Convention 2023 kicks off on Sunday
By Alan Wolf, YSN
BrandSource is hitting the road this weekend for Convention 2023 in Nashville, where members, vendors and industry affiliates will converge for four days of learning, buying, bonding and fun.
The group’s return engagement at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center begins Sunday, Aug. 27 with a first-time attendees meet & greet at 6 p.m., followed by a Whirlpool and Beko-sponsored welcome reception at 7 p.m.
BrandSource gets down to business first thing on Monday, Aug. 28, with AVB CEO Jim Ristow’s traditional State of the Union address. Later that morning, members can choose from a host of incisive education sessions, including “Design Trends in Furniture Retail,” a LUXE Town Hall moderated by BrandSource’s Merchandising Director Paul Roth and a series of marketing presentations on getting the biggest bang for your digital buck.
Monday afternoon brings Region meetings, updates on MTEQ and a Home Furnishings Town Hall, and then it’s back to the Main Stage for presentations by AVB’s Executive Leadership Team and the unleashing of the show’s Stampede special buys. The day ends with a sneak peek at the EXPO product floor, featuring the latest and greatest merchandise across the appliance and home furnishings spectrum, along with a special dinner reception.
EXPO access continues all day Tuesday, Aug. 29, amid a Service Town Hall Breakfast, two social media training sessions and a “Mattress & Mimosas” event at the Tempur Sealy booth. The day will be capped by two invitation-only events: a “Champagne & Charcuterie” reception by the Women in Business group, hosted by Bosch’s Chef Andrew Gallo, and a “Power of Connections” dinner reception and keynote address for members of AVB’s Young Professionals organization.
The Convention concludes on Wednesday, Aug. 30, with a merchandising update from AVB VP Chad Evans, manufacturer product trainings by seven major appliance and bedding vendors and an all-day Young Professionals Leadership Forum.
Of course, all that will be set against the backdrop of Nashville, America’s country music capital, which offers a rich mix of tastes and sounds and such legendary attractions as the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Wildhorse Saloon and the General Jackson Showboat.
For a complete rundown of Convention events, download the agenda here. Also, be sure to download the AVB Events mobile app via the Apple App or Google Play stores or by scanning the QR code below to stay on top of all the latest announcements. Safe travels!
YSN publisher AVB BrandSource is the nation’s largest merchandising and marketing co-op for independent appliance, mattress, furniture and CE dealers.
