BrandSource Kicks Off Summit 21

March 23, 2021  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

The three-day gala is the buying group’s first major gathering of the year, and promises a full lineup of product intros, industry updates, vendor trainings, education sessions and interactive social hours — all presented within an enhanced and easy-to-navigate interface.

Now with new midweek scheduling (Tues., March 23 – Thurs., March 25), and joined by affiliates BrandSource Canada and chapters of the mighty NECO Alliance, the annual industrywide event will feature:

• A state-of-the-union address by AVB/BrandSource CEO Jim Ristow (Tuesday).
• The Furniture Channel, a special series of furniture keynotes and strategic sessions by the leading lights of home furnishings (Thursday).
• Daily vendor product trainings and expert education sessions.
• 777 Lunch & Learn, a daily short-form panel discussion with seven different suppliers, each answering seven questions in seven minutes.
• The virtual expo floor, where attendees can explore the newest product launches across multiple industries (opens Wednesday).

This year’s Summit carries the theme of “Double Down,” as BrandSource urges its members to turn up the competitive heat, even higher after last year’s record sales and market share gains. Hammering home that message, and announcing new BrandSource initiatives, will be CEO Ristow in his Tuesday keynote, along with marketplace insights delivered by Chief Marketing Officer John White (also Tuesday) and Merchandising VP Chad Evans (Thursday).

In between, attendees will get the inside track on the latest appliance, home furnishings and consumer tech intros; vie for prizes in a host of Region- and Summit-wide contests; and connect with vendors and fellow members on a mobile-optimized platform through instant video chat and in-app messaging.

Taking the virtual format to the next level, the group has scheduled a full lineup of interactive social hours on Wednesday night, running the gamut from standup comedy and a magic act, to a cooking demo, a virtual campfire, and good old-fashioned happy hours. The event is topped off by BrandSource President Tom Bennett’s show-closing Virtual Pool Party & Awards Ceremony on Thursday.

Like last summer’s virtual convention, the online format ensures the safety of dealers, vendors and staff within an upgraded, next-best-thing-to-being-there platform, and affords registered members additional tickets at no extra charge.