All the months of planning have led to this day: the first day of Summit 21. Normally I would be waking up in a room at some grand hotel in a faraway location. But in times such as these, arising to change is the name of the game.

Having been a BrandSource member for about 15 years and having attended at least one Convention or Summit annually (usually both), it’s safe to say that I know what I like and don’t like in a buying group show.

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In his Summit 21 merchandising address, AVB’s merchandising VP Chad Evans had good news for inventory-lean dealers: relief is on the way.

Over the past 15 years I’ve seen more than my share of keynote speakers at our Conventions and Summits, but for my money, this week’s keynoter Marcus Sheridan was one of the best.

Key to the group’s sales and share gains is the ability to present customers with an integrated and personalized omni-channel experience that lets them buy whenever and however they want — whether that’s shopping online, buying in store, arranging for delivery or picking up curbside.

The Summit service seminar “Successfully Dealing with Angry Customers and Turning Them into Your Biggest Fans,” presented by BrandSource partner United Appliance Services Association (UASA), was like a master class in how to contend with unhappy shoppers.

AVB CEO Jim Ristow capped off the first day of Summit 21 with an inspirational message to members that was in fact inspired by the BrandSource dealers themselves.

AVB’s merchandising VP Chad Evans caused many a double take during last summer’s Virtual Convention, when he introduced the show’s special Stampede buys in the guise of an eccentric Masterpiece Theater host.

Anyone who says a BrandSource Summit is all fun and games wouldn’t be entirely wrong.

Attention attendees: BrandSource has swung open the virtual doors to Summit 21, the group’s annual spring meeting and product expo.

This month marks the first anniversary of the COVID clampdowns and the kickoff of BrandSource’s second virtual show, Summit 21. Both serve as stark reminders that retail as we knew it has changed dramatically over the past year and that in all likelihood, “Yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone.”