Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2014 36 VDTA /SDTA 2014 T he association welcomed Dean Shulman, senior vice president of Brother International Corporation's Home Appliance Division, to the stage as the keynote speaker. Shulman's presented "The Times They Are A-Changin'…Are You?" to a standing room only crowd, motivating his audience to embrace their business and formulate a strategic plan for bigger profits in 2014 and beyond. All in attendance were treated to special gifts from Brother International, and dealers raved about the strong message Shulman shared. The opening of the exhibit hall displayed thousands of products, including the newest innovations in vacuum cleaners, central vacuum systems, carpet care, air purification, portable heaters, cleaning chemicals, signage, point of sale software, sergers, parts and accessories, and more. This year there were more than 40 new vendors exhibiting new products. It was a wonderful opportunity for dealers to have the chance to talk with their suppliers one on one and learn about the new products and programs that will help them increase their sales and profits in the coming year. A full schedule of more than 30 seminars and stage demonstrations kicked off classes such as SewCess: "Plan Events, Sell More Top-End Machines, Make More Money." This year's SewCess was presented by Paul LaPonte of Quality Sewing and Vacuum, Melanie Coakley of Embroidery FX, and Ricky Brooks of RNK Distributing. These leaders shared their successful techniques for planning and conducting special educational selling events. The additional seminars that followed SewCess included classes by iRobot Corporation, the American Society of Asset Protection, CycloVac, MD Manufacturing and many more! The Fifth Annual Dealer Appreciation Social Event was a highlight of the afternoon. Sponsored by GE Capital, Creative Crafts Group, Electrolux Home Care Products, Shepard Exposition Services, and VDTA/SDTA, the reception offered dealers the opportunity to enjoy snacks and drinks while mingling with each other and their suppliers. This was also an exciting time because awards were presented during the Social Hour. Best New Product Awards were also announced. The attendees voted for their favorites and the winners who received crystal trophies were Necchi in the sewing category, aiRider in the floor care category, Eclipse Quilting in the quilting category, Electrolux in the central vacuum category, and Sunheat in the miscellaneous category. Congratulations to our winners! As Dealer Appreciation closed, the Fourth Annual VDTA/Epstein Charity Poker Tournament began and was conveniently set up inside the Exhibit Hall. It was another huge success! The event, sponsored by ESSCO, Elna, Janome America, RNK Distributing, Steel City Vacuum Company, Tacony Corporation and VCP International, drew a huge crowd. Special thanks also went to Steel City Vacuum Co. for providing food for all of the players, and for Janome America and Elna for sponsoring the entertainment by Vegas impersonators: Cher, Bret Michaels, Rick James, Rocky, and Rod Stewart. It made for an incredible night of fun for all who attended. The convention was brought to a close with several morning seminars and the exhibit hall open until noon. Both dealers and exhibitors left the 2014 convention supercharged and revitalized! Next year's convention is scheduled for February 8-10, 2015, in Las Vegas, NV. Watch for convention announcements and details at www.vdta.com. SUPER-CHARGED RO

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