23-02, 12:51 PM
Was Team Summit 2002 a Success?
Some Retailers Voice Disappointment, Frustration
This year's annual DISH Network team summit meeting in Orlando, Fla., was quite a disappointment for the press (because we weren't invited), but a number of satellite TV retailers also expressed disgruntlement.
But, how could this happen? What's disappointing about hanging out with Charlie Ergen and Co. in one of the world's greatest vacation spots? According to one source, ye ol' DISH Network was charging two arms and two legs for programmer booths on the show floor (and twisting remaining appendages to insure that the programmers provided plenty of free goodies for retailers). On the retail side, some discovered they had to shell out $300 (double the regular fee) for late registration; certain colorful catcalls apparently marred some meetings; and many groused about an overall atmosphere far removed from previous upbeat summits.
"So much for dealer loyalty," said one anonymous retailer in response to his experience at Team Summit 2002.
Why all the angst? In past team summit meetings, retailers were the prime consideration and generally everybody involved felt positive about the future. Now, retailers have voiced their concerns over DISH Network's overall aim and direction. It's all about the merger, say some retailers.
However, DISH did unveil and show off some of their latest and greatest products (coupled with a new advertising campaign smeared with sexual innuendo called "Get it"). Retailers had the chance to see the DISH Network Model 6000 set-top box that delivers standard and high-definition satellite TV programming. The DishPVR 508 and DishPVR721 also were highlighted along with new and up-and-coming products like the DishPVR 921, PVR 322 and 522. DISH also featured a remote control called "The Easy Remote" for satellite TV users who aren't "remote control" inclined.
The overall view on the new products encompass DISH's plans to bring satellite TV consumers high-definition, more interactive services and faster and more reliable equipment. Next year, according to sources, DISH's team summit meeting will be held in Denver, Colo., Charlie's stomping ground.
From Skyretailer (www.skyretailer.com) - Used with permission
Some Retailers Voice Disappointment, Frustration
This year's annual DISH Network team summit meeting in Orlando, Fla., was quite a disappointment for the press (because we weren't invited), but a number of satellite TV retailers also expressed disgruntlement.
But, how could this happen? What's disappointing about hanging out with Charlie Ergen and Co. in one of the world's greatest vacation spots? According to one source, ye ol' DISH Network was charging two arms and two legs for programmer booths on the show floor (and twisting remaining appendages to insure that the programmers provided plenty of free goodies for retailers). On the retail side, some discovered they had to shell out $300 (double the regular fee) for late registration; certain colorful catcalls apparently marred some meetings; and many groused about an overall atmosphere far removed from previous upbeat summits.
"So much for dealer loyalty," said one anonymous retailer in response to his experience at Team Summit 2002.
Why all the angst? In past team summit meetings, retailers were the prime consideration and generally everybody involved felt positive about the future. Now, retailers have voiced their concerns over DISH Network's overall aim and direction. It's all about the merger, say some retailers.
However, DISH did unveil and show off some of their latest and greatest products (coupled with a new advertising campaign smeared with sexual innuendo called "Get it"). Retailers had the chance to see the DISH Network Model 6000 set-top box that delivers standard and high-definition satellite TV programming. The DishPVR 508 and DishPVR721 also were highlighted along with new and up-and-coming products like the DishPVR 921, PVR 322 and 522. DISH also featured a remote control called "The Easy Remote" for satellite TV users who aren't "remote control" inclined.
The overall view on the new products encompass DISH's plans to bring satellite TV consumers high-definition, more interactive services and faster and more reliable equipment. Next year, according to sources, DISH's team summit meeting will be held in Denver, Colo., Charlie's stomping ground.
From Skyretailer (www.skyretailer.com) - Used with permission