Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM FEBRUARY 2024 60 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S RO N ationwide Marketing Group's PrimeTime event will make its long- awaited return to Las Vegas, March 10-13, 2024, when the group takes over the Venetian Convention & Expo Center right on the famous Las Vegas Strip. But as the city that's hosted the event more than any other for Nationwide, the upcoming show will still mark the first time independent retailers have gathered there in just over five years. "It's been a long time coming, but we are excited to return once again to this incredible convention capital with our members and vendor partners," said Nationwide CEO Tom Hickman. "There have been major changes in Las Vegas since we last held a PrimeTime there, and Nationwide, too has greatly evolved as an organization during that time – so we're looking forward to showcasing all of those exciting updates this March." Any PrimeTime in Vegas feels a little bit bigger, but that will be a reality when the group returns next year. In addition to the 367,000 square feet of expo space that will be occupied at the Venetian, members will have the opportunity to visit the nearby World Market Center, where Nationwide's furniture and bedding team will lead curated tours of key vendor partners' showrooms. "This will be a great opportunity for our members to get exclusive access to some of our key vendor partners' spaces throughout the expansive campus," said Melissa Stenson, vice president of Member Experience. "The showrooms at World Market Center allow each vendor to craft a compelling story that brings their whole brand together in a retail showroom-like environment. Our members will also have the unique ability to walk through these spaces without having to navigate the traffic that would typically be there during a Market event." Back at the Venetian, members can anticipate many of the same great offerings and opportunities that have made PrimeTime a can't- miss event for independent retailers, including a robust educational program, world-class vendor training sessions, unmatched networking events, and exceptional money-saving and money-making offers. A new take on training will also make its debut in Las Vegas. Beyond the traditional classroom-style sessions that will take place during the Nationwide Learning Academy (NLA) program prior to the Expo days, education will extend onto the show floor in the form of vendor-led in-booth training and the brand-new NLA Education Theater. "We're really looking forward to bringing this new learning approach to life in Vegas," said Shawn Ashby, director of education and training for Nationwide. "Our members' time is invaluable, and we understand that it can be difficult to choose between a top-notch educational session and exploring the show floor and meeting with vendor partners. So we're giving members the opportunity to do both at the same time. We can't wait to help facilitate those interactions and unique opportunities." OTHER HIGHLIGHTS PLANNED FOR PRIMETIME INCLUDE: • A two-day buy fair featuring more than 1,000 can't-miss Show Specials and CashBack offers from vendor partners • Targeted merchandising sessions on home appliances, consumer electronics, and furniture and bedding • Dozens of hours of education, available exclusively through the Nationwide Learning Academy • The PrimeTime Palooza shopping frenzy, filled with limited-time and limited-quantity offers • Networking opportunities for specialty groups, including WIN: Women in Nationwide, Service Leaders Network, Nationwide RentDirect, and Oasys Residential Technology Group Registration is now open, and independent retailers can visit www.nationwideprimetime.com to secure their free registration for the event today. MEMBER REGISTRATION OPENS FOR NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP'S PRIMETIME IN LAS VEGAS 62 nd edition of Nationwide's biannual conference and buy fair will take over the Venetian Convention & Expo Center in Las Vegas, March 10-13, 2024 Rob Stott is corporate communications manager for Nationwide Marketing Group RO

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