Following a successful online transition in August, AVB/BrandSource is returning to the Internet for its first major trade event of next year: Summit 2021.
After conducting the industry’s first Virtual Convention last summer, and while awaiting the return of conducive conditions for on-site shows, AVB will again take to the web for a virtual version of its annual spring Summit, slated for March 23-25, 2021. On-site events are slated to resume next summer for the independent-retailer buying group.
“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 always is 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.”
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 in the announcement statement. “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 feature cutting-edge innovations; appliance and furniture introductions; industry trends and updates; and three days of vendor trainings and educational sessions. Among the latter: a special presentation by best-selling 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.
