Summertime Buying Group Gatherings Lisa Johnston ⋅ Published: September 1, 2017 Marketing and TV production services, like those offered by the Nationwide Marketing Group, can help level the playing field with box chains and Amazon. The Nationwide management team includes, from left, Doug Wrede, CE merchandising; Bill Bazemore, furniture; Tom Hickman, senior leadership; Dave Bilas, chairman; Jeannine Ghaleb, Cantrex (Canada) division; and Jeff Knock, senior leadership. AVB/BrandSource chief marketing officer John White outlines the competitive landscape. AVB dealers shot footage at the show to add customized tags to videos. My Pillow founder Mike Lindell was a first-time exhibitor at the AVB/BrandSource show. Mega Group USA dealers snap up special show-only buys during a “Mega Madness” session. Mega member Richard Allen of Allen’s Furniture (white shirt) receives a vacation package giveaway from Serta Simmons Bedding and Mega Group staffers. Whirlpool’s Sam Abdelnour participates in a panel discussion during the AVB convention’s general session. AVB/BrandSource CEO Jim Ristow addresses the troops at last week’s Convention 2017. BrandSource got creative with its vaunted Stampede show specials by displaying the deals on mock stagecoaches.