After long and careful deliberation, the AVB/BrandSource retail organization has transformed the format of this summer’s annual Convention from an on-site show to a virtual event, to be held online during its originally scheduled show week of Aug. 30–Sept. 1, 2020.
“With every event conducted by AVB/BrandSource, our goal has always been the same: to provide new business opportunities, the best in industry-leading education and training, a forum for networking and friendships, and to deliver the most effective strategies to help our members thrive — all within a safe and healthful environment,” said Jim Ristow, CEO of parent company AVB Inc. in a statement. “In order to maintain those goals while the country heals from the health crisis, we concluded that a virtual Convention offers the best opportunity to deliver the most benefits while assuring the safety of our members, exhibitor partners and staff.”
Factors considered by AVB’s Senior Leadership Team in switching to a virtual format included travel and exhibit center restrictions; guidance from national and local officials; and overwhelming feedback from member dealers and manufacturers. Details of the new Convention 2020 format and an associated educational series are presently being finalized, and members will be notified when the registration link goes live at AVBevents.com.
Members and exhibitors who attend the Convention in August will find many of the hallmarks of the on-site event that they value and relish, including a keynote address, show-special Stampede deals, a virtual product expo, one-on-one vendor meetings online, and plentiful buying opportunities at this critical time of the year.
“While we are deeply disappointed that we will not be seeing each other in person this summer, we are very excited about the virtual experience we are developing to keep our independent retailers and vendor community connected,” added Ristow. “As with any past BrandSource Convention or AVB Summit, the information, insights, buying opportunities and inspiration that members come away with will be vital to remaining competitive and profitable, especially in this unprecedented retail environment.”
See also: Executive Insight: Your Salesperson Will See You Now…
