Highlights from the National Sales Conference

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National Sales Conference 2025: Insights, Inspiration, and a Night to Remember

Last week, the Wanstor sales and marketing team headed to the UK’s premier National Sales Conference, a gathering of the brightest minds in sales, marketing, and customer experience. While one of our own, Dave Brittain, was nominated for Account Manager of the Year (a proud moment for the team!), the trip turned out to be much more than an awards ceremony. It was an opportunity to learn, connect, and explore how innovation and human connection are reshaping the sales landscape.

Leading the Conversation: Matt Beattie’s Roundtable

One of our own, Matt Beattie, hosted an engaging roundtable discussion at the conference, bringing together industry leaders to explore how technology and collaboration drive proposal success. The session highlighted how innovation and insight are reshaping the future of winning bids. Matt shared Wanstor’s approach, focusing on Experience First to simplify complexity, being AI Fluent to boost efficiency, and ensuring everything is Secure by Default. It was a lively, interactive session that reinforced how people and technology together are powering the next generation of excellence.

Learning From the Best

The conference schedule was packed with thought-provoking sessions, each offering actionable insights for teams like ours, and for anyone looking to boost results and build better client relationships.

UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF ELITE SALES SUCCESS – Simon Hazeldine

First up was bestselling author Simon Hazeldine shared three proven strategies for high-performing sales teams. His tips reminded us that success isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about building systems and habits that make exceptional results repeatable and scalable.

MORE SALES, FASTER (FOREVER!) – Andy Bounds

Next up was Andy Bounds, the UK’s Sales Trainer of the Year, brought his trademark charisma to the stage. His talk centred on leading with the “afters”—what your client’s world will look like after working with you. One memorable moment? A rapid-fire memory test where words flashed on screen, proving how attention dwindles when your audience isn’t hooked with outcomes first. It was a vivid demonstration that great sales start with understanding and highlighting your client’s results.

THE PATH TO GOLD – Aaron Phipps MBE

One of the standout sessions came from Paralympian and resilience coach Aaron Phipps. Aaron’s story of overcoming challenges, staying focused under pressure, and fostering resilience left the room inspired. His key message? True performance comes from preparation, adaptability, and a mindset that thrives in adversity. His speech was truly a lesson for both personal and professional growth.

BECOME RIDICULOUSLY EASY TO DO BUSINESS WITH – David Avrin

David Avrin, a customer experience expert and bestselling author, reminded us that simplicity and empathy drive client satisfaction. Streamlining processes, anticipating needs, and removing friction are the hallmarks of businesses that clients love to work with.

THE MAGIC OF HUMAN CONNECTION – Ben Hanlin

Last up was TV magician and digital marketer Ben Hanlin brought a touch of magic to the day, demonstrating how connection, storytelling, and authenticity can transform interactions. It was a light-hearted but powerful reminder that people remember experiences far more than facts or figures.

Sponsoring the Future: AI Empowerment

Wanstor had the privilege of sponsoring a workshop that blended innovation with practical insight: Becoming AI Empowered. Julie Holmes, AI and tech expert, introduced the SMARTER framework for AI prompting:

  • P – Process: Outline the steps you want the AI to follow.

  • R – Request: Specify the task clearly.

  • E – Explain: Provide context and rationale.

  • P – Process: Outline the steps you want the AI to follow.

  • A – Aim: Clarify the desired outcome.

  • R – Restrictions: Include boundaries or limitations.

  • E – Example: Give an example for guidance.

  • D – Discuss: Review and refine outputs collaboratively.

To conclude, the session ended with a presentation from our own Head of Cloud, Dustin Lee-Duxbury, who showcased how agentic AI can assist sales processes, from automating repetitive tasks to providing actionable insights, without replacing the human touch that makes relationships thrive.

Celebrating Connections

The day’s learning was followed by an evening of awards and celebration. Whilst Dave didn’t take home the top prize, the experience was a win for the team. From networking with peers to celebrating achievements, it was a reminder that growth, learning, and collaboration matter just as much as the trophies.

Key Takeaways

  • Lead with the “afters” and focus on client outcomes.

  • Resilience and preparation are critical for high performance.

  • Simplicity and ease drive customer loyalty.

  • Human connection turns experiences into memorable moments.

  • AI can amplify sales processes but works best alongside human creativity.

The National Sales Conference reminded us that innovation, empathy, and preparation are the pillars of success. Whether learning from Paralympians, bestselling authors, or exploring AI’s practical applications, we left inspired and ready to apply these insights in our own work.

Want to see how Wanstor can empower your team with smarter sales strategies and AI-driven tools? Contact us today to explore solutions tailored to your business.