Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2021 58 BRANDSOURCE RETURNS TO VIRTUAL FORMAT FOR SUMMIT 2021 On-site events to resume next summer F ollowing a successful online transition in August, AVB/ BrandSource, the leading marketing and merchandising organization for independent retailers, is returning to the internet for its first major trade event of 2021. After leading the way with the industry's first Virtual Convention last summer, and while awaiting the return of conducive conditions for on-site shows, AVB will take to the web again for a virtual version of its annual spring Summit, slated for March 23-25, 2021. "The safety of our members, vendors and employees is and always will be our top consideration," explained Jim Ristow, CEO of AVB/BrandSource. "In-person events of this scale take months to plan and execute. With all the uncertainty concerning the pandemic, we felt it was important to make this call now and plan accordingly. While our first choice is always to meet with our members and partners in person, I am very excited about the way Summit 2021 is already shaping up. I am really looking forward to it." Looking ahead on the BrandSource calendar, Ristow also revealed plans for the group's return to on-site events. "Our plan is to take our 2021 summer Region Meetings to a whole new level," he said. "These will once again be in-person, with enhanced member engagement activities already in the planning stages. The regional meetings are just around the corner and are sure to be met with great anticipation and participation." As in past years, Summit 2021 will put member dealers on the inside track with cutting-edge innovations, the latest appliance and furniture introductions, industry trends and updates, and three days of vendor trainings and educational sessions. Among the latter: a special presentation by bestselling author and personnel engagement expert Eric Chester on "How to Find and Keep Great Employees in the Worst Labor Market Ever." Most of all, Summit 2021 will leverage an enhanced platform to bring together BrandSource members and affiliated dealers from across the continent to share their insights, best practices and friendship with fellow independent retailers. Details of the Summit 2021 program are now being finalized, and members, vendors and guests will be notified when registration goes live on a redesigned AVB Events website. Alan Wolf is Senior Communications Specialist for AVB/ BrandSource, the nation's leading merchandising and marketing co-op for independent appliance, consumer tech and home furnishings dealers. B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S AVB CEO Jim Ristow and the extended BrandSource organization will return to a virtual platform in March.

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