Matt Gadsden and the EAMTM

If you believe a resort getaway can’t also be good for business, Matt Gadsden begs to differ.
 
Matt Gadsden, chairman of the European Chapter of the Machinery Dealers National Association (MDNA) enjoyed the sun and festivities like everyone else who took in the 2023 conference of the European Association of Machine Tool Merchants (EAMTM) in early June. At the same time, he enjoyed the company of machinery industry leaders from throughout continental Europe and beyond, listening to their perspectives on issues of common interest and building relationships upon which future prosperity rests.
 
“In Europe, we have access to varying markets in different countries,” Gadsden noted. “You’re trading daily with France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Portugal. And friendships within the EAMTM open up a greater range of markets to the MDNA.”
 
Matt was not the only MDNA member at the meeting, which this year took place at the Grande Real Santa Eulalia Hotel & Spa on Portugal’s southwestern coast.  A number of MDNA members with memberships in both trade organizations also were in attendance, but his position as MDNA’s European chapter chair lent added significance to his discussions with
counterparts from other nations.  He believes such dialogue strengthens both organizations.
 
“It’s about like-minded individuals building relationships, finding new business partners,” he says of the benefit. “As you speak with each other, you find friendships, develop trust, and its easier to do business together.”
 
The EAMTM, headquartered in Brussels, is an organization of more than 150 member companies operating in 20 nations throughout Europe and beyond. Now in its 50th year of operation it, like the MDNA, affords it members a valuable trading forum governed by a code of professional ethics.
 
Matt is a senior account executive with London-based Liquidity Services, who is no stranger to EAMTM annual conferences. He says he and other MDNA attendees are always warmly welcomed by members of the host organization.
 
“It’s important for machinery dealers and resellers — on either side of the world— to have a like-minded group of business associates, partners who all adhere to a code of ethics and trade between each other.” he continues. With his EAMTM contacts, Matt has found “a shared love of what we do and the ability to be able to trust the people with whom you are considering working with and associating.”
 
Matt encourages MDNA members who wish to broaden their business horizons to consider joining the EAMTM and taking part in the annual conference experience. There has always been a strong bond between the two associations over a large number of years.
 
“I always like talking about the friendships and the associations I’ve built up with people over the past 23 years,” he says of the word he takes back to this MDNA colleagues. He’s well aware that the EAMTM Conference “is a long way to travel,” but adds: “I try to tell people they should come across and share. It’s well worth doing and is only a benefit to your business.”
 
Gadsden says he is eager to build on the contacts he has made at EAMTM conferences. ”The collaboration between these two organizations is strong,” he declared. “and needs to get so much stronger.”